Got Privilege?

Privilege is a benefit offered to an individual or group that isn't enjoyed or available to others. It is a particular advantage not granted to everyone.

"And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, 'Abba, Father!' Therefore, you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ." - Galatians 4:6-7

"The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are." - Joseph Campbell

"Our stories are not meant for everyone. Hearing them is a privilege, and we should always ask ourselves this before we share: "Who has earned the right to hear my story?" If we have one or two people in our lives who can sit with us and hold space for our shame stories, and love us for our strengths and struggles, we are incredibly lucky. If we have a friend, or small group of friends, or family who embraces our imperfections, vulnerabilities, and power, and fills us with a sense of belonging, we are incredibly lucky." - Brené Brown

We have been adopted into the family of Abba through Jesus Christ. God calls us His own. We are His precious children, sealed with the blood of Jesus Christ. Ephesians 1:5 says, "God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure." It is by the privilege of His amazing love that we are expected into His loving arms. It is nothing that we can ever gain.

Having privilege doesn't mean that you will never go through life's difficulties; it just means that you know who you are, and the aspects of knowing one's identity do not make life more unbearable. The problem with calling someone out for the "privilege" is assuming it defines their narrative. One can never truly know or understand someone else's struggles, what they may have gone through, and what it took for a person to be where they are and who they are. Charles Evans Hughes said, "When we lose the right to be different, we lose the privilege to be free."

Just because everyone is doing something doesn't mean you have to go with the crowd. You have the right to be different and to be freely who you are in Christ. There was a statement made, "I don't know what makes you think it's a privilege to talk to you…." Now, there's an affirmation that says, "I bring value by showing up." I said that to say this; as an individual, you have the right and the privilege to allow others to be in your presence. You have the right and the freedom to incline a listening ear. You have the right and the privilege to accept or reject negativity or positivity; the choice is totally up to you. You also have the right and the freedom to guard my mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual state. That is your God-given right.

Oprah Winfrey said, "Understand that the right to choose your own path is a sacred privilege. Use it. Dwell in possibility." The point is, not everyone will treat you in a way that you desire, and that's why it is a privilege to be in your presence. I encourage you never to feel as if you have to entertain an individual or a situation that will cause your energy to change and put you in a bad headspace. Know your worth, know that you have value, and it is a privilege to be in your presence.