Diamonds are considered to be pure when they consist only of molecules. If other chemicals such as boron and nitrogen are present, this causes impurity in the diamonds and they change color from the pure crystal to blue, yellow or other colored diamonds. Even though they are considered impure, they are still very beautiful and valuable.
My mother demonstrated to me that I was still beautiful and valuable to her when I became pregnant out of wedlock. At first, she was so angry at me, she told me that she did not expect that all her years of teaching and my going to college would still result in me being a single mother. She did not speak with me for two months!
During that time I would go to my aunt’s house for meals instead of to my mom’s. My aunt gave me food and told me that it was from my mother, but my mother didn’t want me to know! She waned me to still feel her displeasure at my situation. After a while she was more accepting of my situation and showed me so much love during my pregnancy. She was actually there when I gave birth. When it was time for me to leave the hospital, instead of letting me go home with my son’s father, she took me to her house. She cared for both my son and me for two whole weeks. I was so spoiled that I cried when it was time for me to leave.
Just as my mother’s love allowed her to see beyond what she perceived to be a flaw in my judgment, so too others can see beyond your flaws to see the true gem within you. None of us is perfect. Like some diamonds, we are imperfect.
Not all flaws are bad; some physical imperfections are admired such as having teeth that are not quite aligned, a mole above the lips and dimples in the face. These marks are sometimes viewed as positive attributes. Thank goodness that beauty is in the eyes of the beholder; others can accept and love us in spite of our flaws.
As humans, there are some imperfections that are definitely stumbling blocks within us. Examples of these are: dependency on drugs, propensity for stealing, lying, lack of integrity, procrastination and other character flaws. You maybe able to work on a number of these flaws on your own, but some require assistance from others. Working with a professional, spiritual leader, a partner or someone trustworthy can help you to overcome these obstacles. The challenge is to recognize when you need assistance and to get it.
It is up to us to discover and understand the flaws; then, work beyond them by building on what is beautiful within us. It is not always an easy thing to examine oneself and one’s shortcomings. Yet it is very important to do so, if one desires to move beyond these flaws and achieve living a diamond life.
Please visit my website at www.marlenembryan.com to learn more about Living a Diamond Life and A Successful You.
The third part of this series will define the clarity of diamonds! Until then, keep pursuing your purpose and living a diamond life!