A dime a dozen?
My first name, Kimberley (the alternate version spelt Kimberly) is very common and my maiden name, Morgan, just as popular. It’s a pretty regular combination of names in the English-speaking world. I have always had a hard time using my name for any social media accounts as the general pop-up is ‘That name is not available.’
This has always been the case and because of same I have had to either find creative ways to use my name of just simply create a moniker. Despite the fact that my full name is super conventional, I have, over the years, come to love it. As a novelist, I have always been into extraordinary combinations of names and from an early age my father was certain I would have legally changed my name by eighteen. I guess when I did have that chance his words had already been etched in my mind. He believed that the name didn’t make you, rather you should make your name. With a name so typical, I can often feel lost in the 7.8 billion people sharing the earth. Without knowing me, I figure I would be just another ‘Kimberley Morgan’ in the long list of searches.
Sui generis
During a particularly tough time in my faith, I was watching the morning programme ‘Life Today’ with the guest Lisa Bevere. She had just written the book ‘Without Rival’ and was in the throes of explaining the novel premise that it was one day revealed to her that God did not love us equally, but rather uniquely. “… He doesn’t love us equally because that means we could measure his love. He loves his children UNIQUELY because his love is infinite.”
She mentioned that the thought, at first, seemed blasphemous to her, but that the Holy Spirit gave her true understanding of what was meant. Equal/same would imply that God’s love could be measured or that his children are interchangeable. Nothing could be farther from the truth, because God’s love is immeasurable, and his children are never interchangeable. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered… Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows (St. Luke chapter 12, verse 7, NIV).
Lisa clarified that in her research of the word ‘unique’, she came across three definitions:
1. Sole representative
2. Prototype
3. Without rival
I found some interesting synonyms as well such as unparalleled, incomparable and, the Latin phrase sui generis. It was the phrase ‘without rival’ that hit a deep note with her. God’s love for each of us is ‘without rival’. I was warmed that God loved us each in this way and on that day it was the message I had certainly needed. In a world where we are constantly being told that we are nothing special/ a dime a dozen so we should just fit in, knowing that God doesn’t view us that way reminds us that we are indeed all unique for a purpose. Just as the hairs on our head are all numbered, each individual fingerprint is simply distinctive. What a wonderful truth in our creation! You are God’s delight, and he was thinking specifically of the plans he had for you when he was making you. There is more than enough love for each of us at HIS table. He holds the sole right to define us.
We are all so diverse and unique as individuals. Our journeys are all different and our experiences, though similar, serve to build us up in diverse ways. God loves me UNIQUELY, and he loves you UNIQUELY too. With possibly over ten thousand ‘Kimberley Morgans’ out there, and I did a rough check, I revelle in the peace that God loves me, unrivalled, unparalleled and sui generis!
If you are ever in doubt about his love for you, consider the following core Bible verses as reminders:
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future (Jeremiah Chapter 29 verse 11, NIV).
The LORD gave me this message: “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb…” (Jeremiah chapter 1, verse 4 - 5)
But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, … (1 Corinthians chapter 12, verse 18 – 30, NIV).
You alone created my inner being. You knitted me together inside my mother. I will give thanks to you because I have been so amazingly and miraculously made. Your works are miraculous, and my soul is fully aware of this (Psalms chapter 139, verse 13 – 14).
But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand (Isaiah chapter 64, verse 8, ESV).
Kimberley Salmon from Jamaica West Indies is a praise and worship leader who remains passionate about touching hearts through singing and writing as she thrives to become a published author of Christian women’s fiction. She loves the Gospel of Jesus Christ and is grateful for God’s saving grace which continues to transform her life. As a senior Press Service International Columnist, she is elated that she can now share her journey with God with the world.