Thoughts || Unique


   I don't like sewing. No, I mean, I really don't like sewing - it makes me cry. The fact of my dislike used to bother me. You see, I never really fit the typical Christian home-schooled girl mold. I had little to no interest in things like sewing, cooking, and playing violin. I found more enjoyment in drawing, writing, and playing with dogs. Now in my early twenties, I still don't fit the mold. I can cook a square meal, but don't make homemade bread. And I get out my creative juices with photography rather than making clothes. Some of you might be thinking "big deal", but those of you raised in the same kind of community that I was will understand why my uniqueness has bothered me. Maybe you have a similar story.

   To those of us who don't fit "the mold", I ask this question: What truly matters? What is something that you want to look back on at the end of your life and be glad that you didn't neglect? As believers using the Bible as our guide, it's pretty obvious - loving and serving God should be our number one goal! We have very specific ways in which to please God, such as loving others. Will the Lord look at me and say "I really wish you had been better at crocheting. Some of those other girls made entire blankets!" Instead of focusing on what we think others expect from us, let's aim to perfect our God-given strengths.

   Now, I'm not suggesting that we simply shouldn't do things we aren't interested in doing. Life skills are useful to learn. Not everyone enjoys cooking, but it's good to have basic food-prep knowledge, especially if you want to have a family. I'm also not saying that we should rebel against what the Lord has for our gender roles. What I am saying is that we shouldn't force ourselves to do things that have little life value, or try to make ourselves like things that we actually don't. When you and I try to earn brownie points with other Christians or to appease God rather than please Him we should stop and reexamine our priorities.

   Because our life purpose is to glorify God, we should realize that He made us as individuals who are able to serve Him in unique ways. If He knew all about each one of us before we were born, and formed us in our mothers wombs, then we can rest assured that He gave us our personal talents and abilities for a reason. If you take pleasure in sewing, do that for His glory. If I play an obscure folk instrument I should do that for His glory. How much more simple and beautiful our lives will be for focusing on our Lord's priorities! Let's stop, thank God for what He has gifted us with then GO DO IT!

I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well.
My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
Psalm 139:15-16

Comments

  1. So true! Thanks for sharing! :) I HATE cooking and Grandma told me recently that women 'have to like cooking' and I felt terrible. :/ I know I will have to cook someday for my family, no doubt, and I can cook, but I just don't like it. Thanks for the inspiration. You're the best!

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    1. I am so glad that you were encouraged Bonnie. It makes my day to have my prayer for this blog post answered! :)

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  2. This was really good. I identify with many aspects of this. I often have this imaginary idea of what I should look like as a Christian lady, and am often greatly disappointed with reality. I cave too often when under pressure and guilt to people please. I have often thought my gifts less important, or trifle compared to others. Only recently have my eyes been opened to see how they are gifts! Thanks for this Paige!

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    1. I'm glad you were encouraged by this! :) I'm also glad that you are learning how to appreciate the gifts
      God has given you. It can be tough, but it's worth it!

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  3. A very good reminder!! Thank you so much for this post!

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    1. You're welcome Rosalyn! Happy you enjoyed it. <3

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  4. I don't think it's a mold I think it's a stereotype, Christain homeschooled girls wear denim skirts, sew their clothes, play an instrument, cook, openly talk about God and have hair down to their behind. Not everyone fits stereotypes if they are homeschooled or not. I don't fit the stereotype; I don't really like denim dresses or skirt, my hair is short, I have never play any instrument, I a poor cook and quiet about my faith. I do like to sew, and have ever since I was young, it's part of my creative side. The side that would rather craft then cook.
    So imbrace who God made and forget about the boxes the world has made for you to "fit in"

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    1. Yes, you're probably right that it is more of a stereotype than a mold! Now, my peers have each found their own niche. When I was still in school, however, things were a lot different.
      So true that we as people make boxes for ourselves and others!

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  5. I can relate...:/
    We grew up sewing our own clothes, I HATE sewing as well, but when it has to be done, it has to be done.
    Great post!

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    1. Oh, wow! Yes, sometimes we have to do things we don't like to get through life. But it's so much easier if we have things we enjoy doing in free time!
      Thanks! :)

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  6. I have always felt like I was on the outside looking in. I don't do or wear the in things. I dress and do things I feel comfortable doing. I believe you should be the best "you" you can be.God loves us unconditionally. Do the things you enjoy to your best ability and you will be happy.Stephanie

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    1. Thanks for your insight Stephanie! :) It is good to remember God's unconditional love! Of course, God has standards that we should follow, but His are far more important than our man-made ideas. <3

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  7. Beautiful beautiful beautiful!
    To be quite frank, I also don't fit any stereotype of a Christian, homeschooled gal.
    Though now I have moved on to college, I actually still get occasional glances when I mention that I was homeschooled.
    You shared some beautiful thoughts...be blessed!

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    1. I'm glad you enjoyed this post Ashley! Hehe, we are all so truly varied, are we not? :)

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  8. I intend to learn to sew. I feel like I want to be creative. My twin sister hates sewing.
    Marilyn

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    1. That's great Marilyn, I hope you enjoy it! :) I bet your sister will find something else she likes!

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