One-Of-A-Kind
By Karen D’Amore
“I praise you
because I am fearfully and wonderfully made…”
Psalm
139:14 (NIV)
In
recent years, I’ve developed a fond appreciation for one-of-a-kind, handmade goods…especially
jewelry. This type of jewelry strongly contrasts with what I’ve purchased in
the past, which was mass- produced and manufactured from expensive materials
and gems. Within my growing collection of handmade pieces, one particular
necklace is among my favorites. Formed from inexpensive materials, this
particular one-of-a-kind necklace was handmade for me by a precious friend.
Knowing someone cared for me enough to create something custom made me feel
valued and loved. From a material perspective, this favorite necklace wouldn’t
be considered “valuable.” However, because of the designer’s love and unique
tailor-made design, I value this necklace beyond words.
Reflecting
on Psalm 139:14, I’m reminded that we too were each handmade, uniquely designed
by God. “Before I formed you in the
womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart…”
(Jeremiah 1:5, NIV, emphasis added). God formed each of us in a way that cannot
be replicated. He selected our personalities, established our talents and
gifts, and crafted our physical attributes and traits. Our aptitudes,
interests, temperaments and abilities are varied and distinctive. We are each
remarkably original. By divine design, we are each a one-of-a-kind!
Throughout
my life, I wrestled with dissatisfaction when comparing myself to others.
Desiring to be like them, I attempted to mimic others’ desirable attributes.
God never compares us to other people, nor does He replicate us. Considering
this, I realized it is potentially insulting to Him to be dissatisfied with the
“me” He’d so intricately handmade. As I viewed my uniqueness through the work
of His hands, I resonated deeply with Psalm 139:14 and tattooed it on my ankle.
It’s freeing to finally be able to value and embrace my individuality!
Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God’s handiwork,
created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us
to do” (NIV). Considering this, I’m impacted by another purpose for our
uniqueness. God not only created each of us to be unique, He has planned
and willed something uniquely purposeful for each of us to do! I’m awed by the realization
that in this highly diverse and competitive world… I (you) am uniquely purposed
and divinely formed to fill a place in this world that nobody else can fill…except
me (you)!
Strive
to be the original God created you
to be…valuing and celebrating your exclusivity. Compliment your Designer by
becoming the best you that you can
be for His glory. Remember, God doesn’t create junk:
You are Be-You-tiful…You are You-nique…You are a…One-of-a-Kind!
Be Yourself!
GOING DEEPER:
1. Consider… who is the YOU…God designed you to
be?
FURTHER READING:
Married
to Dan, Karen, a retired police officer, currently works as a Manicurist at
Craig Berns Salon and Foot Care Specialist at Shorehaven Senior Facility. She’s
on the Oakwood Women’s Ministry Special Events planning team.
