One definition of original is “a person whose ways of thinking or acting are original.” (Dictionary.com). As a young girl that definitely was not me. I remember a co-worker who wore headphones, so I copied her and wore headphones. Mind you her headphones were small and neat, mine were big and bungling and kept slipping off my head. Another co-worker dressed stylishly so I copied her style of dress. A friend at the time told me I had no identity. I cried. But he was right. Back then there was nothing original about my thinking or acting.
One thing I thought was original about me: my personality. Not in a good way though. You see, I have a timid personality. A personality that allows people to manipulate me. I always wished my personality was different. But thinking like that flies in the face of God because he created me his masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10). As I reflect on my life I’ve seen where God defended and vindicated me on occasions when my naivete revealed itself.
The other day an officer pulled me over for driving down a one-way road. Mind you, I’ve driven down that road countless times without seeing a sign or getting pulled over. When she asked why, I told her I didn’t know it was one-way. “You’re wrong!” she barked. I could tell she was gearing up for a confrontation, but I stared at her silently. She asked for my driver’s license and insurance and I handed them over without any fuss. “Pop your horn! Wipers!” I complied both times.
She walked some distance with my documents and pulled out her traffic ticket printer. I sat patiently waiting for my ticket. Suddenly she returned my documents saying, “Don’t do it again, Ma’am.” No ticket was issued. Surprised, I carefully put away my documents and then drove off.
Later, as I reflected on the incident I was reminded of God’s words in Exodus 14:14: “The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.” No doubt if I had objected or pleaded for leniency, I would’ve received a ticket. I believe God intervened on my behalf.
While some of my friends and family berated me for allowing people to “walk all over me,” the Lord has fought for me every time. I now embrace my original personality. It works for me, for God is always with me.
This post is part of the weekly Five Minute Friday link-up for the prompt, Original.
Photo By: Kaboompics.com: from Pexels.
