Hiding in plain sight



When you hear the word camouflage, what comes to mind? The many examples in nature such as the whiteness of the polar bear on the ice and snow? Or the army tanks and clothing appearing in WW1? I well remember the camouflage pants so popular in the 1970s.

Whichever it is, we are aware that the purpose of camouflage is to fit in and hide in plain sight.

And most of us have become rather expert at doing the very same thing. We look about us and determine what is socially acceptable, even attractive, and determine to be exactly the same.

And on most days, it’s not harmful nor dishonest. But camouflage has a way of taking us captive. It can become a straight-jacket – keeping us in our place so that we never step up and never speak out.

So, here’s the challenge, do you know what makes you original? What makes you stand out? Is it your intelligence, your voice, your kindness, your strength, your sense of justice, your athletic ability.

Because in the midst of fitting in, we don’t want to lose the very qualities that make us great and makes our world that little bit more beautiful.


About Kelley

Kelley is a speaker, author, overseas aid worker and perpetual student. She is passionate about women and gender issues, both in the local and international context, which underpins her enthusiasm for kinwomen and its contribution to women ‘living their finest life’. In 2014 Kelley completed a Masters in International and Community Development before establishing The Foxglove Project. Foxglove is a registered charity focused on supporting international development projects that are sustainable and driven by indigenous leadership. Kelley’s paid work requires her to travel extensively to evaluate and support projects supported by Australian funds. This experience and networking enables Foxglove to partner with outstanding overseas agencies delivering real opportunities for the poor and vulnerable to lead independent self-determined lives. Kelley combines these passions with a love of family and faith. Across more than 30 years of marriage, Kelley and her husband have worked through many of the challenges of building a relationship while raising three sons. Their boys have now finished high school changing the dynamics of family life and relationships. One of her great joys is sharing parenting lessons and learning from good and bad (sometimes disastrous) experiences. She uses humour and common sense to talk about the everyday challenges facing parents in today’s context.