In Which Pigeonhole Are You?

Pigeonholing is a term used to describe processes that attempt to classify disparate entities into a small number of categories (usually, mutually exclusive ones).
People do it to others and even to themselves. It creates a feeling of identity, belonging.

I remember the Cher song Half Breed, about a half European, half American Indian girl lost between two races because she wasn't one or the other. The song starts: My father married a pure Cherokee, my mother's people were ashamed of me. The Indians said I was white by law, the White Man always called me "Indian Squaw". She finishes by singing: My life since then has been from man to man, but I can't run away from what I am.

That's the pigeonhole mentality. In reality, she would have taken one culture so that she would belong somewhere, married into it and then her descendants would disappear into that race. People apparently must be called something, not mixed. The funny thing is mixed race people do rather well in their chosen fields. Tiger Woods, Barack Obama, OJ Simpson and M Ali. How are they classified, as Black? They are all mixed race.

Constantly marrying into your own race in one village eventually produces the village idiot. It's not genetically sound. A mongrel dog is much healthier than a pedigree. So why seek racial purity? Mixed race people look attractive too (see pic below).

Michael Jackson, as I would imagine all 'Africans' in the Americas, have some European ancestry. However, he didn't seem comfortable in his own skin and seemed to try become whiter. Shame. Why not be happy with who we are?

If someone came to me and proved I was part 'something' in my ancestry, well whoopy do. It's interesting but I would still be the same, lovable guy (OK, I jest). I don't live in a pigeonhole, I am me, an individual living in a world of other individuals. 

Fly away from the pigeonhole and accept who you are, not in a classification but as an individual, just like our Creator sees you. 

Acts 10:34-35(NIV) "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right..

Me first! Me first!

A sales rep, an administration clerk, and the manager are walking to lunch when they find an antique oil lamp. They rub it and a Genie comes out. The Genie says, 'I'll give each of you just one wish.' '

Me first! Me first!' says the admin clerk. 'I want to be in the Bahamas, driving a speedboat, without a care in the world.' Puff! She's gone. 

Me next! Me next!' says the sales rep. 'I want to be in Hawaii, relaxing on the beach with my personal masseuse, an endless supply of Pina Coladas and the love of my life.' Puff! He's gone. 

'OK, you're up,' the Genie says to the manager. The manager says, 'I want those two back in the office after lunch.' Moral of the story: Always let your boss have the first say.

Cast Your Bread Upon The Waters...

In this world of shortsighted greed and selfishness, it would be easy to get down. However, if our lives have purpose, meaning and direction, then we will be happier. If our purpose, meaning and direction is more on doing for others than ourselves, then the happiness is enduring. Sometimes you see that some are just using your kindness, in which case you need to back off from such individuals. Find those that appreciate you and what you do for them. Giving is a two way street and when they can, appreciative receivers give back too. That is it says in the Bible: "Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again".

When we find happiness, then we need to appreciate what we have and enjoy the fruitage of selfless acts. Sharing laughter with one who cares is priceless...