OK 2 Be U(nique)!

There is only one you!

Did you know that?

Of course you did. 🙂

Do you remember when you learned about your unique fingerprints . . . or how about your one-of-a-kind DNA?

I know you noticed the differences in everyone’s hair and skin color, height, width, the shape of our eyes, nose, ears, hips and yes – even our thighs.  🙂

So, if we know we are all different and that there is no one like us –  then why are we always comparing ourselves to others and trying or yearning to be just like [so-and-so]?

Why do we try to “keep up with the Jonses”?

Why do we feel pressured to help our kids conform to what is “normal” or “in”?

Wanting to “be like” . . .

Honestly, I think it all started a long time ago with 2 people and a serpent.

Two people who wanted to “be like” someone else (God), and when they fell for this trap, Satan realized how fantastically successful this ploy was, and decided to keep using it on the rest of humanity year after year, and generation after generation.

Why?

Because your uniqueness is a gift!

And Satan knows that your uniqueness (and that of your kids) will affect and change this world for the better!  And without it – the world is also affected, but not necessarily in a good way.

U(nique)ness – a Masterpiece!

Your uniqueness is a special, one-of-a-kind piece of God’s love and who He is!

Did you know that?

Without you and your uniqueness, God’s love (His character, representation and image) is not fully and totally represented here on earth.  You are a fantastically unique piece of the puzzle that makes up not only humanity and all it’s talents, skills, abilities and capabilities, but the beautiful image of God Himself (who He is – His creativity, love, compassion, intelligence and more)!

Each one of us was made in God’s image (who is unique Himself), and He specifically designed you to be . . . YOU . . . to be U(nique)! 

Psalm 139:13-15

13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.

He has created billions of masterpieces . . . not copies!

You were not made from a mold – but hand-crafted.  Masterpieces and hand-crafted items are ALWAYS worth more than copies!  Would someone pay millions for a copy of a Rembrandt or Monet?  No.  But they would for the real thing – the masterpiece.

YOU are God’s masterpiece!

You are worth far more than gold, silver or gems!

Your unique DNA, fingerprints, likes, dislikes, talents, abilities, skills and more are what this world needs!

Without it, things don’t change, there is no variety and spice to life, cures are not discovered, songs are not written, movies are not made, orphans are not cared for . . . .

But the question is . . .

Do you “know that full well”?

What makes you U(nique)?

Have you thought about that lately?

Do you really know just how special and unique you are?  Or are you living under the opinions, statements, and lies of others as to who you are?

Can you really know who you are and what makes you U(nique)?

Many of you have heard of Eric Liddell and have possibly seen the 1981 movie Chariots of Fire that showed his pursuit of becoming an Olympic running champion.  He once said, “God made me fast, and when I run, I feel His pleasure.”  He just passionately pursued what he did best – what he was designed to do!

Who has God made you to be and what Has He created you to do?

Who am I?

There are a lot of things I’ve wanted to be in life – and most of them revolved around being “the best” at something.  Yes – I admit – I watched with stars in my eyes when Olympians would win gold medals, beautiful young women would be crowned Miss America, actors and actresses would win Oscars and more.  I also hated losing at games, had a hard time saying I was sorry when I knew I was right, was a faithful friend to those who were not so kind to me and to the underdog, liked being the last one up or at an event, and more.

This stubbornness (and rebellion in some years and ways) in my life, I always thought was a weakness, a sin, a downfall (yes, there were some sins that came from it).  But in the last several years, I have been learning what my name means and how God wants to use that stubbornness and need to win for good (yes – I “blame” my parents for my competitiveness now! 🙂  hee,hee).

Lori = Victorious One – It comes from the Laurel plant – whose leaves were put on the heads of heroes and victors as a symbol of honor and victory; it is a symbol of highest status; in the Bible it is often an emblem of prosperity and fame.

Victory

Honor

Prosperity

Fame

No wonder I was drawn to all those things as a kid! 🙂  {Yes Lori – but so are all of us!}

Yes you are – because you ALL were made UNIQUE – to be honored, prosperous, famous in God’s eyes (and possibly the world’s) and victorious in all you are made to do!

