From Merriam-Webster
Definition of outlier
1: a person whose residence and place of business are at a distance
2: something (as a geological feature) that is situated away from or classed differently from a main or related body
3: a statistical observation that is markedly different in value from the others of the sample
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I prefer the third.
A statistical observation that is markedly different in value from the others of the sample. Something different.
Different.
Unique.
Odd.
Weird.
No matter how you say it, the outlier is an oddball. As scary as being the oddball is, there is a great excitement that I get from doing things differently than the rest of the world. Something about standing out that makes my heart race. Why fit in when you were born to stand out? A clichè quote, but isn’t it so true! The uniqueness of each of us is what we are called to show the world. Only YOU have a certain trait that can be used by YOU, and that can be used to the greatest affect possible. Imagine a world where we are all fully embracing the gifts God has given us and actually USING them! The world would be a different place. Instead of depression we would see resurgence because encouragement would flow from our mouths into other lives. Instead of hurt there would be heart. A heart that gives and receives selflessly would absolutely shake this world up. That’s a long stretch, but it’s true! The open, honest heart is as close as we can get to relational peace between other humans. As scary as the though of TRUE honesty is– anxiety squeezes the life out of me because somebody might know the flaws I have– imagine the uncontainable peace and amazing security we could find just because we stopped hiding behind fake walls and lies that we think are necessary to fit in. I don’t know about you, but I get weary just trying to keep up with all of the little “boxes” I’m supposed to fit into.
So how do we stop “fitting in”?
Jesus.
Not just the name, but the relationship with Him. Peace comes when we seek Him out daily. Joy comes when we reflect on the amazing sacrifice He took for us. Love flows out of us when we recognize and ACCEPT the love that Jesus gave in that “while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) While we were still oppressing the love that came freely to us, He still freely gives us the love. It’s an odd paradox but man do I love it!
A true, overwhelming, grace-filled, peaceful, happiness of life washes over us when we accept the free gift of salvation. Once we know we are accepted (and accept ourselves, flaws and all) we can finally start to accept others for their true self–the self that is just dying to break free from the self conscious worry of life.
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:4-7 NIV
When we operate only by the flesh we are limited to the flesh; to the things of this world, to the finite understanding of love and the limits that should exist in our minds. But when we operate in union with God we are free to experience this peace that surpasses all understanding. It’s a complex idea in the human mind because we cannot comprehend a love that has no conditions–one that just loves no matter what I’ve done–or a peace that fills the whole body, but it’s the truth. Jesus died to give us this.
Don’t spend your days stuck in an ideological box just to realize later on that the box had no power over you and, in fact, didn’t even exist. Seek out the beauty’s of life. Give love every chance you get. Be your unique self. I promise you, it will be one of the most peaceful events of your life. Be different. Be unique. Be odd. Be weird.
Be an outlier.
run wild. live free. love strong.
SM
The Serpent Dove 