"To be one, to be united is a great thing. But to respect the right to be different is maybe even greater."

When we are young, our families teach us the golden rule. We are taught to treat others as we would want to be treated. But do we forget that as we get older? God commands us not to conform to the ways of this world.

"Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, perfect will of God." Romans 12:2 

God tells us here not to conform to the ways of the world. But I also think He is telling us not to conform to what others think of us or expect of us. Everybody is different. God created all of us differently. Whether it's a cultural difference, an economic difference, or simply maybe just a difference in keeping house. Not everybody  We shouldn't feel pressured to conform to the ways of our peers or feel guilty for doing things differently.

Close to 200 years or more ago all of our ancestors immigrated to America from somewhere else. Yet, we act like it is wrong for people today to move here from different countries. We act like they should conform to our culture. Yes, we should be able to communicate with them. But we should also encourage them not to abandon their culture. Actually why don't we go the extra mile and be willing to learn about their culture.

That is not the only cultural difference though. Cultural differences also include background differences, economical differences, and geographical differences. Geographical differences doesn't necessarily mean they are from a different country. A geographical difference could be the difference between New York and Tennessee. Or a geographical difference could just be two different parts of town. But that is still no reason to judge or look down on someone.

As a student studying to teach infants through preschoolers I know there is no chance that all the children I will teach will be the same. Does that mean I should expect them to agree with what I believe and do things exactly as I do them? No, I should respect their differences and be willing to learn about why they do things the way they do. Families should feel comfortable with me teaching their children. And, even to those children whose native country is different from mine, I should be willing to learn about their country and their home language.

Do we judge and look down on others who are different from us? Do we expect others to agree with our views? Why? We're all humans. Ever since the tower of Babble humans have spoken different languages and  shared different perceptions. By looking down on others we are not showing God's love to others. No matter where a person grew up, what kind of home life they had, what their economic status is, what their education level is, or what they believe they still deserve our respect. God created them, just as He created us. What has happened to the golden rule?

"Everything has its beauty, but not everyone sees it"

Most everybody today are very self conscious about their appearance. Media tells us today that we are supposed to look like a barbie doll or anorexic skinny. We are also told our skin has to be perfect also.

When I was growing up there a lot that was expected of me for how I was suppose to dress and look. As a preacher's kid I was expected to look perfect. I was expected to wear a dress every Sunday whether I liked it or not.When my skin started breaking out as most peoples skin does at some point in their life, a family member tried to tell me it was time for me to start wearing makeup. I had no interest in wearing makeup. To this day, at 24 years of age, I still have no interest in wearing makeup. I have no interest in makeup because I don't want to feel like I am trying to cover something up. Because I don't want to worry about beauty on the outside. God already thinks we're beautiful. Why should we have to please humans? Why should we try to live up to their standards or expectations?

"Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." Proverbs 31:30

"Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed." Psalm 34:5

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:10

" But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7

 God created us. To him, we are already beautiful. If we're good enough for God, shouldn't that be enough?
So why do we think we have to please others? Shouldn't we be confident in who we are? And not only confident in what we look like but confident in our relationship with God as well. God's opinion is the only one that matters.

Do you feel confident in your body? Do you feel beautiful? You should. God made you. Therefore you are gorgeous. God knew what you would like before your grandparents were even born. He knew if you would be tall or short. He knew how you would be built. He even knew what your insecurities would be. He made you you for a reason. You are beautiful inside and out.

 

 

"Education is the movement from darkness to light"

I started back to school after taking a year off this week. After taking a year off I feel as if I have learned a lot and grown from being out of school. I now feel like high school graduates are too young to go to college right away. That's my personal opinion. When a student graduates from high school they have no idea what they're getting into when they start college. Students that didn't have to study in high school think they can get by in college the same way they did in high school. They are in for a surprise when they realize how much of a workload is involved in college classes. Students are also more motivated to have a social life than to go to class or to study. I'm speaking from experience. I am starting my sixth year of college studying my fifth major. I struggled in high school. School didn't come easy for me. Four days after I graduated high school I started my first day of college. It didn't even sink in that I had graduated from high school. And I definitely wasn't motivated to study while studying core classes. Core classes just felt like high school all over again. I wasn't ready for college. I wasn't ready for the workload.

After taking a year off I have learned to be grateful for my education. I have finally found a course of study that I enjoy. For the first time in more than four years I am actually motivated to study. The workload is a heavy one. But it's information that I enjoy studying. An education is something to treasure and be proud of, it is not something to take lightly. Everybody has the right to earn an education. But not everybody has the means to an education. So find an area of study that you enjoy and a career that will make you excited to get up in the morning. Treasure the privilege of an education and career.