So keep coming to him who is the Living Stone though he was rejected and discarded by men but chosen by God and is priceless in God’s sight.
1 Peter 2:5
I might as well have been tucked away in the shadowy recesses of the room. Around me, plans blossomed like spring flowers-invitations floating from one person to another. One stood to my right, the other to my left, their conversation arching over me, an invisible bridge I could not cross. Not a glance, not a nod in my direction – nothing to acknowledge the space I occupied. At that moment, I might as well have been a flower on the verge of withering, perched silently on a table, my spirit retreating into the shadows, much like my childhood recollections of feeling unseen, even in a crowded room.
I watched, a silent spectator, as plans were made, a bridge built from words that somehow skipped over me. The desire to be seen, to be acknowledged, lingered like a shadow, trailing me into the most unexpected places- even here, within the walls of a place where Christian fellowship was supposed to outshine the world. It was a stark reminder that it wasn’t much different in a faith-based atmosphere. That old-age quest for acceptance, a journey marked by the struggle to find my place in a tapestry of faces and voices.
In moments like these, a silent battle waged within. Part of me yearned for the invitation, a simple nod to my existence among them. Yet, another part cherished the thought of solitude, a quiet space where the clamor of rejection could not reach. It was as if my heart stood at a crossroads, whispering questions of belonging and purpose, echoing the insecurities of a younger self still searching for her place in the world.
This dance with invisibility wasn’t unique to me; it was a shared experience, a silent cry echoing in the hearts of many. It wasn’t just about fitting into the world; it was about finding a space within the sanctuary, where being seen and invited should transcend the ordinary barriers of the world. It was about the yearning to be acknowledged, not just as attendees but as integral threads in the tapestry of faith and community.
Reflecting on that moment, I realized something profound. Yes, the oversight was real, the exclusion discernible, but it didn’t define me. Instead, it nudged me towards a greater truth – one where rejection loses its grip in the face of divine acceptance. Despite the sting of exclusion, a newfound strength bubbled within me. One I had not realized I had cultivated along my faith journey. A resilience that whispered of my true identity beyond the shadows of rejection. As I lay on the floor in prayer and worship that night I saw not a narrative of exclusion, but a journey towards understanding my worth, finding peace in the knowledge that I was, indeed, seen and cherished in the eyes that mattered the most. He spoke to my heart that night saying you are in good company.
This incident, a momentary shadow on my path, became a stepping stone to a greater truth. It taught me that rejection, a part of the human experience, doesn’t define me. It’s a law that loses its grip in the face of divine truth. Being overlooked by some doesn’t diminish the fact that I am externally embraced by the one who matters most. In this acceptance I found the courage to shed the label of invisibility, to embrace my place in the world and in the church, not as a wallflower but as a beloved child of God, vibrant and visible.
Rejection is a normal part of humanity, and it can be challenging to overcome but it is essential for our personal and spiritual growth. Joshep was rejected by his brothers; Pharaoh shunned Moses and Jesus was rejected by his own family. Many times, rejection can come from those closest to us even our Christian brothers and sisters.
Experiencing rejection is not simply being left out or brushed off. It poses a deeper question regarding faith and spirituality. At its core, the bible encourages us to not see rejection as a reflection of who we are but as part of God’s bigger plan for us. When we face rejection, and we will, we are not alone. Many great figures have walked this path before us and found strength to overcome setbacks. We can too!
We can transform rejection by anchoring ourselves to God’s Word, renewing our minds with the truth, and standing firm against deception taking our authority in Christ. Through these truths, we can arm ourselves with scripture and declare our identity boldly.
Remember rejection does not define you. It is an attack on your uniqueness as a child of God. Remember that you are not defined by rejection but by your position in Christ. It is a moment in time, not your entire story. Learn along the way, believe you are accepted and that you belong at the table with Jesus, and keep moving forward! You are in good company!
1 Peter 2:9 Romans 8:38 Gen. 16:13 Romans 8:15 John 3:16