I never knew I had a voice.....

I hate conformity, yes hate, is that too strong....isn't comformity like passivity, doesn't God hate passivity, after all he says he hates lukewarmness, he would rather we were hot or cold!!
All my life I have felt out of place, never fitting in here or there, trying to be somebody I am not, because there was always a "model" of what you should try to be like, whether it be at school, or in church life... This may not have ever been something outrightly stated, however, you were praised or applauded or looked up to if you met certain standards, or if you were a high achiever, or good at everything you put your hands to. But what about those who didn't get applauded, ever...instead they were made to feel unworthy because they couldn't measure up to that standard...... I have always been someone trying to fit in somewhere, but never could!
Now I know that conforming to what other people think you should be or think is good, normal, trendy, traditional, acceptable, etc.... is not necessary, nor is it better, nor is it freedom to be who God made you to be!! If I really thought about it I have known this all along, but the fear of man, and desire for acceptance and approval spoke louder to me than anything. Even the critiques given to me, or the "you should" statements, drowned out any chance for me to be free to speak up for myself.
Thankfully, God had an awesome plan for me, he rescued me from drowning in conformity and told me he loves ME, and he made ME just the way I am and wants ME to be free to be exactly who I am in Him and for Him!! His complete acceptance of me has set me free to speak up and say things I may never have said before, because I was afraid of what people might think of me! Now I am less and less afraid to be wrong or criticized or looked down upon, because I know God will always accept me and have wonderful thoughts about me!! Oh, and still love me even if I mess up, or royally screw up!!
God is so creative, he made us all unique, every one of us!! We could never even begin to be just like someone else, it wasn't his intent. He knit us perfectly together in our mother's womb! He made us and saw that what he made was good! Very Good!!