Dare To Be Different

 Hey fam 👋!!! I know it's been a while. I'm back 💜!!! When we look around in our world, we see diversity. When we look at our families, jobs, churches, and communities, we see diversity. We all have different personalities, styles, backgrounds and interests. Seeing the diversity makes me happy 😊! You see, while we do have common interests, we still have something that makes us unique. For a long time in my life, I did not want to stand out. I was afraid of being different and worried about what people thought of me. I did stand out because I got good grades, wore my hair different and dressed different than a lot of girls my age did. I was not in the popular crowd, but I definitely had my supportive circle of friends. Kids and adults made fun of me and my immediate family growing up on the bus, at school and even at church. I would get so upset, overwhelmed, bent out of shape and mad because of what was said. I couldn't understand why they were doing it. Side note: that's why adults need to be careful because children watch everything they do and say. I know this as a teacher and working with youth at my church!!! As my Mom would say, "They don't miss a beat!" It wasn't easy, but I managed to get up each day and keep putting one foot in front of the other 🙏. I'm glad that I had a relationship with Jesus in my late middle school, high school and college years. I was not (still not) perfect, but it was my faith that carried me through a lot (and still is!). It didn't change the fact that the actions and words of others still hurt. It made me question if I was good enough, worthy enough, and pretty enough. I worried more about what people thought of me than what God said about me. He says about you and I that we are good enough, smart enough, pretty (or handsome for my guys reading this) enough. I knew I was God's child, but I didn't always believe deep down what He said about me. I didn't want to embrace the unique me I knew I was (and still am!) I'm so glad He hasn't given up on you💙👏!!! This is a good place to thank Him for not giving up on me either!! Now, I know it's okay to be different. I dare to be different now. I didn't get there overnight. I still struggle at times. I have a great support system and a faithful God who looks out for me. I can look back at all those moments growing up and know God kept me and helped me. I can now see the same people who made fun of me and my family and speak, show kindness, and even embrace them with a hug. Only God in me has helped and healed me to do so! Today, I want to share with you ways we can be different.

1. The way we talk- Our words matter. While words have hurt me, I know my words have hurt others and myself. We have to speak to ourselves like someone we love. I'm learning to watch what I say more and more. Growing up, I didn't talk like other kids and use slang like they did. I did talk more proper. It stood out when I did and wasn't seen as cool. On the other hand, I didn't always talk nice to myself and still have to watch it. I know I have said this before, but I am my biggest critic! We have to speak life. May our words heal, encourage, uplift, and help (Ephesians 4:29).

2. The way we act- Our actions definitely speak loud! We have to be careful how we treat others and ourselves. If we're believers, our actions should reflect God 🙏. These actions should be consistent and not change based upon what crowd we're with. We should do our best to be ourselves wherever we go. As one who loves quotes, I read a quote one time that said, "Be yourself because everyone else is taken." So true!!

3. The way we rock our style- This is the part that really got me growing up! I definitely did not wear the latest clothing trends. I remember one time in high school, I got a pair of jeans that had the stripes going down the side because all the other girls did and they looked cool. I wore them a few times and then stopped. It was alright for those who wanted to wear them, but it wasn't me. That's what I'm learning now as an adult. I need to wear what fits me. I am finding clothing and hair styles that are a perfect fit for me and it's been great 💜. In fact, I'm finding such good fits that I have people questioning me and saying they have to watch me stepping out in these new outfits.  That was definitely not the Jennifer in high school and not even five years ago. I love it 😊!!!

Find ways that you can enjoy your life. That may mean traveling, spending time with family and friends, exploring new hobbies and interests, enjoying the beauty of nature, trying new things, and having new adventures. Whatever you do, know it's okay. You're okay 😊.  I have the amazing opportunity to encourage young people in my classroom every day to embrace their uniqueness and share my story of how I overcame and still overcome. It's okay to be different. We need you!! I dare you to be different today, tomorrow and in all the days to come. God bless 💜 !!!