“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” NKJV Proverbs 3:5-6

Recently, a local book club comprised of a wonderful group of women chose my book, Sandpaper & Pearls, for their monthly read. I had the honor of meeting with them virtually to discuss my writing. It was even more meaningful because the discussion was hosted by one of my high school classmates. During our discussion, we spoke about rejection and how it can lead to a new direction in life.

In 1992, eight years into my government career (I remember it like it was yesterday), Major Dawkins stood in front of my desk handing me the infamous pink slip—I was losing my job. We were experiencing a reduction-in-force and I was one of several who were being sacrificed due to having lesser seniority. As I reached out to receive the pink slip, traces of anxiety crept across my face reflecting how terrified I really was. Starting my career fresh out of high school, my co-workers had become my family—they nurtured me. I did not want to leave. On my last day, face dampened with tears, I walked slowly to my car carrying a printer paper box filled with my personal belongings. As I drove off, with my now former office building in the rearview mirror, I was acutely aware that my professional life was about to change.

During this time, I was raising a toddler on my own and losing my job was not in the plan. My life seemed to be one rejection after the other, but don’t you know there is a rainbow after the storm. Soon after, I was offered a job at another government installation. I was frightened of the change and what lay ahead, yet I was grateful to have a new job. What I did not know at that time was this painful rejection was God’s redirection. That change in direction has afforded me several promotions, travel opportunities, great work relationships, and an all expense paid education. As I’ve heard congregants shout in church, “WON’T HE DO IT.”

In an article titled, “10 Benefits of Rejection That Will Surely Impress You,” J.S. Wayne offers 10 benefits of rejection to consider when finding yourself in that position:

1. Rejection motivates us to do better. When confronted with rejection, this can be a sign that you need to be doing something you are not or stop doing something you are. Figuring out what that is will put you on the path to doing better and experiencing less rejection in the future.
2. Rejection reminds us we’re human. It reminds us we are only human, no matter how extraordinary we would like to believe we are.
3. Rejection teaches patience. You may not get what you want right away, but if you are willing to work hard and be patient, you will eventually find yourself where you want to be.
4. Rejection causes us to explore different paths. Sometimes rejection is life’s way of telling us we need to look at a different path to get where we want to be. It can be a positive experience if you are willing to take another road or try a new way of achieving the same thing.
5. Rejection forces us to reevaluate ourselves. It is natural for people to respond badly to rejection. It is a painful experience; however, when someone hears the same thing enough times, they generally start to listen.
6. Rejection makes us reconsider our goals. Your passion will always shine through, and sometimes rejection is a way for the world to force us to consider that impossible dream we have always wanted to chase rather than the “safe goal” that’s going to make us miserable in the long run.
7. Rejection creates opportunities for change. It can be a powerful force for analyzing why we go for the goals we do and what it is about these goals that drives us on, or away.
8. Rejection gives us new ways of looking at things. It can give us a time to pause and take another look at our objectives and how we are trying to meet them.
9. Rejection makes us stronger. It can often feel like it brings you to a complete halt; however, in reality, it gives you something to push against. People do not grow stronger when everything is working for them; it is when they are forced to cope with the unexpected or the undesirable when growth occurs.
10. Rejection is an opportunity for growth. Try looking at rejection as a chance for you to grow and learn as a person. The lessons you learn from rejection can be applied to just about any facet of your life, making you a stronger, kinder, and a more “polished” person.

Since 1992, I have faced countless rejections, but I have to say, they all have made me stronger, wiser, and better, growing both emotionally and spiritually. The next time you face rejection, I challenge you to look at it in a new way. It maybe God redirecting you to experience bigger and better opportunities. Revelation 3:7 declares, “These things says He who is holy, He who is true, He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens.”

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