Authentically, Uniquely YouSample

# Embrace Your Uniqueness Did you know that even identical twins have different fingerprints and different iris patterns in their eyes? Their DNA is very similar, but not exactly the same. In the same way, there is no one else in the world exactly like you. This not only makes you unique; it also makes you very special. One-of-a-kind things are very valuable and highly sought after, and so are you. According to God’s design, no one person is precisely like anyone else—we’re all uniquely designed for a specific purpose, and that is good. The qualities that make us special benefit us and bless others in many ways, yet far too often we find ourselves discouraged by them and wishing we were like someone else. For many years, I suffered trying to be like people I admired—everyone from my husband to my pastor’s wife to my neighbor. I envied the traits I saw in them that I did not see in myself. I hadn’t yet learned that God gives each of us unique traits, but He does not give us all the same unique traits. For example, I spent years not liking my voice because it’s deeper than most female voices, and I’m often mistaken for a man when I call people who don’t know me. However, once I realized that God gave me my unique voice for His purpose, I learned to accept it and even enjoy it. The truth is, we’re all good at some things, but no one is good at everything. Accepting this is the first step toward being the authentic, real person we were created to be. And when we’re authentic, we don’t have to live to keep others happy, because we’re genuinely comfortable in our own skin and can follow our own hearts as the Holy Spirit leads us. When we’re authentic, we have no need to hide or pretend. Instead, we like who we are, and we can enjoy being at peace with ourselves, God and others. I’m praying that as you go through this study, you learn to embrace your authentic self, find freedom from comparing yourself with others, and discover the beauty of the amazing person God designed you to be. All of His works are wonderful—and that includes you! Pray: “God, thank You for creating me intentionally and loving me fully. Please help me to begin to embrace the person You made me to be so I can walk in freedom and fulfill the purpose You have for my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.”