ITS OK TO BE DIFFERENT

Every story has different characters. It all depends on the plot and the message the writer is trying to put across. The differences are intentional and together, they make the story complete. We too are letters whose contents are supposed to be read and understood by those around us. God has written every page of our stories and we are exactly who He meant us to be. He is holding the pen and He is still writing the stories that He wants us to share with the rest of the world.

The first chapter in the book of Genesis provides a graphic description of how God, through His unrivaled power created the world out of nothing. Each day was set aside for the creation of a specific group of things and after each day, God marveled at His creation for it was good. For instance, on the third day He created the trees, grass and different kinds of shrubs while the sixth day was blessed with the creation of innumerous living creatures. These things were created different in terms of appearance but they all added to the combined beauty that characterized the world after the creation week.

Fast forward to today, nature still attests to God’s power as the creator. He is responsible for the conception of all things we see today and when these are combined, they bring out　the unsurpassed beauty of nature that we marvel at. While roses and lilies are both flowers, they are different from each other yet their ability to beautify and add color to the environment is undoubted.

By the same token, humans are different in how they think, act and react to situations. Their life experiences are also dissimilar but when brought together we exhibit the creative power of God. There has to be unity in our diversity to an extent that we appreciate that we are different yet capable to guide each other and learn from one another’s experiences.

Every parent will tell you that every child is different from the other; even identical twins have different fingerprints but the family is only complete when everyone is there. In their own way, every child resembles their parents.

I grew up in a family of all girls, we were taught at a tender age to be masters of everything in the home. Everyone made sure that what needed to be done was done timeously and in the best way possible. With various chores requiring our attention at home, we devised an effective way of carrying out the tasks. After it dawned on us that we had different preferences in as far as doing home chores was concerned, we divided the tasks to be done daily based on our ability to do them. Resultantly, everyone was enjoying the work they were doing. We were all doing what we loved and what we were capable of doing.

For instance, one who was comfortable sweeping the yard would do so while another who was at home in the kitchen would rush there. Another would settle for laundry and eventually all tasks would be perfectly done in no time. Our differences in preferences did not create incessant dog fights among us but were used positively and contributed to the effective and proficient completion of given tasks.

The same principle applies in our lives. Our stories are different for a reason and instead of picking up fights over these differences, it is wise to collaborate for the ultimate good of our lives. When calamity befalls you and not the next person, it does not mean God has forsaken you or loves the other person better, there is a story He is writing about you. That story is different from the one being written about the next person but what is fundamental is that you both have stories to tell and just like little girls doing house chores, help each other in the best way possible to make your lives bearable.

Essentially, there is something to learn from your neighbor’s story. That story might have essential benefits to your own. We do not need to compete with each other but rather unite and learn from each other’s experiences. Tell your story even when you do not see the need to. Who knows, your story might be the source of strength that someone needs to overcome what he or she is going through. Similarly, listen to other people’s stories, their narrations can be what you need to positively change your lives.

“We are all storytellers. We all live in a network of stories. There isn’t a stronger connection between people than storytelling.”