THE ONE AND ONLY "YOU"

            No one is born exactly the same as another person, not even twins. We are unique, with no duplicate, just as how each one’s finger print wholly identifies a single person. As the Bible even puts it “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”

            But despite knowing how God perfectly handcrafted each one with traits that would make us stand out, why is it always hard for us to accept who we are? Why could we just not accept that each person is endowed with both strengths which we can make use of and weaknesses that we can work on? Or better yet, why is it so easy to look at our faults and dwell on them rather than consistently affirm our strengths? Why is there a never-ending comparison: “I wish I was like her,” or “Why am I not given this and that,” or worse, ”Why am I born this way?”

            It is human nature to compare and look for things that they do not possess. But with a closer introspection, we will realize that the way we are created is a manifestation of how wonderful God’s work is.  Simply put, an inventor would not create something which is totally futile or worthless. The first thing he has in mind is how it will be beneficial for everyone, and he makes sure that each part is functional. God works in the same way, as he created all of us with a purpose, that even both our strengths and weaknesses are one.

            For instance, a melancholic person’s strengths are being deep and reflective, but sometimes this can border into shyness and being reserved. Nonetheless, this seeming stillness (as quiet as it may sound) enables a melancholic person to express himself through writing or to different forms of art. The apparently inability to express through words was then an avenue to create a work of art- may it be a story, a poem, a sculpture, or a painting. And that talent when used to the fullest is a perfect stepping stone to be known to the world. Marvelous, isn’t it?

           

            Therefore, the key to affirming one’s self is to 1) use your uniqueness and 2) work on your weaknesses. If we come to God and allow him to transform us, then we will start thinking less of ourselves. Besides, to God, our weakness is not a great big deal, just as how mothers love their children despite all their failures and shortcomings. We have a God who knows us well, that even the hairs in our head are numbered by Him. So the next time you are in doubt as to the extent of his love for you, be mindful of this song:

                I would not leave you in times of trouble

                We never could have come this far

                I took the good times, I take the bad times

                I’ll take you just the way you are.

            Claim that you are unique, and in God’s eyes, it’s your uniqueness (both the good and the bad) that makes you beautiful.