Today I was at an industry conference. Editors talking about editing. Writers talking about writing. Designers talking about designing. Publishers talking about publishing. In that sense I was in good company. As some might say I was with “my kinda people.”
On the other hand it was hard for me to escape noticing that in some sessions I was the only black person in the room. It’s a crazy feeling and if you have ever been the only one of “you” then you know what I’m talking about. It’s almost as if you carry this load…this overwhelming burden. You feel distant from everyone else in the room. Strange. Alien. Alone.
I feel this for a second and then I catch myself because no matter what I’m feeling I know that I am not alone. These emotions are part of being human. At some point everyone feels like they are the only black kid, white guy, Asian woman, young nerd, old addict or whatever you identify with in the room. Every time I have this experience it confirms the words of Psalm 139:
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. (Psalm 139:14 ESV)
Rather than see myself as alone I choose to see myself as unique. And being unique is not a detriment. My uniqueness brings a perspective, a set of skills and experiences that can bless everyone else in the room. See this is not about race or gender or socioeconomic status. Cultures and subcultures aside because we are originals from the Creator there’s already a gap between you and the next person. We are all unique. You are always the only “you” in the room.
