Being Different

Different.

This word is defined as "Not alike in quality or character, differing, dissimilar, not ordinary, unusual."

I've been thinking alot about this word lately, even more so now that I'm in school and working. I was greeted just the other day at school with, "And there's Bethany and she's wearing a skirt...just like always." To some, that may have seemed to be an insult, but I thought of it as a compliment.

I enjoy being different.

The Bible says, "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord.... 2 Corinthians 6:17."

It's not hard to be different. But it IS hard to WANT to be different.

In a society filled with conformity, being different is generally frowned upon. In a world where good looks and a good body can get you anywhere, being different isn't glamorous. To some, being different means, getting a new tattoo, a new piercing, etc. But in my world, that is not at all what being different means.

This world seems to flaunt the strive for individuality all the while producing an image of perfection that people strive to attain. The latest fashions, cars, and homes are embraced without a passing glance at the price tag involved. And not all these price tags are monetary. Being the same as everyone else can take a toll on every individual involved. "Keeping up with the Jones'" seems to be the way of life, and probably will continue for a very long time.

To be different in my world would mean to break free from your comfort zone, to get a divorce from public opinion, and more importantly, to want to live your life in such a way that it is viewed as holy and acceptable unto God.

It's not always the easiest thing, as I'm sure many other Christian ladies would agree, to be the odd duck, to be the only one around that looks, speaks, acts, and dresses differently than the horde of people surrounding them.

I am not ashamed of the way I look, the way I dress, speak or act. I do the things I do because I believe they are right. They may not be right or politically correct in the sight of this world, but they are right in the sight of my Creator. And that's all that matters.

If you strive to be different, you will be. If you are content to dwell in this world and never stand or stand up, examine your heart. If you are a Christian, examine your priorities and your standards and convictions. I have challenged myself to do this very thing.

Pretty soon, I will be posting a series, "Why I Do What I Do". I will have Scriptural references for each of the things. Some of the posts will include topics such as:
Why I Wear A Skirt
Why I Obey My Parents (even thought I'm an adult)
Why I Will Not Swear
.....And so forth.


Hope you will enjoy and be blessed somehow through these.

His handmaiden,
Bethany J. Brady