Comparisons -Shine In Your Own Light
“they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise” - 2 Corinthians 10:12
Why can’t we all just be accepted amongst one another for our own unique individualities?
It took me many years to accept my own individual voice. It’s quite natural to make comparisons. I feel comparisons are based mainly on a person’s biased opinion, preferences and other life experiences that have shaped their final decisions. In the world of music, many people love to pit artists against other artists. I notice this pitting against other artists very prevalent amongst the black community. Does every artist have to belt out their notes in order to be considered a good and strong singer? If an artist sings mellow and soft does that automatically dismiss them as a good and strong singer? As a vocalist, I’ve heard people dismiss other vocalists because they did not sing like someone whom they felt was the epitome of a good singer. Some people already have labelled a best in their mind. Anyone who does not fit the level of what is considered their best is disregarded and even shamed. Social media has been an easy tool for some to express their shaming of other artists.
Must every artist be a carbon copy of one another?
Oh she’s no Whitney Houston. Oh he’s no Usher. Oh she’s no Stephanie Mills. Oh he’s no Luther Vandross. We can go on for hours about how one artist isn’t comparable to the next. But what benefit is it to take the time to even do this? Of course there won’t be another Whitney Houston, Luther Vandross or whoever. They knew how to shine in their own light. We all have our own light to shine in. That light does not have to be the same as someone else. I feel the world is robbed at times of the next great thing because the world is not always accepting of giving people a chance to even shine in the first place. Once someone goes viral, then people seem to be a bit more interested in giving attention to something different. It’s interesting how a lot of what and who goes viral has already been in our midst for years. We’ve been surrounded by greatness that’s been hidden. I’ve heard someone say that the wealthiest place is in the graveyard. So many great songs, inventions and ideas never came to fruition in the world that we know now. I believe there are many legends among us that the world does not see. Does the cream really always rise to the top in music and entertainment? I am thankful for the ones who’ve risen to the top to become the legends that we know of today. But I am saddened at the cream that did not even get a chance. Some say, “Well everyone doesn’t make it.”
Well, what does making it really mean? Becoming famous? Everyone knows your name? Is making it being nominated or winning Grammys? Oscars? Tony Awards? BET and Soul Train Awards? Is making it having a famous celebrity acknowledge you on their social media page? If none of these things happen, does it mean that someone has not made it or become successful in their career? Many great artists don’t get a chance to come into prominence. Is the world really too small for everyone to shine? The world is big enough for everyone to shine.
I say to you reading this to keep shining. Keep shining in your own light. Don’t compare yourself amongst others to the point where you lose yourself. You have something great to offer this world. No matter how long its been, keep using your gifts and talents. If you are not pleased with your current abilities within your gifts and talents, increase your abilities by gaining more knowledge and sharpening your skills. There is a promise from God in using your gifts and talents. That promise is found in Proverbs 18:16. “A man’s gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men.”
I wrote a song entitled, “Rise Like the Phoenix, Soar Like the Eagle” available on many streaming services online. Take a listen while remembering to shine in your own light in this world.