Friday, October 26, 2018


One-Of-A-Kind
By Karen D’Amore

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made…”

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 a Foot Care Specialist at Shorehaven Senior Facility.