I was listening to the radio and I heard a sermon by JD Greear (JD Greear Ministries) regarding how the current culture is leaving many hopeless due to it being evil and godless. Now that is nothing special, in and of itself. You do not have to go far to hear preachers and others teaching on the same subject. However, he bemoaned how all children see themselves as “snowflakes” –the only one in all existence/truly unique. I had never made the connection between that and how social justice warriors are called “snowflakes”. I thought that the term came from the idea they were unable to stand up to any personal criticism and their arguments evaporated in the light and heat of any opposition or truth! However, I guess this is related in that their inability to stand up to criticism is because they see themselves as the only one in existence and therefore unique and their truth is truth for them. I guess my delay in connecting the two was a senior moment for me–at my age I start using that as an excuse!

However, I remember being told that I am the only one of me in the entire world when I was a child as well! As an adult, I thought about and I still affirm I am as unique as a snowflake. I am the only person in existence who has gone through all of the experiences that I have from my perspective and from my background and who has seen these experiences through the eyes that I have. So in that sense, I am a completely unique and special, like a snowflake.

However, I am not like a snowflake in that I have been given the time and brain cells to build my ideas and identity. I have done this through learning (usually the hard way) about what is important in this world and how the Lord sees things. So, while I have an open mind about the nature of the universe and experiences, my ideas about what I believe is right and wrong and what is universal truth will not/has not evaporate/ed under those who wish to change me. In that sense, I am not a snowflake.

I do agree with Mr. Greear about how viewing oneself as a snowflake has led to many of our present cultural problems. I believe It has led to people not considering the needs of other people and being unable to work as a team and just a lot of self-centered behavior and policies. It has also led to a lot of people who cannot defend themselves in their arguments regarding their opinions about the direction society needs to go in. It certainly has led to a lot of people not sitting down and thinking about the directions their lives are going in.

However, I am thankful that the Lord has called me a snowflake. Despite having multiple universes and all of the souls that He created in all time, the Word says that He knows ME. The Word says that He knows my innermost thoughts and desires. The Word says that He knows the number of hairs on my head. The Word says that He knows when I go out and come in. To Him, I am unique like a snowflake. It does not lead me to being selfish and self-centered. It leads me to serve others since they are unique and loved by Him too!

Psalm 139 You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. ² You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. ³ You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.

———————————————————————-W.