Name: Ashley Williams
Article: Everybody Wants to be Accepted
Author: Quaford Coleman

“A yo Ma, dem new fitted hats and jerseys is off the heazy. You gunna cop dat fo me fo school? Dem joints is hot, ‘specially wit da right shoes. I’ma be tight dis year fo sho.” As the summer approaches its abrupt end, and the school year commences, most of us have been faced with the reality of school shopping. And no, I am not referring to notebooks, pens, and folders. I am talking about clothes - the latest kicks, hottest shirts, and matching accessories - the primary purpose of school, right? WRONG! Recently I read an article entitled, “Everyone Wants to be Accepted.” It elaborates on the illusion of popularity. For the most part, we all fall victim to superficiality. It is inevitable, as humans, we feel the need to “fit in,” forcing us to all types of extremes, including spending hundreds of dollars on material goods. Quaford Coleman informs us that God created us to be content with ourselves. It is unfeasible to meet society’s ever-changing demands, and utterly impossible to be accepted by everyone. The solution? Release all pre-conceived notions about “fitting in.” Rely on the Lord who cares about YOU, not the way you look or act. Trust in the Lord. He did not create any “losers.”

After reading the article, I realize that physical appearance dominates the way we treat others and ourselves. Individuality is no longer accepted, and the Jones’ seem to be the only family that matters, considering that everyone is trying to meet their standards. Since we are young, it is extremely difficult to just “let go, and let God.” Yes, we are all aware that God loves us, and He did not create us to be what everyone else expects of us. Yet, we sometimes get so entrapped in life that we forget, and when we no longer remember, we began chasing illusions. Just remember that as long as you accept yourself, nothing else matters. The Lord accepts you too.

Young adults should read this article, and take with them its meaning. Popularity is a scam. It coerces you to participate in heinous acts - drinking, smoking, cursing, and squandering money - just to “fit in.” In reality, you already “fit in” the Body of Christ. What else matters? If you believe that by recreating yourself and taking on traits of individuals who are “cool” will benefit you, you are wrong. You will never be that person. Never. You are who you are. So be content with the qualities and gifts that God has blessed you with. Be yourself. Appreciate yourself. Accept yourself.

Scripture Reference: Romans 12:2; Galatians 2:6; John 13:20