About the worst feelings a person can have are being lonely and feeling misunderstood- or not understood at all. Those feelings are so isolating. Feelings aren't necessarily reality. But, they are very real to the person feeling them.
It's easy for that to happen today with our texting, emailing, busy, busy lives. Someone posts something on Facebook and gets 21 likes and 12 comments- and it leaves them feeling good. Two weeks later they post something and get nada, nothing, zilch. Let that happen three or four times, and now they're doubting themselves, their worth, their friendships.
Maybe it's a wife who gives her husband a hug and kiss and he seems disinterested, or she has things to say and he doesn't know how to listen. Or a husband who has had it rough at work, pressures weighing on him like bricks, and all he is getting is the feeling his efforts aren't good enough.
This can happen with children, parents, siblings, friends and all human beings who have any sense of who they are.
We not only feel rejection, we all also have the power to communicate rejection to people, whether we are aware of it or not. Not taking time for people when they know you have the time communicates rejection. Not caring about how you speak to someone communicates rejection. Not being grateful repeatedly can communicate rejection. Not listening sends the message that the person talking is not important.
I'm a born again Christian (John 3:7), and as I think about the power I have to make others feel rejected, I remember the rejection Jesus faced when he walked this earth. He was spit upon, mocked, beaten and crucified. And not just at the end of his life, but from the beginning of his ministry he was rejected in various ways. He deserved none of it.
When I am the one feeling rejected and down, I can look to Jesus. He deserved much less than I do. He was sinless- perfect. Looking at him, I can know I am not alone. I can pray, and go to one who truly understands, and who has the power to help me through it.
When I am the one feeling rejected and down, I can look to Jesus. He deserved much less than I do. He was sinless- perfect. Looking at him, I can know I am not alone. I can pray, and go to one who truly understands, and who has the power to help me through it.
1 Peter 2:4
As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious..
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Great post, Heather! I can remember my Nana and my Mom always encouraging me to see out those who were lonely, from the little boy crying on the first day of kindergarten to someone having lunch all by themselves in high school. Yet, I still feel like I fail to always see who may be feeling rejection. And I also know what it feels like to be on the other side of the fence too! Thanks for the encouragement and the reminder!
ReplyDeleteKim
Kim, that was very wise of your mom and nana to tell you that as a young person! I'm glad this was a blessing to you. Thanks for your comment!
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