Can we stop being who we are not-
- Michelle Dean
- Jul 1, 2016
- 3 min read
One of my favorite stories is Stellaluna by Janell Cannon. Stellaluna is the story of a bat who desperately tries to fit in to a situation, even though it means being something she isn't. I don't mean that she “rolled with the changes” (my respects to REO Speedwagon) ; I mean that she goes against her "batty" nature. Flying during the day, eating worms, and sleeping arrangements are confronted. Basic concepts of Stellaluna's persona are challenged and changed by the establishment--in this case, Momma Bird. In the end, Stellaluna must decide whether to be true to her nature or live a life that is better suited to others.
This is a common theme in literature. My children’s favorite scene in the movie, The Lion King, is when the baby lion king Simba eats grubs while singing, “Hakuna Matata” with his two friends: a meerkat and a warthog. Again, we see someone acting differently than he or she is created to be. When we find a common theme in literature, it is because it is a common thread in humanity. We change in order to fit in with others. We change to order to please those in our circle. We change in order to deal with hurt or shame. We change.
Only when we look closely at our schools and jobs, our churches and stores, our kitchens, and our mirrors, will we will observe our tendency to be what we are not:
The student or employee who plays down her smarts because she does not want the reputation of being a brainiac or a gifted individual.
The one who continues to purchase "the item" so that others won't realize how severely she has lived beyond her means.
The one who plays down her success so that others will not be forced to look at their own lack thereof.
The woman who wraps herself in loose or masculine clothing because her curves, her bones, or her cuts might be exposed.
Where is the balance between healthy growth manifested by change, and bondage manifested by chains--I mean change? After all, the cliche that the definition of insanity is "doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results' is a cliche BECAUSE it resonates truth. Or, the well traveled "If you want to change some things in your life, you've got to change some things in your life" is worn because it is validated by life experiences. But who decides what and why changes occur?
Perhaps it goes back to the what and why and, additionally, the when. Are changes made because we are restless to see His purpose fulfilled in our lives or other’s purposes for our life? Are changes made because we are releasing ourselves from the chains of past regrets or because we are adding additional links to the bondage of remorse? Today as my family and friends come beside me to launch this new season of my life, I invite you to join me in examining both who you are and what you do ... will you join me in flying, even it it means being like Stellaluna and flying in different ways and at different times?
Are you ready to be yourself?
The talented David Dunn says it all in his youtube video, "Ready to Be Myself", from his album Crystal Clear, available now where you buy music:
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