I Am Number 8

Number 8s are special because God created them for His purpose. You may not have known you were a number 8, but you may have known you were not like everyone else.

~ John W. Gray III

The great number 8! There are so many colorful descriptions that come to mind when I think of the number 8. For instance, we have 2 versions of the 8 ball, the first one belongs on the pool table and is the last one standing if you are playing the game that bears its name; while the other 8 ball will give you a good fortune if you’re lucky. There is “crazy 8” which can range anywhere from a card game to the former baby clothing store; even the infinity sign, which is shaped as a number 8, shows no beginning and no end. In numerology, the life path number 8 demonstrates organization, power, prestige, and balance. However spiritually, John W. Gray III explains that regardless of fate, number 8s were always destined to be great, despite being overlooked, undervalued, but never forgotten by God.

Growing up as a little girl, I always felt like the odd ball. I was boy crazy, but never really gravitated towards girly things. I would rather ride a dirt bike than play dress-up; mirror Aaliyah to be One in a Million, as opposed to raising a million to win a cotillion. I even tried to become a Girl Scout, but because I was such a rebel, I got kick out. There was this societal definition of being female, that for some, I just did not match. I was often “counted out” like New Edition when being invited to tea parties or anything that required wearing a dress outside of my Sunday best.

Often confused and curious as to why I was different, little did I know, I was also a number 8. No matter how much my family or friends wanted to guide me into their version of being legit, I remained this square peg, while everyone wanted to push me into a round hole, knowing very well I would never fit.

What seemed like perfect timing, a couple of years ago my dad gifted me with a book for Christmas titled, I am Number 8, by John W. Gray III. In this novel, Minister Gray, makes a compelling parallel with the story of David to that of his own life story. Like David, Minister Gray came from very humble beginnings and realized that he stood out from the rest. From trying to be a comedian, to recording albums, and starting a failed business, Minister Gray felt the pain of not walking in his purpose. He strives to believe that he should be what others wanted him to be, as opposed to listening to Gods destiny.

To be a number 8, you must match a certain criterion. We are special, we hold a purpose, and there is a light that shines through us. There are 12 steps that will give you strength as you navigate your path as a number 8. Could this possibly be you too? Minister Gray suggest you consider yourself among the great if you can relate. Number 8s:

· Celebrate the successes of others as well as their own

· Are eager to learn

· Are willing to wait

· Keep going

· Trust God

· Practice prayer and praise

· Learn from failure

· Care for our temple

· Balance loving God with others

· Have a heart for God

· Live with passion

· We were born royalty

Do you identify yourself as a number 8? If you find this number to be true, then I salute you! When I look back on the criteria, I now celebrate what it means to be a number 8. The spirit of this number continues to infiltrate my life in the most magnificent way. Today marks my 22nd anniversary as a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Out of 14, I was number 8. As you can see, with the dark jeans as I stood with my line sisters, even though I fit in, somehow, I still managed to stand out.

Kobe Bryant, one of the most gifted basketball players of our lifetime, was also a number 8.

While in high school he may have donned the number 33, but as a professional, he was introduced into our lives as a number 8. Throughout his career, Kobe exemplified every word of what it means to be a number 8; and although he eventually changed his number, he never changed his heart. Like David, on the court, Kobe was the king. And even through his tragic death, his spirit continues to live through us like he never left. Kobe showed us that if you can make being a number 8 a part of your truth, the impact of is power will live on for eternity.

I really enjoyed this book. It packs a thought-provoking message equip with reflection questions at the end of each chapter. This novel provides insight on how anyone can embrace their inner anomaly and celebrate what makes them unique. Kudo’s to my native Ohio brother, John W. Gray III, for sharing his story of how God will exalt you. Stay committed to being true and watch how the universe aligns everything that is exclusively for YOU!

#andthatstheanomaly