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Good morning. Every single person on this planet is completely unique. From our hair colour to our different interests, the way we move our feet to the way we structure our sentences, we’re all entirely different. I’m reminded of this daily from my upbringing in London, one of the most diverse places in the world, bringing together a multitude of different cultures, races and ethnicities in one city.

However, despite being fully aware of my individuality, I still struggle with the desire to fit in. This shaped me when I was growing up, and even now I find myself trying to conform, and I know I’m not alone. We live in a culture where it’s becoming more and more common – and even encouraged – to gossip, bully, make people feel insecure, abuse drugs, alcohol and sex. If you’re not buying into this way of life, you can become unpopular, and being unpopular often leaves us feeling cut off from society.

When I look at the city in which I live, its culture and way of life don’t fill me with much confidence either. I continually hear of stabbings and shootings, and suicide and self-harm are increasingly prevalent. Countless TV channels are filled with reality shows that, perhaps accidentally, seem to encourage self-loathing: we watch others alter their physical appearance in search of the perfect body, as we question our own.

Father, allow us to hope for better and not succumb to the standard of society we’ve allowed to become the norm. Help us to not settle with being products of culture. Give us courage to go against the grain and stand up for what is right and best. When we are week, give us strength, when there is chaos give us peace.  In your name we pray. Amen