How to Embrace Your Unique Differences

Psalm 139:14 reminds us that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made” by God, but what does this really mean? As we navigate life, learn more about ourselves with age, and grow closer to God, what does it mean to see ourselves as fearfully, wonderfully, and intentionally made by God? How can we embrace what makes us uniquely different?

Made with Purpose

Diving deeper into Psalm 139, it is evident that we are far from cookie-cutter. In verse 14, the word “wonderfully” in Hebrew is the word “pala,” which means miracle or marvel. You were not made as just another human being to live on this earth; you were crafted by a loving Creator to be considered a marvel. In a world where we have become so accustomed to the mass production of goods, we must in ourselves marvel at the truth that God created each of us with a specific purpose, timing, and qualities. In the Book of Esther, we see this vividly displayed. In verse 4:14, Esther’s uncle poses the thought, “Perhaps you were made for such a time as this?” From the spectator’s view, Esther was an ordinary Jewish girl, but as time would prove, her life held something profoundly important to the Nation of Israel. Because of her distinct beauty and personality, she was chosen from thousands of other single women to marry the King, Xerxes. When a threat came upon the people group of the Jewish Nation from Haman, it fell upon Esther to go before her husband and ask him to spare her people. The timing of Esther’s life was so specific; if she had lived in another time, if she had been older or younger, she may not have been chosen as a wife to Xerxes. Even thinking that she had an aesthetic, a personality, and features that were to the liking of the King, all these seemingly insignificant facets played a role in her calling and life. In the same way, we have been fashioned by God with a purpose, calling, and role on this planet for a more significant reason than we may even realize.

Don’t Mask the Real You

When it becomes clear that it is what makes us different or unique that sets us apart, we have two options in this life: we can shade or hide those differences, place them as something to be ashamed of, or we can brightly share them with others knowing they are a gift. Consider the message of Matthew 5:14-16, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

You hold within you a light unlike anyone else, and it is one God Himself bestows. When you accept Jesus as Savior, His Light also abides within you, and that which you shine before others reflects Him and all that He made you to be. When you hide that light and shade it from fear of the response of others, you then dim His glory. The real you does not need to be masked or hidden, but shared with great joy so that others may see His light through you as a vessel.

Inner Confidence

To properly shine such a light without fear, a necessary confidence must be embraced. True confidence is standing as you are without the need of approval from anyone. In a way, it is saying, “I am glad to be me, even if no other man is offering me approval or esteem.” True confidence is rooted in knowing that you belong to Christ, and He defines your worth, joy, stability, and acceptance of yourself. To enter such confidence, you must shed the judgments cast upon you by others, the words that made you question the truth. This is rarely a quick or overnight journey, but it is possible with the help, healing, and hope of the Holy Spirit Himself. Ask God to help you in this journey, find what He says of you in Scripture, and wear it as if it was written upon your skin, and let the only opinion that really holds value to you be that of God Himself. When you find your footing on Christ and not the loose sands of man, it is there that you can walk in authentic inner confidence.

Be Quirky

CS Lewis once said, “Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: 'What! You too? I thought I was the only one.” We often attempt to lessen or shy away from sharing our quirks, interests, or weird little traits in fear that we will not find anyone else who shares in that esteem or regard, but there is beauty when we do. Instead of holding back your idiosyncrasies, approach the matter with a heart of curiosity; who else might share in this with me? What friendships or relationships could develop from me sharing this part of my heart? What could go well if I shared my true, one-of-a-kind self with the world? It may surprise you just what could go right in your life when you stop trying to pretend that you are someone you are not.

Let God Author Your Story

What is most important in embracing what makes you unique is that you stop trying to hold the pen in your own life. God knows you better than you even know yourself. He made you and knows what is best in timing, direction, refinement, and specification of your life. It is such a human desire to have control over our lives, but the truth is even when we think we have control, we do not. Instead of trying to control everything, let God write your story and hold the pen. God knows what we do not, and it is in and through Him that He can do exceedingly and abundantly more than all we could ask for, imagine, or dream up (Ephesians 3:20). When you start trusting the Creator that He knows best it and walking out in that peace that you find His ways really are the best of all.

The journey of self-acceptance and embracing that which makes you unique takes time, and it is something that grows with time. It is such a gift that in this time here on earth, you can come to know the Creator and all He made you to be over the span of years. Ask God to reveal more about yourself, who you were made to be, and how you can join with Him to live out your purpose in fullness.

Cally Logan is an author and US History teacher from Richmond, Virginia. Her works have been featured on "The 700 Club Interactive" and Christine Caine's "Propel Women," among several notable outlets. She served as a mentor for young women for several years and enjoys challenging ladies to develop deeper relationships with God and to live fearlessly and authentically. She received her B.A. Degree from Regent University. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time in nature, having genuine chats over coffee, and woodworking. Her new book, The Wallflower That Bloomed, will be available everywhere on May 1, 2024. It is set to be featured in Jesus Calling and on The 700 Club on May 28, 2024. @CallyLogan Instagram CallyLogan.com