There’s a weird notion in my generation in the ones following. It’s the idea that anybody can be famous. And to be honest, it’s somewhat true. Anyone can gain a following online and have people listen to their opinions.
Anyone has the opportunity to make a viral video. Anyone can self-publish their own book (and do pretty well). The crazy thing is, though, that if everyone is famous…nobody’s famous. It’s the same thing with being special.
I love this quote from David McCullough Jr: “If everyone is special, then no one is.” Being special means that some other people aren’t special. Being famous means that some other people aren’t famous. So sorry Mr. Rogers, but I don’t believe everyone is special. I do, however, believe that everyone has a unique voice and a message to share with the world.
The key to satisfaction and fulfillment is to tap into that voice and message. If you’re seeking fame… If you’re seeking to be more “special” than someone else… You’ll find your life very unfulfilled. But if you tap into the message God has given you and speak with the voice that’s uniquely yours, that’s where the magic is.
God has given you a voice to reach ears no other voice will reach. You have a gift to give to the world. Fame and platform are fickle. You can get them in an instant and lose them just as quickly. But your voice is a gift from God given to you for a purpose.
Sure, some people might have fame and platform to help magnify their voice. There’s nothing wrong with fame and platform. But they aren’t the point. The point is to be who God uniquely made you to be. To speak with the voice He has given you. And to reach those you’ll reach.
I think it’s for that reason I don’t think anyone is special.
Everyone is unique. Everyone has their own voice and what they do with that can be perceived as special by others, but I don’t think someone is born or made special by their acts, words, achievements.
Anybody could make a film, write a book, or make a fancy new product if they have the passion to do so, but that doesn’t make them special. It might make them famous. Maybe Mr. Rogers said everyone is special because little kids don’t understand the meaning of unique.
Just my 2 cents.
Right there with you! 🙂