You are uniquely and wonderfully made | Columnists

You have all heard the saying, “They broke the mold when he (or she) was born.” If we were made from molds, this would be true for each one of us. We wouldn’t be number 112 among 600 models. Each of us would be number 1.

Tanya (my wife) bought a new gown and left one tag from it on her dresser. It was a fancy tag with an elaborate border, scripted words and a message. It was a fancy tag with a border and scripted words. I didn’t know what it was when I took it to work the next morning. It read, “The variations and nuances of shading and the uneven texture are what gives this garment its unique character and are not to be considered imperfections.” It got me thinking. This tag is applicable to every one of us.

God could have a similar message if each of us were born with a tag. Each of us has different shades and textures. Each of us has a unique personality that should not be mistaken for imperfections.

Who would you choose to be if you could be any person in the world? This question was asked of 51 representatives from all 50 states in an old Miss America Pageant. As I remember, around eighty percent said they would choose themselves if given the choice. First, I was proud at the high percentage of people who chose to answer themselves. Then, I started to wonder about the twenty percent who chose themselves as an answer. Based on the opportunities that lay ahead, why didn’t they choose to be themselves?

Each of us must be proud to be who we are. You are not like anyone else. It is impossible to live your life as someone else. You are only allowed to be you. We must do our best with what we have.

I sometimes feel that I should wear a sign around my neck that reads, “Work in Progress.” I know that God is not finished with me yet. I know that every day that I live, there is something I can do to make me better. This goes for everyone, not just the guy next to me.

I recently bought a framed sign that says “The world needs who you were made to be.” I agree.

I saw a framed print in a bookstore that read, “God danced the day you were born. You are loved. You are God’s gift, his possession. You are His gift of love and a gift to all men. You are his.” Wow!

You must be the masterpiece you were meant to be. And aren’t we each a masterpiece? Aren’t we each a masterpiece more spectacular that the greatest work of art that any of mankind has ever made?

We were each made by God and God doesn’t make junk!

Psalms 139:13-16 puts it best, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. You are fearfully and wonderfully designed, I praise you. I also know the wonder of your works. You saw my body when I was created in the secret location. Your eyes saw my unformed body when I was woven together in deep earth. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”

My challenge to all of you is to become the masterpiece that God created you to be. You are the first edition. Don’t waste time wishing that you were someone else. Be proud of who you are. Your individuality is important. Be yourself. You have the ability to realize your potential. You have three feet around you. Use them to your advantage. Sometimes you are all that can be controlled.

You are unique and beautifully made.

Rick Kraft, a local attorney and syndicated columnist, is the Executive Director for the Leadership Roswell Program. To submit comments, contributions, or ideas, e-mail to [email protected] or write to P.O. Box 850 Roswell NM 88202-0850