But more than what my name means . . . over the last 6 years, as I left my job to be a stay-at-home-mom of 5, and have had all “titles” stripped away from me, God has been using this time to show me just who I really am (a daughter of the King!), how special and unique I am, how much He loves me for who I am (hey – He made me . . . so of course He loves me!), and is now showing me how to use who I am and what I can do to be a blessing to this world!

My stubbornness and determination to win and be the victor in everything,  is a blessing – a gift! 

God showed me He can and wants to use it to create me to be that Victorious warrior – to fight not just for things in my life, but in the lives of others!  I am a prayer warrior and encourager – and will fight for the right of everyone to know that they are loved, cherished, valuable, and important – and to see them set free from the lies that the enemy has used to keep them in bondage and from being who they were created to be . . . Totally Unique!!

Use your uniqueness to make a difference in this world!

I have loved and lived by this quote – spoken by a great man who knew what was in him, what he was capable of, what our nation was capable of, and didn’t listen to the naysayers – but spoke up and spoke out loud all that God had put in him!  . . . And he changed the world!

“Use me God.  Show me how to take who I am, who I want to be, and what I can do, and use it for a purpose greater than myself.” – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

So I want to leave you with some questions:

  • Who are you?

  • Who do you want to be?

  • What can you do?

  • What do you want to do?  (and what do you NOT want to do?!  It’s ok to not want to do some things “everyone else is doing”.)

  • And how can you use your uniqueness to make a FANTASTIC, AMAZING and UNIQUE difference (big or small) in this world and in the lives of others?

Tell me below – How are you going to change the world or the lives of others?

Please share with your friends through the buttons below! Thanks!


71 comments

  1. Sometimes I think the internet contributes to my comparing myself with others. You can always find someone who does it all and who does it all better. My best days are when I’m focusing on others entirely; that’s when my best self shines through.
    Karen recently posted..Design NotebookMy Profile

    1. Well said Karen! So true! You truly have to take it all with a dose of reality when reading about others on the internet.

      Keep focusing on others then! They need you, and this world need the real you to shine through! 🙂 You have a lot to offer! 🙂

      Blessings!

        1. So true Julie. I can beat myself up for not being as organized and seemingly a “supermom” as some mom bloggers – who don’t just have kids, but homeschool them, write books, blog, have a garden, make homemade gifts, make their own laundry detergent and deodorant (and sprinkles!) and more! I can easily get trapped into feeling like I just do measure up!
          But . . . #1 – I know that their lives are not as “perfect” and put together as it seems; and #2 – I don’t have to be them! I’m only responsible to be me – to raise my kids the way we feel is best for them (and all of us), to love others and be a blessing with the gifts and talents God has given me – instead of trying to be like everyone else.

          Blessings Julie!

  2. I am a mom to six beautiful children, a wife to a great husband, an information junkie, a sharer of knowledge and a Certified Small Business Coach.

    My purpose in life outside of my being there for my family is to help women become better mothers, wives and earners so that they can stay home with their children if they choose to.

    I am unique!

    Stopping by from the 100 Comments event.

    http://www.AsToldByLisa.com

    1. Well said Angi! If we all find that peace with who we are and what we have to offer this world . . . Just imagine how much better this place would be! For one, we would stop trying to be like other people and being jealous. 🙂

      Blessings! Thanks for stopping bye,

  4. I am a wife, mother, sister, daughter, friend and cousin to many but my biggest ministry outside of my children is marriage.

    I am on a mission to help those that are married, those that want to be married, and those on the brink of divorce to understand and appreciate the covenant of marriage. I am the proud writer of Still Dating My Spouse. I use the blogosphere to help couples reach their full potential of a strong healthy marriage through dating! I touch on all aspects of marriage and help couples think outside the box.

    I am unique in every way God made me!

    Pamela
    Still Dating My Spouse
    http://www.stilldatingmypouse.com

    Stopping by via the 100 comment blog hop!
    Pamela recently posted..To Sex or Not To SexMy Profile

    1. LOVE it Pamela!! Thanks so much for sharing your uniqueness with us! I love the title and concept “still dating my spouse!” That’s so important! My husband and I will be celebrating our 20th Anniversary this summer! It hasn’t always been easy, but we are both committed, and have made it a priority over the years to still “date” each other! My kids will ask “why are you going on a date if you are still married?”. It’s a great testimony and example to our kids on how to maintain a healthy and happy marriage. This world needs encourages like you to tell and show us that it can be done!
      Keep it up! 🙂
      I love it that you are unique!

