“Try not to become a copy of someone else. Not even a perfect copy. Originals are always honored over duplicates.” Author Unknown
Happy Monday!
I hope your weekend was fantastic! Celebrating dads and grads is a customary tradition in June, as we welcome summer and prepare for the warmer months ahead. Well, if you’re in the northern hemisphere, that is. Many of you are in the throes of winter and are getting the fires burning and tea cozies warming in the southern hemisphere. I’m more of a cold-weather person myself. Sometimes, I wish I could switch hemispheres when it gets too hot on one side of the world. Who knows. Maybe one day, I’ll be following the winter frosts like some of you follow the summer heat!
Something was brought to my attention this week that was a little troublesome, and I wanted to share some thoughts with you today. It’s about imitation. There’s an old adage that states imitation is the best form of flattery, which I think is appropriate in many instances. In other cases, however, copying can really be rather annoying.
On one side of the coin, we can feel honored, in a way, that someone thinks enough of us, our styles, or our mannerisms to attempt to imitate us. There’s a feeling of accomplishment and maybe a bit of pride when this happens. It’s as though we did or said something profound and replicable.
When we look at the other side, though, it can feel like we’re being mocked or held in low regard. This is particularly true when someone else attempts to represent our ideas and plans as their own. It can be very frustrating as we fight to protect the integrity of our thoughts and actions, or feel we have to be on the defensive for justified and earned recognition.
Take, for example, someone with whom we’ve shared ideas and plans. We do this with the best of intentions and to build relationship. Then, that person takes our blueprint and tries to pawn it off as their own. We’re justifiably incensed, but the damage is done, and we can’t reclaim those plans because they’ve been credited to the other person. It can be infuriating, to put it mildly.
Here’s the reality, though. Most often, originals are highly prized, and when found, the knockoffs are devalued and usually discredited. Even well-executed copies are eventually found out, and the original becomes more highly prized. This is true of our unique personalities and characteristics, as it is with art and other treasures.
And speaking of uniqueness, we are each designed to be special in our own ways. We have gifts and talents that no one else has. We have personalities, capabilities, and capacities that were created just for us. We don’t need to impersonate someone else because we can’t replicate their actions the same way they do, nor can they make the same impact that we can with the things unique to us. It’s all a matter of perspective vs. perception.
Here’s a quote I found:
I love that last part because it’s precisely what I’ve been writing about. Originals are prized! And the notion is backed up by Scripture. Let me share a couple of verses:
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.” Psalm 139:12-13 (NIV)
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful, and my soul knows that very well.” Psalm 139:14 (EHV)
“Aren’t two sparrows sold for a small coin? But not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father knowing about it already. Even the hairs of your head are all counted. Don’t be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows.” Matthew 10:29-31 (CEB)
As we go about the tasks of daily life this week, let’s take some time to be intentional about understanding our uniqueness and purpose in life. Let’s also be slow to react to others’ insecurities and quick to offer them grace, even when it’s frustrating or annoying. Each of you is a specific and intentional iteration of the genius of the Creator. Let’s celebrate what makes us special!
Be Well & Be Blessed!
Lucinda
