By Cindy Walker Burton

Long ago and far away, I was nominated for potential membership into an exclusive organization. I was pleasantly surprised to be nominated. However, I was ultimately rejected. That rejection caused self reflection: why was I rejected and what was the membership criteria? I mistakenly focused on the rejection instead of redirection.

Seeking insight, I texted an intelligent, accomplished woman (whom I admire greatly) for her opinion regarding my membership rejection. My daughter replied succinctly: “You’re overqualified. It’s their loss. Move on.” And I recalled my mother’s advice: “Focus on God and not on yourself.” Both offered seven sage words toward redirection.

Very Well Mind cites six types of rejection: romantic, social, family, career, academic, and self rejection. The five stages of rejection are denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. To manage rejection, Headspace website advises: think like an optimist, expect rejection, do not self-criticize, feel the sting/let it go, meditate, and learn from it. I personally recommend prayer first, and then reading both “The Let Them Theory” by Mel Robbins and Jessica Van Roekel’s “7 Verses for Overcoming Rejection” found on welcomegrace.com.

No one is immune to the sting of rejection. Consider these famous folks who famously overcame rejection. Walt Disney was fired from the Kansas City Star because the editor claimed he “lacked imagination and had no good ideas.” Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team as a sophomore. Oprah Winfrey was fired from her Boston broadcasting job and told she was “unfit for television news.” Their common denominator? Redirection.

Jesus overcame rejection repeatedly. Isaiah 53:3 confirms, “He was despised and rejected by mankind…” Seek Him to overcome your rejections. Earthly memberships are temporary, conditional, and based on performance. Membership in the family of Christ is unconditional, inclusive, and secured by the grace of God. 1 Corinthians 12:27 says, “Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.” Earthly memberships expire. Membership in the body of Christ is eternal. Allow rejection to be redirection to a Christ connection.