Not everyone wants to stand out from the crowd and do things differently from everyone else.  Some people enjoy going with the flow and being the average person.  To those who want to stand apart, I’m writing to you today. 

It takes courage to be different.  A courageous woman sees changes that need to be made in her life, family or situation and despite opposition; she goes forward and makes those changes. Many times important responsibilities to be done are not for the faint of heart.  Each time one embraces a challenge in spite of opposition, she becomes a stronger person.  Eleanor Roosevelt said, “You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do.”

Taking the leap of faith to homeschool, as one example, is not an easy task.  You may not have the support or encouragement of your friends and family.  While in public you may be scrutinized or criticized vocally or in passing judgmental whispers and stares.   Susan B. Anthony, wise woman that she was said this, “Cautious, careful people, always casting about to preserve their reputation and social standing, never can bring about a reform. Those who are really in earnest must be willing to be anything or nothing in the world's estimation, and publicly and privately, in season and out, avow their sympathy with despised and persecuted ideas and their advocates, and bear the consequences.”

One thing I’ve noticed is if we share a decision we’re making with friends, and we don’t have a strong resolution one way or the other, the person listening may think it is an open invitation to sway you in the way they think you should go.  I’ve learned through experience that a well meaning friend or family member may add to my confusion in important decisions and I have lost courage temporarily in my resolve.  I now try to be careful in mentioning a decision or problem that has not been resolved or decided upon, unless I respect her take on it and want her wisdom and advice.  It is a good rule to make important life decisions between you, God and your spouse.  I find that I can share openly once the decision is made, without waffling back and forth.

I’ve never been a “by the book” person and I choose the road less traveled.  I have a large family.  I’m religious.  I homeschool my children.  By all accounts, I’m not your typical peanut butter and jelly.  I’m more roast beef on rye.  That’s okay.  What matters most is that your own life decisions bring you great joy.  I love my life and I know I’m doing what is right for me and my family.   My life decisions also bring opposition in the form of criticisms from many who don’t understand.   Just knowing this makes it easier at times to resist the opposition, knowing that it will come.

Take courage.  If you are thinking of making an important change in your life, especially one that goes against societies “norm” such as homeschooling, joining a new church, or staying home instead of working 9-5 at a regular job, know that it is not without sacrifice, but it is always worth it in the end.  I would much rather have no regrets than live wishing I had taken the leap of faith to be a little different for a better good.  Let each criticism strengthen your resolve and forge through, move forward, continue on.  You are not alone.  Many times I am relieved and happy to find others who are making the sacrifice to be courageous too.  Don't forget that, in being different for a better good, you are making a difference in your life and an example in the lives of those who know you.