Different… I had the privilege of attending a Twenty-One Pilots concert with my son. I have enjoyed their music throughout the last few years, but the concert was another level of experiencing their music. The fans stood out to me. They were so familiar. They reminded me of those kids I see at school when I sub, the ones that I try to buffer from the cruel mocking comments that come their way because they are different. They have a different style of clothing, some just doing the best they can with what they have, others more intentionally choosing their fashion statements. They have a different sense of humor, quirky and witty, that many of their peers just do not get. They are just different.
As I looked around the stadium at this concert I saw a sea of these kids together, laughing, having fun, fitting in somewhere, and participating in a way that they do not anywhere else. The one song that seemed to be the anthem was The Hype. The lines that repeat are a powerful encouragement to keep going, and were sung loudly by the throng…
Nice to know my kind will be on my side
I don’t believe the hype
And you know you’re a terrible sight
But you’ll be just fine
Just don’t believe the hype (don’t believe the hype)
I was encouraged to be even more intentional in letting these kids who are different in their spheres know that they are rockstars, and they just need to hang in there and not believe the hype but continue being different, because eventually they will find their people that help them be the best version of themselves.
* I am joining Five Minute Fridays in a 31 day Writing Challenge. Each day I will be writing on a different word prompt for at least 5 minutes for the month of October.
**Check out 2018’s 31 Day Writing Challenge https://inkblotlife.com/category/write-31-days-2018/
Inkblot Life 