In a setting where being different is rarely nurtured or encouraged, the sign stood bold and bright. The message was direct, no confusion possible. The message was a call to action, even in a setting where no action was expected. Each time I see it I am reminded of the lessons which apply to my day.
Everyone has a beginning. One comes from the right or wrong side of the tracks. One is born into wealth or the opportunity to earn you way. One is born into ease or a struggle. The irony is this, regardless of our beginning, everyone has a natural ability to construct a hell of their own creation that s/he will live in.
It is easy to believe our beginnings make us special. In the desire to stand tall, I recall grasping anything that made me feel superior. I needed my confidence. Over time, I experienced the reality of an old message. “So where does that put us? Do we Jews get a better break than the others? Not really. Basically, all of us, whether insiders or outsiders, start out in identical conditions, which is to say that we all start out as sinners. Scripture leaves no doubt about it:” (Romans 3.9)
The lessons I am holding tight today include the following.
My path is just that, my own. I have the freedom to be responsible and accountable for the steps I am going to take. Divinity implanted this power within you and me, it is up to us to embrace and use it. The calling is clear; Dare to be Different.
With a dark beginning, the natural path is one of continued focus on self. The first difference window in my day is the opportunity to change my ‘me’ to ‘we’. With others at the centre, I have defined my difference.
The way forward can be driven by the destination or the process. Being different is a decision that why and how I act is more important than what I do. Compassion trumps rewards. Caring leads pampering.Dare to be Different.
