I see it all the time. That internal conflict, especially within younger children, that causes them to cringe in larger gatherings. It also causes them to stray to the far side of a room when all the “cool kids” start boasting about their over-hyped accomplishments.
In some small way, I hope this post will encourage you… the unique ones, not the braggarts. I empathize with you if you are one of those misfits, those unique, different, don’t feel like you fit in, people. I do see this with children but it can also be seen with grown folks… like me. Yes indeed, even at 62, I often struggle with this. I quietly watch as others seem to have it all together, knowing exactly what to say, at the right time, to elicit the right response from people. In my mind, I weigh out the possibilities that the cool kids are manipulative… or maybe gifted? Honestly, it could be either or both.
Usually, if you are one of the unique ones, those who don’t fit neatly into the uniform mold of the world, you have experienced some sort of trauma or harsh adversity in your life. Often this happened in the formative years of your youth. Without getting into the uncomfortable details, I can relate to this on a very personal level. In my ministry work with children, I see it in some of them and as I have opportunity to pray with them, I sometimes have it affirmed in childish tones. For each of them… us, I say we must go back to the Bible to find our self-worth and value in this world. I often tell the children that if they desire real equality and fair treatment in this world, they can only find it at the foot of the cross, through Jesus’ offer of forgiveness and grace.
Here are a few verses of scripture to give real perspective. I find that when I get into a funk and wonder about my own self-worth, surveying such scriptures can re-center me in His value-added grace.
So, when the world treats you as if you are less than others… or even when those who are considered to be religious leaders look down their pious noses at you, know that your Creator God will always give you equal treatment through the grace gift of His son, Jesus Christ. Remember this though… if you choose to reject this grace gift, He will also judge you equally. So, I encourage you to believe in His son, Jesus Christ – with your whole heart – and he will help you make it though the difficult times that accompany this life. Believer, remember that your true value is found in His view of you, not those who think they are your peers. Amen and amen.
