Photo by Vera Gorbunova on Unsplash
I love spending quality dinners with my family. So many deep spiritual discussions have happened there over the years like, “ ‘Why does God make spiders?’, ‘Can we fly in heaven like Superman?’ and ‘How big are the parks and the slides in heaven? ” While the kids have grown up over the years so have our discussions. One discussion recently that we had was what is one thing about God that you appreciate. While I was waiting for the answer that I would have assumed my adorable “mini-me’s” would have said like, “His forgiveness of us” or “His love for us”, my daughter made a comment that make me stop and think as well as made me proud. She said, “I love that God makes us all unique.” Our discussion evolved into a discussion about how God makes the claim that there is “no one like Him” and he also made us in the image of Himself with each of us making the same claim, “there is no one like me.”
“God made us impressive so we can make impressions.”
There is no one else like you. In the whole world of the billions and billions of people no one has the same dna as you. No one has fingerprints like you. No one has a retina like you. The very back of the eye, the retina, is a precise snapshot of your nervous system, unique to you. It displays a pattern of blood vessels that your eye doctor observes to even detect health concerns that you might have or could have. No one has teeth like you. Your teeth reveal your DNA which is why dental records are often used to identify bodies. Like a fingerprint, the tongue has its own shape and texture, and the tiny bumps and ridges on your tongue are distributed in a way that is uniquely yours. Your voice is unlike any one else’s. Some vocal characteristics are easy to detect, such as your frequency (high or low) and your intensity (loud or soft). Even other traits such as resonance, nasality, the length of your neck combined with the width of the pharynx, how you shape your lips, vowel pronunciation, etc. all play a unique part is giving you your own sound like no one else. Even “face ID” on my iphone keeps my phone from getting hacked and reminds me that my “mug” has got power to open up things nothing else can! From the beginning, God made you more unique that you realize. That should inspire you to discover who we are and who we are meant to be so that we can do what no one else can do. God made us impressive so we can make impressions.
“We can leave an impression or become a replication.”
That’s why I like Minnesota in the winter. I don’t know how else to say this but Minnesota snowfalls are magical. Like Narnia meets Hoth but without psycho snow queens or rampaging wampa’s (you’re welcome Star Wars nerds). Waking up the next day after a night of being wrapped in a white blanket of fresh powder is one of the joys of living in MN. And just like gripping bubble wrap and finding the satisfaction of popping those small little pillows of air, I find the same satisfaction in walking into that white winter wonderland and making my impression known to the world. Each step an imprint that “I was here first.” Each gaping impression is a path that I made myself that said, “I was here first.” One of the most original authors of his time made this quote famous in regards to leaving your mark on the world,
Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. - Ralph Waldo Emerson
We can leave an impression or become a replication. You can differentiate or duplicate. You can create or become a copy. No one loves fake. To be called a “phony” is not a compliment. Even the word “bogus” sounds like an unwanted and sticky unknown "something" that should be flushed down the toilet. But we love the words authenticity, humility and transparency. While these words are important and critical for building community and sustainability in relationships, I would argue that originality is the most important word to cultivate and grow in your relationships and in your community.
Originality is a word that speaks this simple message: be yourself. With this simple message comes the question: Is this a safe place for me to be myself? I think this is a question we all ask ourselves. Doesn’t mean it’s the right question to ask every time. But nonetheless it’s a question that we have to ask ourselves if we are to be originals.
“You can be an original or you can be stereotypical.”
Originality is defined as meaning, “new; fresh; inventive; creative or presented for the first time.” That means when you are original you are aligning with Gods original plan for you. That there was never meant to be anyone like you: who talks like you, looks like you, sounds like you or acts like you. That’s why Paul said in the Scriptures who was writing on God’s behalf,
“Each of us is an original.” – Galatians 5:26
You can be an original or you can be stereotypical. But you have a single obligation to be original. My mentor-at-a-distance and friend Mark Batterson says, “You owe it to yourself to be yourself.” He’s right. You are a unique voice, collection of gifts and talents that make up an eclectic combination that is not just special but necessary in God’s Kingdom. That’s what was God’s plan from the beginning.
How to be embrace your own originality?
Resist the urge to duplicate but differentiate
When you choose to be different, you are choosing to resist the crowd and be your self. Don’t just be yourself but express yourself. How you dress, sing, bake, laugh, work and play will always be unique to you. Once you discover something about you that’s different than your friends, celebrate it!
You can become a copy or you can let God create
Follow God’s example. Every human since the beginning is marked with uniqueness. From before you were born, to your gifts and talents, to your own DNA, there is no one like you. God doesn’t make copies. Copies are made from interns and assistants. Originals are made from He makes artists and composers. Let your colors show and your let your sound be heard…because it’s what the world needs!
Don’t become a replication but leave an impression
Replication is great when you are learning how to chop a tree dowqn or make lasagna. But there is something about finding your own voice and adding your “own flavor” in situations in life. Making an impression means you might “add a little extra garlic” or “swing a little differently” than your old man.