I’ve never really felt like I fit in. Despite my mostly failed attempts at being accepted and having the approval of different people, groups, social circles, and various roles I’ve desired, a common theme that’s followed me since I was a child was not feeling accepted or approved of. I often felt suffocated. Overlooked. Inadequate. Insecure. Undervalued. Even within my own family sometimes. Whenever I sensed someone didn’t like, accept, or approve of me, I made it my mission to try and win them over. I went along with things I questioned. Stayed in relationships or roles or environments I felt out of place in. Hid parts of myself I wanted nothing more than to be open with. Was filled with shame about being myself vs. who and what other people said I should be. And when and while rejected, I was met with isolation and ridicule. And once upon a time, other people’s approval once mattered more to me than my own. Inside, I felt plagued and occasionally wrestled with the question, Am I enough? My attempts to “fit” meant not being myself. I’d like to say that I grew out of it, but now, at 28, I’m learning that you don’t need anyone’s approval or acceptance to be who you are. God didn’t create us to seek the approval or acceptance of others or to be what others want us to be. He doesn’t do cliques or favorites. He doesn’t exclude. He’s also not into people being something they’re not. Romans 2:11 reads, “For God does not show favoritism.” If you follow my blog, then you may quickly gather that I’m not a conventional Christian. It’s possible to draw others to Christ without being controlling, obnoxious, or using fear tactics. One of the reasons I started Making Waves was to build a platform to create change. A table where believers and nonbelievers can sit. To heal. To learn. To grow. To challenge convention (especially conventional Christians and Christianity), to encourage and inspire others, and be a voice for those afraid to speak up and share their stories. I believe most people want to be liked and approved of, but the reality is that there’s always going to be someone who doesn’t like or approve of you. There’ll also always be groups, organizations, and people who will work overtime to exclude you, not support you, get offended without valid reasoning, and make you feel as if you don’t belong. You will be okay as long as you know who you are. Always. It’s massively corny wasting time being someone/something you’re not and seeking acceptance or approval from people who don’t embrace you as you are. If this has happened to you and appears to be a common theme in your journey, celebrate! It’s a sign that God has an extraordinary calling on your life. Step into the spotlight. It may feel lonely, odd, and uncomfortable at first, but you’ll begin moving differently when you stop seeking approval or acceptance. You’re going to go much further and higher than those who don’t and won’t accept or approve of you. Get ready. It. Will. Happen. God may be grooming you right now for what His version of extraordinary will be for you. The disapproval of others will push and strengthen you. From experience, I know that the grooming process can and will feel difficult and discouraging sometimes, but you’ve got this. You’ll also need to be very careful too. As God lifts you, there will be a lot of people suddenly trying to connect with you, many, with ulterior motives. Especially those who wouldn’t accept you at first. These types are often opportunistic and potential users. If they weren’t accepting or approving of you from jump street, their sudden interest in you may be questionable. Be on guard. If God’s anointed you to change the game understand that a lot of people won’t receive you. At least not at first. The disapproval of people sets the stage for Him to move. He already knew you wouldn’t be accepted or approved of by certain people and places. Withstand the grooming stage and flex. He is enough. And you, dear reader, are enough too. What will you do with what He’s given you?