    1. You definitely are unique! 8 kids? We have 5 – but I feel in love with 3 siblings from Ethiopia last year. My hubby about had a heart attack thinking of going from 5 to 8 all at once! In the end, we were not meant to be their parents. Maybe one day we’ll add to our family – but for now . . . 5 is fine!

      Blessings!

  6. I think the older I get, the more I appreciate my uniqueness. Karen mentions how the Internet contributes to comparing ourselves to others, but I’ve found it also helped me become more comfortable with who I am. I’m an introvert who has been surrounded by extraverted people my whole life. because of having met other introvert online, I’ve found that it’s okay to feel the way I do.

    My love is pets and my goal this year is to start a pet food pantry for those in my area who are having difficulty making ends meet. That is how I want to change the world or at least my little corner of it.
    dawn recently posted..My Guest Post on BlogPaws- Using Pinterest for Your BlogMy Profile

    1. That’s awesome Dawn! It is so needed! People do tend to forget the pets. Even the poor, would love to have pets and be able to take care of them (as they can be expensive sometimes) – and that is a great thing can do for those that are struggling financially! Do it! Go for it! What a blessing you are!

  7. What a blessed post. I enjoyed it very much. Thank you. I’ve said the same things many time. Have even used the same scripture reference. God wants us to be who we are, but at the same time, we should always be pressing to be better. I’ve learned that the flesh is weak but when I rely on the Holy Spirit, I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me. Thanks much. Blessings, Deb

    1. Amen Deb! I am who I am today because of Christ, God the Father and definitely the Holy Spirit! Jesus saved me, Daddy God has loved and cherished me (which has brought healing and shown me just who I am!), and Holy Spirit has comforted, empowered and taught me so much! Couldn’t live this life without them! 🙂

  8. I think a great way to help change the lives of others is just by accepting who they are and encouraging them to be the best that they can be. We all need to feel we are loved, accepted and special.
    Elizabeth recently posted..Pick Me! Pick Me!My Profile

    1. You hit the nail on the head Elizabeth!! 🙂
      Love people for who they are and help them to love themselves.
      And you are right – EVERYONE needs and desires love, acceptance and to feel special!
      Blessings!

  11. Great post. Learning to love to gift of who you are (and Whose you are) is a wonderful thing, though not an easy journal. Not too long ago, I wrote about choosing not to conform, and your post reminded me of it. There is a great song by Lecrae called Rebel-you might like it.
    Peace and good to you.
    Chelle recently posted..Safe…My Profile

    1. Thanks for stopping by! I’ll have to find and listen to that song.
      You are right – it’s not an easy or short journey – but it’s worth it! 🙂

    1. Thanks! 🙂 I took that picture at the top of my 5, very unique, kids! I let them stand how they wanted, and that’s what they choose. We were doing “light painting” with a flashlight in the dark. My youngest moved a little, so her head ended up a little mishapen. But that’s ok!
      The artwork is by my mom, who is just now realizing that she is a fantastic artist!

    1. Yes – it’s soooo important for our kids to know that it truly is OK to be themselves – to be unique! I have a couple middle school kids – and I think those can be some of the most challenging years when it comes to being different and unique. I’m so proud of my daughter who is facing these challenges with confidence in her uniqueness – and the blessing that her uniqueness is (even when some of it can be challenging – ie. her ADD tendencies)! I wish I had been as confident as her when I was 11!
      Blessings!

  14. I am proud to be different from everyone else! I tell my kids all the time that it’s OK to be different because we are all unique in our own ways. Who wants to blend in with the crowd when they could stand above them all and shine!??
    Deanna recently posted..Baked ApplesMy Profile

    1. Love it! Yes – why be the same – when you can be special and unique – a masterpiece – a rare gem – one-of-a-kind?! I’d rather be a Rembrandt than a copy!
      Blessings!

