By Desiree Future

Growing up, I knew I was different because of my skin disorder and my burn scars. I stood out. Unfortunately, that was not in a good way. However, I grew to accept who God made me. Embracing not being the same as everyone made me happy to a point. As I got older, not being the same caused emotional strain because I was not treated fairly. Not wanting to be left out constantly, I tried to fit in. Do the things others were doing in hopes they would let me into their cliques or what have you.

Many years ago, someone told me I should be more like another person. At a young age, my reply was, “I don’t want to walk in anyone else’s shoes.” I’ve always been one to dance to the beat of my own drums and do things as I please.

When I did that, a few things happened I didn’t expect. My reflection in the mirror changed to someone I didn’t know or even like. In trying to find a sense of belonging, I looked to cliques for acceptance, but I endured heartache and pain instead. Without realizing it, I started walking in someone else’s shoes.

Through this unpleasant time, God showed up as He often does in times of distress. He asked me why was I trying to please someone other than Him. My brain couldn’t find an answer because there was none. The only one I should please is Him.  1 Thessalonians 2:4 NLT “Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts”

This was the day I started living for myself and looking for no one’s approval but God’s. This is the day when I smiled because no longer did I carry a burden of upsetting someone for not living up to their expectations. Or doing the things they wanted me to do. This is the day I finally freed myself from not belonging. This is the day I realized I belonged to someone and his name is Jesus, because I am a child of God.

Are you living the life you want to or living for someone else? If you’re not living for yourself, it’s time to because you only have one life to live.