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Thoughts for a Woman's Heart |
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encouragement in things that matter |
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Rejection
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In the opening chapter of Ruth’s story in Scripture, Ruth meets with a rapid succession of the expressions of her mother-in-law’s grief. Naomi’s actions and attitudes could have easily been mistaken as a deliberate rejection of Ruth. She began by rejecting all that was familiar to Ruth, and began to journey toward her own familiarity. Ruth’s feelings were minimized as Naomi clung to the gravity of her own. Re-thinking her intended journey, she repeatedly told Ruth to "go away!" When Ruth refused, silence seemed to fall, and walls of isolation brought two lonely women to Bethlehem where Naomi declared her misery and her emptiness while Ruth’s personhood and value faded into the shadows.
Rejection can be found in ridicule, accusations, or failure. It is felt when recognition or appreciation is absent. It is loud and cruel when a child is rebellious or a husband is unfaithful. Most commonly we react by attacking with our own words or actions, or we build strong and stubborn walls of silence and separation. Ruth’s responses were far different. With kindness, loyalty, integrity, industry, and dependability, she committed herself to Naomi, and refused to give up on the relationship. Some relationships will be permanently severed by rejection, but all too often we give up too quickly.
Whatever the rejection, it does not have to define who we are as a person. Truth frees, and the truth of God’s acceptance of me and His loving affirmation when I respond in ways consistent with His expectations for me, form the basis of my worth and personhood. When I understand the truth about the one who has rejected me, I may find an understanding of the "why" for her assault or withdrawal which can lead to an easier acceptance of her behavior. I may also realize that although a rejection may have been directed at me personally, the problem that caused it is not mine to own. The problem may fully belong to the other person. As I seek to respond in godly ways, truth is present with guidelines that can set my direction based on the facts God wants me to discern, and not on my angry or injured feelings. Galatians 6:9 reminds us, "Don’t get tired of doing what is good. Don’t get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time." The harvest that comes may be the personal fruit of righteous character and integrity, but that alone is a blessing of immense proportion.
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— Bev |
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