Do you remember the story of The Ugly Duckling, by Hans Christian Anderson? He thought he was ugly, because he was bigger, clumsier and looked so different from the others. He was really a swan, though no one knew.
As time passed, and after many adventures, including some misadventures, he grew and developed into a beautiful creature. He could hardly believe it when he saw his reflection. Much to his surprise he found out he was not a duck at all but a graceful swan.
NO UGLY DUCKLINGS
Don’t we see similar things happening in the world today? Often those who are in the minority of any particular place feel like they don’t belong. Or others treat them as if they are somehow lower down on the social strata. Preference is given to those who are deemed worthy by a certain system or a self appointed judge.
But in reality every person in this world is created in the image of God.
When God created the world and all that is in it, He made sure there was a lot of diversity. There is so much beauty from the tiny creatures unseen by the naked eye to awe-inspiring mountains or waterfalls. Creation includes an almost innumerable amount of creatures and vegetation, all in varying colors, textures and shapes.
WE ARE ALL LIKE THE SWAN
God’s crowning beauty was the human being. He made each one of us in His image, yet we are all unique. There is much diversity but no group is more important than another. Each of us is beautiful in our own way.
Different is not ugly. Instead, we should celebrate the diversity.
Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NIV)
He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.
There is beauty in every one of us. We each have a place and we all need opportunities to grow and develop into the people God has has called us to be. Whether artists, musicians, writers, teachers, homeowners, renters, parents, children, old, young – all can be beautiful right where we are, just like the swan in the story.
This is Day 6 of #write28days, and the word prompt is swan. You can find other posts in my #write28days series by clicking HERE.
I’m linking up with: #LMMLinkup, #Let’sHaveCoffee, #porchstories, #HeartEncouragement, #Grace&Truth
Dear Gayl,
I love this beautiful post about the amazing diversity and uniqueness in God’s creation! What amazing thoughts, to think that each one is made and created to show forth HIS beauty! I remember identifying with that story of the ugly duckling when I was young, and I still do so often. But I miss the wonder if I forget about the ending! God creates the swans that no one else sees. How precious. He is so full of love for each one of us. Thank you for sharing these beautiful words tonight! Blessings, love, and hugs my Dear Friend! xoxo
Dear Bettie,
Thank you so much for your comments and encouragement. I used to identify with the ugly duckling, too, but God has shown me that I am His beloved daughter and we are all beautiful in His sight. Many blessings to you, dear Bettie, with much love! xoxo
The book sounds excellent! I love how you tied everything together—we are, indeed, all equally valuable and precious to God.
It is an excellent book written from the heart. As I was writing my post I realized how that book fit together so nicely with the post and I had just gotten it in the mail that day! Blessings to you, Anita!
Just beautiful Gayl! I often feel like the ugly duckling and I appreciate the reminder that we are created in God’s image so we’re meant to be swans!!! A message the world needs today! (And obviously I needed it too!😊)
Thank you, Cindy. Yes, it’s easy to look at others and think we aren’t as pretty, etc., but in God’s sight we are all beautiful! Blessings to you!
I really enjoyed this post, Gayl! I hope you continue to inspire others through your words, photos, and art!
Thank you so much, Jolina! I’m glad you visited my blog. Blessings to you!
Beautiful! I love your art and sketching!
XO
Tammy, thank you so much for your encouragement! I’m glad you like my art. 🙂 Blessings to you! xoxo
God created so many wonderful things for us to enjoy each and every day. We are His creation, therefore we are beautiful. We are all different and have unique talents given to us by Him.
Yes, so many wonderful and beautiful things! I’m glad God put so much diversity into His creation, including in people. Blessings to you!
“There is beauty in every one of us.” So true, Gayl. Even if we might struggle sometimes to see it in ourselves. We can be thankful that God loves us all the same and has revealed a huge diversity in how He created each one of us and the world around. Cara Meredith’s book sounds like a really interesting and revealing read. Thanks for sharing about it here. May you revel in being precious and uniquely lovely yourself. Blessings, love and hugs! xoxo
I think many of us struggle with seeing the beauty in ourselves, but I’m glad God doesn’t struggle with it. 🙂 Joy, thank you so much for your sweet encouragement and your friendship! Blessings, love and hugs to you, too, my dear sister! xoxo
I have been praying for a young man who is a missionary, he contracted malaria, been in the hospital close to five months, the swan prompt was the day before, his mother posted an update. And it was a picture of Jesse feeding a swan. I told her about the post and replied that maybe a lot of us have been going through an ugly duckling time and we we are about to become beautiful swans. Made in His image.
Oh, Rebecca, how timely! I know you were a great encouragement to them. Yes, we are all made in God’s image. Blessings to you!
This is so powerful. There are so many conversations from so many perspectives that need to happen on race and differences in general. Yet, they do not happen because of statements said in ignorance that offend in both sides. As a black female with a white husband, we are able to have tons of discussions but not without passion at times. May a God continue to heal the division one relationship/friendship at a time. #Grace&Truth
Thank you for your encouraging comment, Brittany. Yes, you are right, we need to have more and more conversations, even if they are uncomfortable, if we are to move forward. I have to share with you what Quanny Ard shared on a facebook live conversation with Cara Meredith. She said something like there is only one heaven – not a black one and a white one – so we’d better get it figured out. And that is so true. All believers are part of the same diverse family of God and it is so beautiful I join you in your prayer that God will continue to heal one relationship/friendship at a time. With His help it can be done! Blessings and love to you, Brittany! xo
Thank you so much for highlighting the book, Gayl …and for your kind words. In this with you!
You are welcome, Cara! I believe your book needs to be read by everyone. I’m glad we’re in this together. Blessings and love to you, dear Cara! xo
You are a woman full of talent. And, I pray your JOY is as full!!!
Dear Susan,
You are such an encourager! Thank you so much for your prayers and your constant message of hope! Blessings and love to you! xo