Today’s Strong Girl post is written by friend and fellow author, Elaine Stock.
Can you see her? She’s the kindergartener reading a book in the corner because a speech impediment tossed bricks between her and the ability to make easy friends. She’s the one whose mom pushed her into awkward social situations that made her feel as if she were an elephant balancing on a tightrope while she watched her mom seclude herself behind a closed door. She’s the serious one, yet a dreamer, the one who writes stories. She’s the one who clung to God even before she understood the full meaning of faith.
She’s me. And I used to struggle with being what others typed as “different.”
The red and gold bracelet shimmy down her arm
The ankle bells clanks and rings
She hears music and dances steps that calm
Closing her eyes to life’s stings.
Others laugh
They tease, they taunt
They think they’re cool, but they’re only half
If they really had it all, they wouldn’t have to flaunt.
She hears the One who loves her so much
Her confidence isn’t dependent on the cruel
Her esteem, rather, comes from Him who has her in His clutch
She learns to love the others, but lives on His fuel.
(© Elaine Stock)
It’s taken me many years to learn that it’s okay to be me. Really, I’m not a bad person. Not freaky. Don’t mess with drugs or drink. I do no harm to others. I admit to owning a few quirks, but nothing in the too-seriously-weird category.
What I’ve come to realize the past decades of my life is that everyone—without an exception—is singular, as well as we should be. God created each of us in His image, but like each kitten with patches and zigzag stripes or like each snowflake that falls, we are all unique. If we obey God’s words, then our individuality is very okay.
The popular singer, Taylor Swift, recently said, “Maybe you’re not meant to fit in. Maybe you’re supposed to stand out.” Yay, Taylor! What a bold statement from someone in today’s times who is pressed to be outrageous, but instead is creating her own way and is enjoying each day.
Be true to yourself. Be a good person. Believe in the One who created you with an expressed purpose. You won’t go wrong.
Rejoice in the good stuff. Ignore any discouragement.
Author Bio:
Elaine Stock never expected that a college major in psychology and sociology would walk her through the see-saw industries of food service and the weight-loss business; co-ownership with her husband in piano restoration; and ten years in community leadership. All great fodder for creating fiction.
In the spring of 2011 Elaine placed in the Semi-finals category in the ACFW Genesis Contest for her novel WALK WITH ME. In 2013 she received the honor of My Book Therapy’s Frasier Bronze Medalist award for NO GOING BACK. And in 2014 she was blessed with the news that her short story IN HIS OWN TIME won the People’s Choice Award in the FamilyFiction Contest and will be published in a printed anthology. Her short story, THE FOREVER CHRISTMAS GIFT is about to be released in CHRISTMAS TREASURES: A COLLECITON OF SHORT STORIES.
Elaine’s blog, Everyone’s Story has been graced by an awesome international viewership. She hosts weekly interviews and reflections from published authors, unpublished writers, and readers who share inspirational stories. Its viewership is dedicated to “Readers, Writers, and All Those In-between.”
You can connect with Elaine at:
Website/blog: Everyone’s Story elainestock.com
Twitter http://www.twitter.com/ElaineStock
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AuthorElaineStock
Comments 14
Karla, thank you so very much for hosting me and letting me share my thoughts. I can only pray that it will help to encourage the young at heart, regardless of age.
I love that quote: Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.
Wonderful Elaine… as always. You nailed it! I can so feel your heart…I too was ‘That Girl’…the alone, different one… still am…God has always been a constant with me too… and because of Him and His endless love … I’m ok with me… In fact I rejoice in WHO HE created me to be… Thanks for putting it all into lovely poetic prose…you are the best!!
I’m cheering you! Wow what a powerful post! LOVE IT!
Thanks, Diana. I truly appreciate the feedback. I tend to pour my heart out at times and hope it all makes sense.
Elaine,
What a wonderful story that many will relate to. I love your line, “She’s the one who clung to God even before she understood the full meaning of faith.” I can so relate to that!
Many blessings,
Wanda S.
Thanks, Wanda. You’re a blessing to me.
Thank you for sharing! My motto is “Why be normal?” Normal is boring!
Nancy, thanks for visiting. You’re so right!
What a lovely post, Elaine! And the poem…so very powerful. Thanks for sharing, my friend. ~Hugs~
Oh, Mary, I’m so delighted to see you here on Karla’s blog. Thanks for helping to make my day wonderful. Hope your granddaughters will grow with confidence!
Great post, Elaine! So glad God put you in my life.
Connie, I think you just zapped my headache away! Thanks for visiting Karla’s pretty amazing blog. Thanks for the cyber hug–and right back at you, my friend.
Elaine,
I think as we grow older we realize this more and more – God created us to be one of a kind, each one unique. Thanks for sharing such a heartfelt post.
Yes, I agree, Cynthia. That’s why I am always in awe of a girl or young woman who faces the world with a confidential smile. They can learn from us; we a learn from them.
Thanks for visiting Karla’s blog.