Scared To Be KnownExemplo

By Chantel Adams

In college, I asked a professor to write a recommendation for me for graduate school. I expected him to say, "Yes, of course." But instead he said, “I’m sorry. I can’t. You are average. You just don’t have what it takes.” 

Those words rocked my world. My identity crumbled.

I fell into an endless cycle of "what ifs." What if I don't have what it takes to be successful? What if I really am average? What if I am doomed to a life of mediocrity? 

I didn't want my professor's hurtful words to define me, but I had a hard time shaking them because I feared he might be right. 

Eventually, I began to pray, "Lord, show me that I'm not ordinary."

And over and over again, God's words leapt off the page:

"image of God" (Genesis 1:27)

"created through him" (Colossians 1:16)

"fearfully and wonderfully made." (Psalm 139:14)

He even put people in my life to help me understand that I was exactly who God had in mind when he created me. God never repeats himself, so each of us reflects God in a way that no one else on earth can. 

Questions for Reflection:

1. To reject the gift of who you are is to reject the Giver. What you think is ordinary is actually an extraordinary gift from God. What is unique about you? Make a list of the things you love about yourself and the things that make you feel most alive. Then give God thanks for the gift that is you. 

2. When we choose to see the good in others, eventually they are able to see it in themselves. Who can you encourage this week by helping them see what's unique about them?