The Eighth ball!

I have always been fascinated with the eighth ball because of its uniqueness and all the rules that govern its use. The eighth ball also known as the blackball is well known to folks who play billiard pockets also known as pool, and they can attest to the wonderful nature of the eighth ball.

The ultimate object of the pool session is to legally pocket the eighth ball into a designated pocket (not just any hole) after pocketing the first seven balls without which a game can never be won.  Even though the eighth ball is racked together with the other balls before the break, it is not governed by the same laws that governs the other balls, be it the striped or the solid-coloured balls.

The eighth ball cannot be knocked off intentionally or unintentionally because it results in a loss or a foul for the player; neither can it be pocketed ahead of the other balls. These and other rules make it unique on the field of play.

Are you an eighth ball? Are you different? Do you dare to be different?  Life is too damn short; too damn long to be part of the fray, to be in the queue and be singing the chorus. It is easier singing the chorus because you can mute your voice when it gets to the difficult parts or the parts where you really do not know the words. It is even easier because you could just mime the words and no one will know whether you are making a mistake or social loafing.

Primarily, we live in a society that does not allow us to be an eighth ball, a society that does not allow us to be different, a society that does not allow us to take initiative, lest you are labeled or out casted and relegated to the back for being a deviant or too-knowing. I keep wondering why things are the way they are? Sometimes, I am tempted to ask if my dare to be unique sabotages someone’s progress or existence. Yes, they feel insecure and only feel better when others follow their trail and that is how they feed their ego.  If not, why don’t they mind their businesses while I mind mine since I am still within the legal parameters?

The world is continually trying to conform us to its image; to behave in accordance with prevailing modes and customs whereas we have been admonished in Romans 12:2 “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

Do not let people fit you into their mold because life is too precious and golden to be lived in mediocrity. Unfortunately, many people are trapped in mediocrity, the more reason why they do not dare to be different.

It is time you stop playing games and wearing masks or trying to be someone other than your real self. You need to work at being accepted for whom you are and stop embracing the pull to be like everyone else and that requires courage. Unhappiness and frustration sets in when we lack the courage but to conform and try to be like others. God created you the way you are and privy of all shortcomings for a purpose so just keep your head up.

Pleasing people is one of the easiest things we can ever do, but it ultimately make us unhappy. It is nice to hear all the praise comments which make us feel good about ourselves and that is just okay as long as you do not derive your self-worth from it. People are fickle and so confused for us to place our sense of worth in their opinions. And we do all of these to gain acceptance and approval into their fold. It is time you break away from their manipulations and control.

You can break away and be different by having a dream and continually pursuing it. You can only walk in their shadows if you do not have a dream.  Nurse a dream if you don’t have one because evidently, you have been too busy conforming than doing you. Additionally, start doing what is right and stop doing what is safe by worrying about what people’s expectations of you should be, take a risk so you don’t regret in the near future. Doing what matters to you is a sure way to excellence since you tend to do it with all your heart and passion.

God wants to take us, with all our weaknesses and inabilities, and transform us, by working from the inside out, to do something powerful on this earth. If we're going to overcome insecurities and succeed at being ourselves, we can't continue to be afraid of what everybody else may think. We can't continue to allow others to fit us into their mold. You are different! You are unique! God created you this way to accomplish His purpose here on earth so go ahead and be a wildcard; THE EIGHTH BALL!