Redefine Weird

“Redefine weird”—what does it mean? First, let’s see what the dictionary says about the word weird, “Of a strikingly odd or unusual character; strange.” When most people think of someone (or something) weird, it usually has a negative connotation. Why is that? For example, the dictionary doesn’t have this disclaimer saying, “note: weird is something bad.” Instead, why don’t we evaluate that person or thing and see if its “weirdnesses” (or differences) make that person or thing better?

I think instead of weird being a bad thing, weird may be a good thing. Of course, there is a bad side of weird. For example, a person may be different or weird because he or she does not believe in the creator God (our savior) for salvation (for the good news click here!).

Of course, there are definitely good differences too, for example (just to name a few), people might be outgoing, shy, laidback or even a perfectionist. Just because they may be a perfectionist doesn’t mean they are weird because even being a perfectionist may have an advantage in certain situations. The perfectionist, in a job situation, might pick up things that need changing that other people might not pick up.

But even if “weird” is bad, it shouldn’t cause us to look at that person badly. Why don’t we try to change that person for the better? Remember that what I am trying to say is that not all differences (“weirdnesses”) are bad. Just imagine if everyone was not different (or maybe weird?), but instead people looked like you and liked the same things as you. This would certainly get aggravating.

In other words, don’t just automatically write off a person as weird, but get to know that person and see how his or her differences make that person who they are. Even though we may be weird or different, just remember that God, despite our “differences,” redeemed us as it says in the Bible in Titus 2:14, “Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” If you are a Christian, you could try to tell that person about why you are different and why it’s definitely a good difference!

By WeirdHamster (aka Jeremy Ham)