Rejection & Acceptance
Rejection is the deepest thorn, the longest nail, the heaviest cross. It pushes me toward self-doubt, uncertainty, and fear. I stand on the outside and look in.
I can empathize with Jesus who was rejected repeatedly. He invited a rich young man to follow him, but the call was rejected. His disciples betrayed him, abandoned him, and denied him. Crowds yelled “Crucify him!” He was called a devil, and he was run out of town. Worst of all, he experienced becoming sin and feeling abandoned by his Father. The rejection that emptied him, that scraped his soul, that exhausted his spirit did not make him bitter or resentful. Rather his response ever was and ever will be unconditional love, unconditional acceptance.
Acceptance is cool water on a hot day, a warm blanket and fire on a winter night, festive food, a meaningful hug. Acceptance allows me to be who I am and want to be more. I feel secure, surrounded by love.
Demonstrate acceptance today. Someone will be glad you did.
Your article made me think of acceptance to a stranger. Yesterday, a young friend of mine had the experience of having the customer ahead of her pay for her coffee in the Starbucks drive-thru. Paying it forward! Acceptance comes in so many ways and is such a gift!
What wonderful words, Sister Valerie, especially with perhaps nerves on edge, a spring that is so slow in coming, and a winter that has more than drained body, heart and soul. And may our acceptance of self help us accept others even more. Thank you.