1 Quote, 1 Truth, 1 Action

“You are only free when you realize you belong no place – you belong every place – no place at all. The price is high. The reward is great.” – Maya Angelou

Miles Morales Belongs

I live the Marvel Universe, especially Spider-Man series despite the numerous remakes and reimagined versions. The latest movie, Spider-Man Across the Spider-Verse, is my favorite. There is one moment in the movie that I will never forget. Miles’ mother pulled him aside and gave him a pep-talk about what he would expect and she urged him, “Do not let anyone tell you that you do not belong.” Unforgettable. 

It was as though the writers intended to speak an important message to the millions of people who would see the movie. Of course, later in the movie, as Miles fought for what he believed was true, a powerful opponent told him that he did not belong where he was. Words are powerful. Thankfully, Miles did not relent and stood by his values.

Powerful Words

Have you ever been told you don’t belong? Maybe not in words but in social cues such as being excluded, receiving odd looks of disapproval, or discouraging words? Suicide is one of the top killers of young people for this very reason. They do not feel that they belong. It is important to be anchored, especially when you are the only one of your kind in the workplace, on the team or among competitors. Your opponents, and even peers, will do anything to throw you off your game if it means they get what they want.

As a result, the inner game is critical. What do you say about yourself? What does God say about you? When I feel that I do not belong, I recall the powerful words of Ephesians 3:20.

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

I then am quickly reminded of where I stand.

Speak It

If this is the start of the week, recalibrate your inner game. What are you telling yourself about who you are? Who does God say you are? 

You are where you work for a reason. You are facing this challenge for a reason. You have that difficult teammate to manage for a reason. 

It is your purpose to rise above, to overcome, to make it through the other side. May the Lord give you strength. And one more thing:

If you are alive and breathing, you have belonging and purpose.

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