One of my favourite songs is Firework, by Katy Perry. Not just because it is a great high-energy song, but mainly because of the message it is communicating. It is a call out to every person on the planet to see the beauty and worth they already have and, as she says in the chorus, to ‘Let your colours burst’.

I have watched the video-clip for this song many times, and it is very inspiring. I would encourage you to not just listen to the words, but also watch the video-clip that goes with it. In the chorus, she sings:

Cause baby, you’re a firework
Come on, show ’em what you’re worth
Make ’em go, “Ah, ah, ah”
As you shoot across the sky
Baby, you’re a firework
Come on, let your colours burst
Make ’em go, “Ah, ah, ah”
You’re gonna leave ’em all in awe, awe, awe

If you don’t know the song, these lyrics may seem a little weird, but trust me it is a wonderful song with a powerful message. That message is simple; you are wonderful, amazing, valuable, and important, just as you are, so let your power and colours shine through. The biggest job you and I will ever have during our time on this planet is to recognise our worth and to allow our light to shine, no matter what others may be saying or doing. You see, we are here for a mission, a purpose, and a plan. That plan is different for each one of us and we have all been gifted, through our creation, unique physical traits, character traits, and personality traits to allow us to fulfill our individual purpose on this planet.

Do you know what that means? It means you are just as you need to be and are meant to be. It means your quirks, strengths, and unique traits are exactly what was planned for you. It means you just need to learn how to use what you have to live the life of significance that is destined for you. It means you don’t need to change or be something that you are not. It means you are perfect, just the way you are. Isn’t that amazing news?

For much of my life I pretended to be an extrovert. I pretended to be full of confidence and bravado because I erroneously believed that is how I needed to be to get anywhere in life. I judged, condemned, and berated myself for being too insecure, too sensitive, and too emotional. I believed that real men are tough, don’t show weakness, and don’t need to ask for help. This flawed thinking led me into an inauthentic existence which I hated and took me into the pit of despair more than once. It was only a few short years ago I finally realised that God created me to be exactly who I am, and in his eyes, I am just as I need to be. The moment I started letting my own light shine, without worrying about how I looked or what others thought, I started to find the meaning and purpose that was there waiting for me all along.

In my weaknesses, I found strength. Through my insecurity, I found answers. In my sensitivity, I found connections. Through my vulnerability, I found significance and meaning. These days I am proud to be me, with all of my flaws and imperfections. I know I am unique and one of a kind, and so I want to let my colours burst. Just like me, you are flawed, imperfect, and the unique winner you were created to be. So, my greatest encouragement right now is to be proud of who you are and let your uniqueness shine and your colours burst through.

What about yourself is unique and different to others? What is it about yourself you keep judging, condemning, and wishing you could change? I would encourage you to think about these things as strengths and superpowers. Ask yourself this question; How can I use my uniqueness, my challenges, and my experiences to impact lives and find meaning in my own? Spend some time with this question and see what comes up for you, then, do something about it.

My podcast this week is called Adversity or adventure? In it I speak with Alice Readman about a time in her life when everything was taken from her, and since that time how she has been able to re-invent herself and now is absolutely letting her colours burst.

You, my friend, are full of life, love, and potential. Again, I am borrowing lyrics from Katy Perry’s song, because she says it so well. Do you know that there’s still a chance for you, cause there’s a spark in you? You just gotta ignite the light and let it shine. Just own the night like the 4th of July. Choose to make today the day you let your fireworks off and show your worth. Let your biggest vulnerability be your greatest strength and let your colours burst.