It’s a funny world we live in.
On one hand, most of us want to feel accepted by our peers, so we spend all kinds of time consciously or unconsciously fitting in – making sure we’re as much like everyone else as is possible. That’s why, in my 50s, I decided against nose or lip rings (yes, I’m trying to be funny!).
But our culture also celebrates uniqueness because, contrarily, most of us want to feel special. That means our attention, and the media spotlight, zeroes in on unusual products, a radical “sound” shift in music – think punk and grunge; wild appearance – again, back to the nose and lip rings; and outlandish lifestyles – such as the strange life of Michael Jackson.
Where am I going with all this? Well, pursuing a life that’s mostly centred around you-you-you will certainly help you fit in with the crowd.
- Go shopping. So what if you spent $300 on fashions just a week ago?
- Plan your weeknights around the latest hot reality TV show.
- Get a tan.
- Buy another monster big-screen television.
- Replace your old iPhone because, hey, it’s six months old.
My optimistic prediction is that, after awhile, all this will start to get really old. And downright silly. Then, I hope, you’ll be ready for something deeper. Something that could affect you for all eternity.
If you’re near that point now, consider being a radical: purchase a Bible—preferably, a version called The Message, because it’s the easiest to comprehend—and start reading. That act alone will make you unique among most of the people you know.
Some may call you crazy for doing this radical thing. Some may shake their heads. But lots of people like me are pulling for you. And the last time I checked, no one had declared me crazy. Just unique.
Frank's Cottage 
Frank, That was a good post! I may be just a bit older than you but if you get a nose ring First I will follow?/ Yes I am joking too, Ha, Ha!! God Bless, James
Thanks for reading, James. I’m pretty sure none of us 50-plus crowd would look good in a nose ring! 🙂
Amen!!!!!!
Thank you, Frank, for being unique. I have enjoyed your short but eye opening comments. It makes me think. There is no doubt in my mind that, regardless of our past, God has a plan and purpose for our lives. I have found that if I blend in with the majority and it seems that I am more part of the team, my views are more widely accepted and my (false) sense of self-worth goes through the roof
I found out the hard way, that mindset led me into a life of self striving for success and recognition. I found that this LIFE MODEL has its pitsfalls and led me into a life of drugs, alcohol and all that goes with it. I certainly was unique now
It came to a point in my life when I had lost EVERYTHING, that I realized I had definitely gotten off track. At this point, I was fed up with the life I had dealt myself. With every cell in my body resisting, I handed the cards back to the Dealer.
I knew that the new hand (life) I was going to be dealt would be unique to everyone else at the table, and that finally I was getting glimpses of God’s purpose and plan for life. I don’t know when and where I lost the truth that God loved me so much, that the cards He deals me on a daily basis only lead me to a life of purpose, peace, prosperity and minimal strife
Well, I can’t whine over spilled milk because today is the first day of the rest of my life and I know what ever He gives me, it’s going to be radical and exciting. So God. Lay it on me!
Thanks for reading, David, and thanks for telling us your story. It reminds me of how C.S. Lewis came to faith.
According to Wikipedia, ‘He fought greatly up to the moment of his conversion, noting that he was brought into Christianity like a prodigal, “kicking, struggling, resentful, and darting his eyes in every direction for a chance to escape”.’ 🙂