Friday, January 9, 2009

What Do You Do When You Are Weird & You Know It?

The other day it dawned on me how strange I must appear to everyone around me. I am weird, I openly admit it. I weave, do artsy strange things. I also dress weird. Yesterday it hit me about how others perceive me. I was walking to the van to drive to the bus stop when I looked at my reflection in the van door. Here I was in my camo knit pants that I mainly ware to sleep in but occasionally ware around the house. I had on my fuzzy slippers, a sweatshirt with a polar vest over it and toting my knitting bag. Wow, it made me jump.

I don't dress like everyone else, I kind of have my own sense of style. I march to a different beat. I have this sinking suspicion that I will be the mom who goes to pick up her kids at school and they will be like "Is that your mom dude?" "Oh no, that's my aunt twice removed from my dad's second uncle." So what do you do? I have always been weird. I was Cowgirl Rodeo queen when it wasn't cool. I was Science Fair winner when that wasn't cool. I was weaving and spinning my own wool when that wasn't cool (now it is!). God made me unique and a bit odd for a reason. I would some day like to know why but for now knowing He created me to be this way will have to do. Maybe I just bring a smile to His face with my crazy ideas and fashion ensembles.

 I don't know but it's hard because as much as I have wanted to change myself to fit more into society I realize I don't want to change. I like me and I like being weird. So I ask you the question what do you do when you are weird and you know it? Do you feel like you fit in this world or do you feel like an outsider? If you are different do you want to change or like how God made you? I think it would be one dull world without us weirdo's, don't you! :)

13 comments:

Natalie said...

I have never, ever thought of you as weird. That has never crossed my mind. I've always thought you were a fascinating person that I'd like to get to know better.

Now does that make me weird too?

Tiffany said...

You're right, you're weird. I just love it. And I love you.

And Natalie you're weird too and I think you're great.

I want to be weird.

After His Heart said...

I love "true to yourself" kind of people. The ones who aren't interested in conforming. Who wants to be a cookie like every other cookie? I'm glad you're a one of kind! I love the "cookie" you are, unique, not another like you.

Anyways, I'm interested in your heart not your clothes, what you do, why or how you are different. It so matches my "Papa's" and that makes me feel good all over.

Kelli said...

Babe, you've just always been ahead of your time, that's all. You did stuff because you liked it, not because everybody else was doin' it. You dress the way you want to, not because somebody famous dresses that way too. You are a trend-setter not a trend-follower and I LOVE that about you. You are interesting. Like Nat said, you make people want to know you-you draw them in. And in a few years, when all the moms look the same at your kid's school, their friends will be like, "Woah, Dude, is that your Mom" and they will nod theri heads at their friend's jealousy.

You are wonderfully crafted and I'm just glad that I get to know you. Honestly.

Hands-Free Heart said...

I've always liked your "style". And I'm definitely weird, yet I think of any weirdness you have as being in a "cool" kind of way... like Classic Mama said, I think your kids' friends would be a little jealous.

As far as my own weirdness goes, I personally get trapped inside the trying to fit in and not be too weird, or not understanding how to accept my weirdness.

Melissa said...

Not weird. Cool. Very cool.

Now, if you showed up to the bus stop with your underwear on OVER your camo pants I'd be a little concerned......

Anonymous said...

I always find interesting that so many people in our culture say they want to be an individual or they want to make a statement...and then when they do so, the statement they make is a copy of a statement that so many others have already made, and the individuality that they claim to find is defined by a group of many others that they "fit in " with.

You - yes, you are different. And the fact that you know it and don't want to change is what makes the individuality and creativity so much more of a blessing to God's Kingdom because it's who HE created you to be.

Beautiful Grace said...

"Do you feel like you fit in this world or do you feel like an outsider?" I've felt like an outsider since I've been a little girl and still do. In my youth, I had a strong desire to be like everyone else, BUT God has NOT designed you, me or any of His kids that way!!! We are unique creations, each of us created to be vessels which carry His glory. Accepting and loving myself for who He made me to be has caused a freedom to be birthed. I absolutely can't stand to be in an environment where who I am must be muted in order to fit in with the status quo. That is not the legacy God has for His sons and daughters!

