My Life as a PK: The Perfect Misfit

Hey! Welcome back to Mahalia’s Inspirations. 

Have you ever tried to put a puzzle piece in a spot that looked fit but wouldn’t? Or what about a key that looks like it should fit a door knob but doesn’t open. That’s what it was like growing up as a preacher kid. I didn’t fit in with my peers and other church peers. There was always this unspoken expectation of being the example of “perfection.”

Naturally,  children, as we grow up in our pre-teens and into our young adult years, we are trying to find our place in our world. So, we get involved in clubs, sports, and social groups because we want to fit in. We all want a place where we are not outcasted. I never felt like I fit in in school. I was the quiet kid, and on top of that, I was the quiet church kid. I couldn’t do what other kids do, and growing up, I didn’t understand why I felt different and thought differently than my peers. Some of it was how my parents raised me, but I acknowledge that God has set me apart from a very early age. 

When you’re set apart for God's purpose, there will always be something different about you. And people may even say it. So you won’t fit in, no matter how hard you try; when God has his hands on you, it means you are unique, and he has a job for you to do.  Many times growing up, I desperately wanted to be like other kids, talk, walk, and dress like them, but there was always something inside of me that said it’s okay to be different; it’s okay to be Christian. Why are you trying to fit in with the world? What is it that you are seeking? When I asked myself those questions, I realized I was seeking validation from the wrong attention. But it’s normal, and it happens to all of us. As I developed my relationship with Christ, He began to strip me of my old identity and my ways of thinking, changing my talk and my clothing, and gave me the acceptance that I was looking for in other things. 

I was the perfect misfit, like the puzzle that didn’t quite fit; I would never fit in with those crowds because God knew my heart and future. He said okay, try it out, but you will see that it is not for you. Until I realized who I was in God, I stopped trying to be trendy and stopped trying to compromise my beliefs and values because of acceptance that genuinely doesn’t matter.

I embraced the path of finding what makes me happy, finding people and places that accept me for me without expectations. I found the lane that works just for me. 

 So, I want to encourage someone trying to find their place in this big world. You tried to fit in some good areas and places, but there was something off about it, or it wasn’t quite a good match. You’re a perfect misfit; you are designed to create your lane, and when you accept that, the faster brighter days will come. It doesn't have to be lonely if you just hold on for a little bit and don't compromise who you are for the approval of people or status just because you want to be valued. God values you and loves that you're different, that you shine bright in a dark world. The right people, places, and resources will open for you. You’re an unique puzzle piece in the bigger picture of God’s plan. So you’re not going to fit with every spot that looks like you belong, but know that it will take a few different tries until you find the right place. 

I hope you enjoyed this blog, and stay blessed until next time.

Love,

Mahalia💛💛