Embrace Your Uniqueness: Yielding to Your Purpose in a World of Expectations

Once upon a time in a small town in Lagos, there lived a young woman named Ola. Like many others, she often felt the weight of expectations pressing down on her shoulders. Society had painted a picture of success that seemed to fit everyone but her. Friends were getting married, climbing corporate ladders, and buying houses, while Ola felt lost, wandering in a maze of uncertainty about her own purpose.

Ola spent countless nights scrolling through social media, watching others showcase their seemingly perfect lives. She often wondered if she was doing something wrong. “Why can’t I fit in like everyone else?” she thought. The more she tried to mold herself into the expectations of others, the more she felt like a square peg in a round hole.

One sunny afternoon, while taking a stroll in her neighborhood, Ola stumbled upon an elderly woman sitting on a bench. The woman’s eyes sparkled with wisdom, and as Ola approached, she felt an inexplicable pull to sit down beside her.

“What troubles you, dear?” the woman asked, her voice warm and inviting.

Ola sighed deeply. “I don’t know what my purpose is. I see everyone around me thriving, and I feel like I’m just…lost.”

The elderly woman smiled gently. “Listen to me, dear. You don’t need to fit into anyone’s mold. Your purpose is unique to you, and it’s okay if it doesn’t look like anyone else’s. Sometimes, we seek clarity in the wrong places. Instead, we need to look within. God has a plan for each of us, and it’s often revealed in the quiet moments of our lives.”

Ola listened intently as the woman continued, “Think of a beautiful garden. Each flower blooms in its own time, and each has its own purpose—some provide shade, others offer fragrance, and some are simply there to beautify the space. You, my dear, are just like those flowers. You must yield to the purpose that God has planted in your heart.”

Inspired by the woman’s words, Ola closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She began to reflect on her passions. She loved writing and had always felt compelled to share stories of resilience and empowerment, especially for women who felt lost like she once did.

With newfound clarity, she decided to embrace her uniqueness. She started a blog focused on women’s life issues, sharing her journey and the stories of others who had also struggled to find their purpose. Ola poured her heart into each post, reminding her readers that they didn’t have to fit in; they were meant to stand out.

As she continued to write, she filled her blog with affirmations rooted in faith:

“I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” (Psalm 139:14) 

“I have plans for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you.” (Jeremiah 29:11) 

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13) 

Ola’s words resonated with countless women who felt lost in the chaos of life. Through her blog, she created a community where women could share their struggles, support one another, and celebrate their unique journeys.

In time, the elderly woman returned to her neighborhood. Ola eagerly rushed to her side. “Thank you for your wisdom,” she said. “I’ve discovered my purpose, and it feels incredible!”

The woman beamed. “You see, dear, when you yield to your purpose, you not only find your own path but inspire others to do the same. Keep shining your light. Ola continued to write, to share, and to empower. She learned that fitting in wasn’t the goal; yielding to her purpose was. And in doing so, she helped others discover their own paths, one empowering story at a time.

In your journey, remember: You don't need to fit in; just yield to your purpose. Embrace your uniqueness, for it is a gift meant to be shared with the world.