If you are different do you want to change or like how God made you? Absolutely not!!! One of my main purposes in life is to discover the woman that Jesus created and be that woman in every environment, no matter the consequences!!!

My change of heart was supernatural. About six years ago, I awoke to the singing of angels and the relization that I no longer despised myself, but actually loved the woman who God created me to be. The experience was so beautifully intense that I didn't want to move, breath or even blink my eyelids, because I didn't want it to stop.

This long response is to encourage you and anyone else who reads this to be who He created you to be!!! Whether the world calls us weird or not, on this earth, it's the best place to be.

PressingIn said...

I think if you're weird, it's like a pair of comfortable jeans. You wear them well and you're comfortable in them. You most definitely "wear" the person that God made you, well. (That was probably a weird analogy--which makes me weird too!:)

I actually think that you're so incredibly cool...what a great girl to know!! :) And I would bet anything that your boys are so proud to have you as their mom. And that your knight is so proud you're his wife.

I am proudly weird. It's much easier to just be comfy in who Christ made us to be than to try and conform (which we're not supposed to do!) to the world. Sure, my 10 year old may not think that it's the "coolest" thing right now that I can armpit fart better than some men. But I'm cool with that. Some have the skills and some don't. :)

Wasn't that weird? :)

Promises said...

I never really thought of you as weird - you are unique, and I think that is great. From teaching in a high school for 7 years, I have seen many things - styles of clothes, hair, piercings, tattos, etc. - and I feel that I tended to look beyond the surface to see who that person really was...I felt that I had to as a teacher, but I think that I always did that as a person.

I don't really know what "weird" necessarily is!

I have to say that I do not like "cliches" - I never cared to be part of the "popular" people. I do know that the only person that I really need to please is the Lord - He made me who I am, and I am still discovering all of the giftings and talents that He put in to me.

So, dress however you feel comfortable - other people might not feel comfortable wearing what you do or doing what you do, but that is okay, b/c the Lord made them who they are! :)

Krazy Klingers said...

I have never thought of you as weird but cool. I have secretly wanted to be like you on so many levels! So whatever you are doing... keep it up! You rock the roll!

Mrs. C said...

I would never describe you as weird but I do understand the sentiment behind your words.

There are many times that I have felt different or that it just didn't matter, I wasn't made to fit in. I wouldn't change the choices I've made and really, I like who I am. But there are plenty of times where I've wanted to cry out "Why? Why did you make me this way?!? Why can't I just be like everybody else?"

And this quote from Max Lucado's You Are Special book helps to summarize where I find my peace/comfort.

Eli stooped down and picked him up and set him on the bench. "Hmmm," the maker spoke thoughtfully as he looked at the gray dots. "Looks like you've been given some bad marks."

"I didn't mean to Eli. I really tried hard."

"Oh, you don't have to defend yourself to me, child. I don't care what the other Wemmicks think."

"You don't?"

"No, and you shouldn't either. Who are they to give stars or dots? They're Wemmicks just like you. What they think doesn't matter, Punchinello. All that matters is what I think. And I think you are pretty special."

Punchinello laughed. "Me, special? Why? I can't walk fast. I can't jump. My paint is peeling. Why do I matter to you?"

Eli looked at Punchinello, put his hands on those small wooden shoulders, and spoke very slowly. "Because you're mine. That's why you matter to me."


And I continue to allow him to paint on my canvas, asking Him to sign His name...

Amelia Antwiler said...

Well -- without reading the other comments -- I'd just have to ask -

Who defines what's normal?

I'm 35 and just coming into an identity I didn't know I could have. Embracing my inner hippie, as it were. But It's because I know who I am in Christ...

And that's what's important.
Who you are in Christ. If you're kids like who you are in Christ - then they're gonna be "Yep! Dude. My mom rocks!"

So you're peculiar. In the world but not of it. Above and not beneath. I think I've read this some where....

If you're weird and ya know it -- clap your hands!! *clap* *clap*

Love ya, soul sister!