  15. I love your mission and your message!
    I’m visiting from the 100 comment event. 🙂
    When I do school programs, I always encourage the children to make the craft their own…even though I show them a “sample”, I tell them that theirs will not look like mine…it will be unique and special because it will be their own creation.
    Children need to be told on a daily basis how special and unique they are…and parents and teachers need to celebrate that. You are definitely doing that!!!!
    I hope you will come to visit me: http://www.viviankirkfield.wordpress.com
    Vivian Kirkfield recently posted..Sunday Post: Treasured Pleasure or Guilty PleasureMy Profile

    1. Thanks for stopping by Vivian! I LOVE hearing what others are doing that’s not only unique – but that is encouraging the uniqueness (the “gold”) in others to come out and shine!! Keep it up!
      Telling kids – and helping them to realize how amazing they are – will not only change their lives, but the lives of those around them, and even the future of our nation and world! We need them to be THEM!

      Blessings!

  16. Liked the Martin Luther King quote. I was a homeschooling mom for the last 11 years. We’ve put our kids in school and this big change leaves me trying to figure out what I am supposed to be doing with my time. I can name my roles, but over the years I haven’t been very balanced in keeping up with my own interests.

    That’s one reason I’ve just started my blog Healthy Frugalista. I’ve always enjoyed helping others eat better. I’m good at feeding my family healthfully on little money. I want to share my creative ideas so others can economically live well.
    Healthy Frugalista recently posted..Grass Fed Meat for FreeMy Profile

    1. Wow – so glad I’m not the only one who has struggled with “what to do with my time” once the kids were all in school all day! It was weird. I thought I would love it – love all that time to myself. But for someone who has a gazillion ideas every day, a million desires, and a ton of unfinished projects . . . I would get overwhelmed. I realized (after a year or so) what the problem was. For pretty much my whole life – my schedule has been dictated or determined for me. As a kid – I had school, and my parents helped to shape my schedule. Then I went to college – more things requiring me to stay on schedule. Then got a job, had a baby, then another, another, another . . . . all of which place demands on me and my time to put things on a schedule. And then suddenly – I had 6 1/2 hours to myself – where NO ONE was needing me! Sounds like heaven – but It’s been hard to switch gears and learn to prioritize and make the most of that time. Still learning!! 🙂

      Thanks for sharing! One of my goals this year is to get back to more healthy eating for our family. I’d gotten lazy with it (not that we ate junk . . . but I just didn’t infuse a lot of good things in our dishes as I used to).

      Blessings!

    1. As a leader, you have such an amazing ability to influence and change the lives of so many people! Keep encouraging and empowering others to be who they were created to be! We need it!
      Thanks for stopping by!

  19. Thank you for the reminder. I want to be a better person all around. I want to be less judgemental, less stressed and give more. I want to be a better role model for my kids.
    Cindy recently posted..2,000 Fan GiveawayMy Profile

    1. Cindy – there is a whole lot of GOLD inside of you girl! Dig in, find it and start dishing it out! 🙂
      Peace to you and your family. Peace to your life. Peace to your mind. Peace all around! Rest in that peace and enjoy life!
      One thing I’ve found to be true . . . it’s hard to be stressed, judgmental and upset when you are thankful (not that it can’t be done – but it really is hard). Give thanks for EVERYTHING (yes – everything . . . even the unpleasant things). You never know when that “bad” thing will turn into a blessing!
      Be a blessing to others . . . everyone . . . even the mean ones! You just might win someone over, or better yet – change their life!
      There is GOLD in you girl! Find it and dish it out! (Do I need to say it again?! 🙂 hee,hee)

      Abundant blessings!

  21. I spend more than 70 hours a month in the door-to-door preaching work. I make my difference by supporting God’s kingdom and none other as the solution to this world’s problems.
    Amanda recently posted..DIY Gift BagsMy Profile

  22. I’m going to continue to follow my passion and be an advocate for the orphan. I believe that my blog is a platform that will assist me in changing the lives of others. Also, at the home front, I need to be more available to my children.
    Ashley L recently posted..Looking After the OrphansMy Profile

  23. I know in my heart I’m unique but my mind keeps trying to tell me something else. 🙂

    I’m a new mother which has basically caused me to rethink who I am in all areas of my life. I’m still trying to settle into my new role. I want to stop living for tomorrow and start living today. I’ve lived in fear too long.

