The Onlys

Sometimes we use "But I'm only..." as an excuse to evade the call of God. But God does not dial wrong numbers. In God's infinite wisdom, God has called and chosen us, a community of "onlys," to proclaim the Good News.

Don't we all have preconceived notions about people? Even when we know only the barest facts about them?

Here's a test: What kind of person comes to mind when you think of an "only child"?

Perhaps you are prone to see "only" children as self-motivated, bright, independent, natural leaders, generally mature beyond their years. On the other hand, perhaps experience leads you to consider "only" children as spoiled, chronically lonely, privileged, attention-seeking and selfish.

Perhaps you grew up as an "only." In reality, those who grow up as "onlys" are probably just as apt to be any or all of the above as any of us. For in our own ways, all of us are "onlys." No matter how tight-knit your family might have been, no matter how many brothers and sisters with whom you shared bedrooms, bathrooms, sweats and sweaters, everyone grew up as individuals with unique histories and experiences that made us into the people we are today. It is this "only-ness" that gives us our unique sense of...