One of my favorite moments during the service was when the entire congregation took a break to exchange hugs with strangers and loved ones throughout the room as they energetically declared: "Hello! You are very special!....Nice to see you! You are very special!" and to me, the newcomer: "Welcome! You are very special!"
As I participated in this process, I thought about the words repeated around the room. Anyone could have walked in from anywhere in the world and been told by this Congregation that they were very special. Why? Not just because of the customs of this deeply open-hearted group of people, but because of the truth of the words spoken.
Every human being IS special--blessed with a unique combination of skills, talents and experiences. These differences in our perspectives give us each the power to contribute to the world on many, many levels.
From CEOs to single moms, so many of the people I coach struggle to feel worthy enough to operate at their highest potential. They often claim frustration or paralysis at "not getting what they want." But the underlying issue usually has more to do with fear that the highest quality contribution they can make is not special.
Today, I invite you to remember that everything about you is VERY SPECIAL. Your strengths and weaknesses, your successes and failures, every experience you've had and inspiration you dream of has the potential to make a positive difference in the lives of many many people.
So, go out and BE SPECIAL today. For extra points, let others know that THEY ARE SPECIAL too. And let me know how it goes.
A special thanks to Reverend Alicia Heath-Toby, Minister Jae Quinlan and Pastor Janyce L. Jackson.
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