They changed me. This group of young women with rainbow striped and polka-dotted personalities.
We were all best friends. We really knew each other. We were a small and closely-knit group. But it took a few years of work for us to get there. The first year was filled with discussions about how we made comparisons - how we measured ourselves based on others.
We were maybe a little tiny bit threatened by each others’ differences.
We were kinda sorta just a tad threatened by each others’ talents.
We were slightly-to-moderately insecure.
And, oh, we were so wrong.
2 Corinthians 10:12 For we are not bold to class or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves; but when they measure themselves by themselves, and compare themselves with themselves, they are without understanding.
Our leaders, in subtle but firm ways, continuously raised our awareness of these differences. Put their aged hands on our faces and slowly turned our eyes towards each others’ hearts. Made us truly see the differences for what they were:
These differences brought richness to our relationships.
These differences were ways we could love and serve one another.
These differences were the reasons why we NEEDED each other.
Romans 12:3-5 For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith. For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.
Because we loved each other, lived just a few miles a part, and served in community with one another, we had no choice but to see past our differences.
As the years went on, I began to see their differences… differently. I learned to grow from their strengths: how to frugally and creatively decorate my house, how to follow the latest trends, how to be a hostess, how to respect my husband better. I even took notes for when I might become a mom one day.
Once I embraced them, the strengths made me stronger.
I’m glad that they weren’t like me, because if they were I wouldn’t be the new and improved me that I am today. I wouldn’t be me at all.
9 responses so far ↓
@ngie // October 10, 2008 at 7:14 am
The wisdom, hope, depth and strength in this statement is staggering:
As the years went on, I began to see their differences… differently.
sarahmarkley // October 10, 2008 at 10:03 am
This is really profound, mandy.
Michelle // October 10, 2008 at 10:21 am
Oh…I had this once. It was an amazing time of learning and growing, of grace flowing.
Life changing.
Becca // October 10, 2008 at 10:56 am
Amen.
Heidi // October 10, 2008 at 10:58 am
“I’m glad that they weren’t like me, because if they were I wouldn’t be the new and improved me that I am today. I wouldn’t be me at all.”
I’m glad I know this Mandy..
She make my heart “flush” with warmth and love.
and continually makes me want more out of my life..
kristiapplesauce // October 10, 2008 at 11:30 am
Yes.
Full of Joy // October 10, 2008 at 12:29 pm
Great stuff, (just recently blogged about comparison in relation to body image)
Cyle Lewis // October 11, 2008 at 10:08 pm
All sounds vaguely familiar… Maybe I sat there on that couch.. looking at those aged hands…. It’s all coming back to me now…… THOSE days… where did they go? Where did you go? I know you went to Boston.. Theoretically speaking. The parallels of life. On a higher note I should be blogging in two weeks or so. I expect some link love!
alece // October 30, 2008 at 9:59 am
this was so good.
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