Unique is defined as being the only one of its kind; unlike anyone else.
It means to be distinctive, individual and special.
In the first chapter of my book “Raising Godly Children”, I wrote about the importance of parental perception of their children using the example of Mary and Martha.
Many would naturally focus so much on Jesus’ statement of “Mary choosing the better part” and lose sight of the import of the silent message about the uniqueness of each individual and how we perceive that uniqueness. Jesus interestingly didn’t rebuke Martha nor advise her to be like Mary and take the ‘path’ that Mary has chosen.
He knew Mary could never be Martha, nor Mary is Martha. He saw each of their uniqueness being adequately channeled and He also saw the unique way each of them chose to express their love for him.
Mary at His feet, Martha at His service. As parents, we must be careful of our perception of each child God has given us. There are different personalities in every family.
In that family, Mary was the blues to Martha’s disco; Mary may be the one to go through life pausing to feel the rain while Martha was more likely to run from the rain before it even starts. That doesn’t mean one is right and the other is wrong, or that one child is better than the other.
Each one is a representation of the uniqueness of the gifts of God. This truth cannot be overemphasized as sometimes parents/guardians have preconceived ideas of who we want our children/wards to be and tend to favor the one(s) that show those traits.
In terms of personalities, natural inclinations, gifting and talents, we should help our children to discover themselves, to understand their uniqueness as strength and not a disadvantage.
We must help to steer them in the direction of being the best versions of themselves and not compete to be a copy of another original. Being uniquely original is better than being perfect. Every business is said to be as strong as its USP (unique selling point) so is the power of the Gods divine unique design of every human.
What I have that cannot be taken is that which God has deposited inside of me uniquely that if discovered and developed will be the game-changer for me and my world. No wonder the Bible says we are all lights and have capacities to shine in our various uniquenesses.
Every time YOU use the word ‘YOU’, remember the one YOU address has his/her own uniqueness with the capacity to change the world just as YOU do, hence endeavor to understand and relate with YOU’s personality without necessarily trying to make everyone be like YOU.
Don’t always think with the mindset of ‘right and wrong’, ‘white and black’ as everyone speaks from their standpoint and there’s plenty grey areas in between white and black.
Be YOUnique! I will like to know what you’ve discovered about your child’s uniqueness and how you are nurturing/developing his/her unique personality and abilities.
Thank you and God bless!
