I could spell most words correctly until college when I majored in a foreign language (with its own alphabet) and my English spelling suffered. Now my phone and computer editing programs run in the background, seamlessly fixing my mistakes, but it bothers me that those squiggly lines appear and then disappear as if they never happened.
When I heard that writing words you misspell ten times by hand improves spelling, I tried it.
Chauffeured stumped me first. (The handwriting experiment must’ve worked, at least temporarily, because I typed it now without error.) I also had problems with vicious (I want to add an “s” in the middle), caressed (shouldn’t there be another “r”?), and the last name of a famous actor and author you would recognize.
Since I couldn’t verify the spelling of his last name in the dictionary, I went to one of his social media accounts. I confirmed how to spell his name, but what really caught my attention was what was on his feed. Instead of carefully curated images to match his acting and authoring success, he filled it with sports-related posts. And let me tell you, the man loves sports — particularly from his alma mater. He posted about football and golf and tennis. The banner on his account was a color-coordinated picture of him in his home team’s football stands looking so content it made me smile. He shares things that are meaningless to me, but bring him joy. I found it refreshing.
As a content creator myself, the world proclaims I need to do certain things to succeed. The world touts proven strategies, editable templates, and surefire marketing plans. As much as I hate to say it — and as detrimental as it might be to my professional success — my spirit often rebels against all the “best practices.” Rather than doing the “right things”, I want to do the authentic things.
I want to live so authentically that I too can fill my social media feed with the things that bring me joy — highlights from my favorite team (I’m looking at you, Braves) or pictures of my dog or backyard plants — without worrying if it resonates with everyone who interacts with my account.
The burden to fit in and follow all the “proven steps to success” is one I no longer want to bear.
I can no longer carry on a conversation about best SEO practices, but I can talk all day about the podcasts I listen to, the redemption arc of one of my favorite baseball players on and off the field, or the book I’m writing — things I care about. I aspire to be more like this actor/author (whose name I still can’t spell); I want to be so comfortable in my skin that I don’t over-analyze, sanitize, or hide who I am and what’s important to me.
The older I get, the harder it’s become to pretend to be what I’m not, and the more I recognize (and try not to rebel against) who God made me to be.
And God certainly didn’t create us with a one-size-fits-all mold. We’re weird, quirky misfits who love what we love and dislike what we dislike. We’re so unique God has numbered the hairs of our heads (Matthew 10:30). We’re as individual as snowflakes in a winter sky, yet we intersect and overlap in delightful ways. Have you ever met someone in a checkout line (or followed an online account) and a stranger’s words resonate so much it’s like you encountered a kindred spirit? What a gift to be drawn to and feel understood by certain people, while appreciating what makes others distinct, even if we can’t relate.
Sometimes, it’s living out our faith that makes us different.
Much of the world will reject the message of Jesus. They don’t want to hear about it. The world will tell you following Jesus won’t make you one of the cool kids. Having a moral compass will never be particularly popular; it’ll never be the latest fad. You and I will never satisfy the world’s expectations. It hated Jesus, after all. (John 15:18)
But the world needs our authentic voices. The world needs to hear who you are and who Jesus is to you — whether shared online, in fellowship halls, or in waiting rooms. Don’t be afraid to be yourself. Sharing stories can build bridges that connect hearts and minds.
The world needs what you have to offer. We need the one and only you.
Thank you for this message! I also want to be so comfortable in my skin that I don’t over analyze or hide who I am. It’s hard to share what’s important to you when others could care less, which further encourages feeling like your words don’t really matter. I appreciate the reminders that God numbered our hairs and that we are all one-of-a-kind, and the encouragement to live authentically.
There will always be people who don’t care, but also, there will always be people who do. (And of course, Jesus does.) Be yourself. 🙂
I really resonated with this message, Dawn. I started a new IG account to showcase my watercolor paintings because the “experts” said I shouldn’t post my art on my personal acct. because it would confuse my followers. I followed their advice to try and help my SEO, gain new followers and make some sales. Well, none of their expert opinions worked so I decided to do things my way. I will post what I want when I want and not worry about what happens. Like you said, we have to be true to ourselves. Success is not in the numbers but in being who God wants us to be.
