In having a conversation with a friend recently this phrase found its way out of my mouth: A copy cannot produce the original. This is true, we cannot fashion ourselves off of any other person and produce anything greater than the original. What we need to do is improve on who we are as individuals, looking to the only person we should imitate —Christ. Even in that He created us unique — with unique gifts and purposes, ultimately for His purposes.
My pastor David Hughes said it succinctly this weekend, “You are an innovation not an imitation.” I don’t think it’s wishful thinking to think that if we all spent more time dialing in on our identity, celebrating our uniqueness and less time playing the comparison game we would progress as a people. What are some of your gifts and talents? When did you first discover them and how? Although I always recognized a uniqueness in myself, my confidence to display and develop my gifts came through the support and encouragement of good friends and family. People that saw something in me and were not threatened by it, but instead celebrated and encouraged me and for that I am eternally grateful. Who are your cheerleaders in life? More importantly, who are you a cheerleader and encourager for? If you find that vicious jealousy bug popping up when you witness the success of others, chances are that you are not upset at the success in their life, but disappointed in some area of your own. Yikes! Did that strike a chord?? Good! If you’re reading this, you are still living and breathing and that is great news! You have the basic criteria to DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. Start today, spend time journaling, dreaming, talking to people who know you well and step deeper into those areas you know you are gifted in and see where that leads. Your life is truly what you make it – live well.
Joycy Ann Unplugged 