  24. I love the comment about how someone wouldn’t pay millions of dollars for a copy just the original masterpiece. Great illustration. As a pastors wife I want to change the face of the church to the lost. I know that won’t be easy but could be done if Christians worked together to do so. Beautiful post with a lot of think about.
    Nichole @ readitagainmama recently posted..Lucky Beans by Becky BirthaMy Profile

    1. Nichole – I am right there with you on that mission (PK here!). I posted on another blog about my heart to help those that have been hurt by the church, “religion” and some who have called themselves Christian but have not acted like one, misunderstood the church, etc. My heart is to pour out God’s love on everyone and anyone I meet – to connect the heart of God with the heart of people – to let them know how incredibly LOVED they are, “no matter what” (as my 7 year old would say)! This world has based it’s opinions of God and Christ on the people who say they follow God and know him. But many do not truly follow or know him. It would be like someone making a judgement or opinion about me based on how my friends have behaved around them or to them. They might behave badly – but that’s not me . . . that’s them.
      God is truly Love – full of love – ready and waiting to pour out more and more on anyone who wants or needs it! I love his love! It’s transformed me into who I am today – and I literally would be DEAD without it!
      Thanks for stopping by!
      Blessings!

  25. I definitely struggle with this a lot. I guess I don’t really feel I AM unique. I feel like I am kind of general/normal and don’t really stand out – OR when there is a way that I stand out it’s something people don’t like or something… at the same time, I don’t try to copy people just to fit in…
    you make a great point about Adam & Eve wanting to be just like God too – never thought of it that way before how they should have been content with how they were created.
    JulieK recently posted..A Bali adventure with… Tea Collection! ~ GiveawayMy Profile

  26. it *is* often difficult to focus on who we are supposed to be because we’re spending so much time looking around and comparing ourselves and our lives to friends and people around us! I guess that’s why the Bible says that those who “compare themselves among themselves are not wise.” I certainly want to live the full life that God meant for ME, and not my neighbor’s life . . . Thanks for sharing.

  29. I feel like a teacher robot lately. It doesn’t bring me much job. I know I need to make a change. I hope what I am meant to do becomes clearer for me soon. 🙁
    Happydally recently posted..Currently MarchMy Profile

  30. So true! It’s important to know why God has put us on this earth. For me, I really feel like it was to be a mom. . .it’s been my life-long ambition since I was 3, and I’m doing the best job I can. Thanks for the post!
    Cambria recently posted..House-wife Home-SchoolMy Profile

  35. I am a wife, mom to 3. I love to sew. I read when I can. I love the beach. I really wanted to sew for others, but I was afraid that I wouldn’t be as good as other seamstresses. For a long time, I just sewed for my kids. Recently I’ve decided that I can sew and I am good enough to sell what I make, so I opened an etsy shop (SewMona) and it’s something I really enjoy. I too struggle with not feeling really unique, just kind of so-so.
    Mona recently posted..Why A Pop-Up?My Profile

  37. It’s taken me a long time to overcome my self-consciousness and even now, I still am to some extent. However, since I’ve entered my 30’s, I’ve found that I have a history of being different than everyone else, in my looks, my mannerisms, my opinions and thoughts…and I’m learning to embrace it. It’s my hope that I can teach my kids to be the same way and that it doesn’t take them until 30 to do it.

    Christy
    http://www.alivinghomeschool.com
    Christy K. recently posted..Pretty on Pinterest: St. Patrick’s DayMy Profile

  39. Yes! We are all carefully and wonderfully made by God! I used to want to be somebody but then it’s like nothing’s ever enough to be like or to be better than the people I want to be. Then I learned that God loves me for me.
    isis recently posted..Water Bottle Giveaway at Dr. OzMy Profile

  40. Nice post!! Very encouraging. Love your questions- very though provoking. Recently I was doing a Bible study and was thinking through how God created me and designed me to be the person I am today, knowing who I would marry! It’r pretty to think that he knew what would happen and is working it out all for His glory!!
    Betsy @ Romance on a Dime recently posted..50 Habits of Thin People: Week 9My Profile

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  47. Wow, I love this. The graphics are so cool! How did you get your kids to look like that??? 😉 I know your kids must feel lucky to have such a cool mom. 🙂 Blessings, Lauren, lholmes79.wordpress.com

    1. It’s called light painting. It was in a pitch-dark room and they were lit up with a flashlight by my husband while I kept the shutter open on the camera. I thought it turned out pretty cool! 🙂 I told the kids to stand how they wanted (and stand still – though, wendy moved her head some). Jacob – well . . . He’s Jake! 🙂 They are all definitely unique!

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