Yes, I remember making a photo blog years ago because I wasn’t supposed to post all that Photoshop stuff. I eventually deleted it and imported all the posts to my personal blog. Things like this and your watercolor paintings make us who we are. There’s no need to hide them away.
Dawn thank you for todays reading. Love it. It reminds me of sayings that God says about me. You can look them up on the internet. We are all fearfully and wonderful made it tells us in Psalm 139 13-18 this. God knows us before we were even born. We were made in our mother’s womb. It goes on to tell us are days are fashioned before us. So that tells me alot. So God needs one of me. We are all Daughters of the King of Kings. That king is our Lord Jesus Christ. I say Amen to this. I love this reading today. Jesus loves us all so much that is why he our king went to Calvary Cross for us all. To die to show his love for us and die for our sins. I say Amen to that. Love Dawn Ferguson-Little Enniskillen Co.Fermanagh N.Ireland xx
Thank you, Dawn! Yes, we are fearfully and wonderfully made.
Dawn thank you for you beautiful reply to me. I don’t here many Dawn names. It is nice to hear you have the same name as me. Thank you for what you right in the readings. It is so beautiful and so true. Keeping you all incourage in prayer. Love Dawn Ferguson-Little. Co.Fermanagh N.Ireland xx
Dawn – Your devotion hit home. As an author myself, I post often about my grandson, Elijah, because he says and does the cutest things. He makes me smile. I’m told I should post more about my books;I do try to because they’re about Jesus, Whom I dearly love.
Life is a marathon. We need JOY to sustain us! So I will continue to post what brings me joy because it is honorable, pure and lovely.
Lisa, keep posting what means something to you—what brings you joy—and then people will know who you really are. Thanks for the comment!
This resonated with my heart today as if I had found a kindred spirit. Reading this is a great start to the day.
And reading your comment, Jill, is a great start to my day! Blessings to you. (And just keep being you.)
Dear Dawn……What a wonderful message and I certainly relate to it. I am 76 years old and have worked for 45 years, but at times I found that people did not like the way I dressed. It distressed me, but I decided with the (in)courage stories and scriptures that you don’t need to please everyone. I am what I am and what God created in me so no matter what people think, I will always be me as that is what God wants me to be. I really enjoyed your story. Will your book come out soon? Have a Blessed Day. Betsy Basile
Blessings to you, Betsy! How sweet of you to ask about the book. I finished my first draft a couple of weeks ago. Now I need to get it polished and find someone to publish it.
Dawn……Thank you for telling me about your book. I hope you let us know when it is published, because I want to get it.
How nice of you to reply to me.
Betsy Basile
This is encouraging to me today. We are having house guests this weekend and I’ve been stressing over all the things that need fixing, updating and cleaning in our home. But the reality is that we have a home that is comfortable, secure and reasonably clean but lived in, and I am thankful for that. I will be better to focus on enjoying this time with our guests, our family, focusing on our relationship. I am thankful to have a home, especially when I see the news from war-torn countries and even those devastated by tornadoes this week in our own country. This is the authentic us. We don’t live in a Pinterest home, but we love our friends and family and welcome them in.
Gail, sounds like you and your friends will be comfortable. Authenticity makes people relax. Enjoy your time together!
This is lovely, Dawn! It’s okay to be me! What a refreshing concept! I like it!
Yay, Irene! Blessings to you.
I love this post! It’s so true – we keep trying to fit into a world that is populated with millions of people. All different, all trying to be loved. When we are all loved unconditionally by our creator!!! It took me most of my lifetime trying to fit in! Now I talk with my creator and I am happy being the unique person He created me to be. How amazing!
Leann, you have such a good point: we’re all trying to be loved, but we already are, by the One who truly matters. Be uniquely you!
Dawn,
I’m very comfortable in my own skin. My hands get raised in church & in my car when listening to Christian music. You will find me dancing in my kitchen, dining or living room & even at church. Most days at work I talk with my patients & tell them I’ll pray for them & encourage them. I’m the one rooting when they get out of bed to walk, sending encouraging texts or calling people to check on them. Do my best to spread Christ’s light love down here.
Blessings 🙂