Our Differences Matter

We Just Love sharing the exceptional folks we meet through our work in New Orleans. Meet Shirley Johnson, a gifted writer and artist who is one of those folks! Shirley and husband Pat have been living out the "Just Love Your Neighbor" life all over the globe and in Greater New Orleans for 50 years! Today, Shirley sends personalized cards to dozens of folks every month, sharing a bit of her and Pat's life and a WHOLE LOT of encouragement. Our hope is you get what you need from one of her messages. We Just Love Shirley and Pat, and we know you will, too!

In the busyness of our unpacking, yes, the work is often tedious, but there are times when opening a box makes the discovery of long-lost treasures seem just like Christmas morn' when I was a kid. Treasures abound, just like yesterday when, lo and behold, I unpacked a treasured plaque that had always held a valued spot on my living room bookcase, where I kept many a keepsake treasure.

This plaque has its own small easel and is in a spot where I often pause to read it as I go by during the day. The words on this plaque have become my mantra, and each time I read them, I am heartened and invigorated. It reads as thus:

"how glorious it is and also how painful to be an exception"

In my mind, to be different is the essence of living a complete life. My advice is that, in some way, shape, or manner, we are all a tiny bit different from each other. Find out what makes you an exception and amplify it and glory in your "difference".

Being different can make all the difference in your quality of life!

Learn to magnify the blessing God imparted to you! At least that is the way your friend Shirley sees life.

Be an exception in your own good time!

- Shirley Johnson