“Then Jesus began teaching them with stories: “A man planted a vineyard. He built a wall around it, dug a pit for pressing out the grape juice, and built a lookout tower. Then he leased the vineyard to tenant farmers and moved to another country. At the time of the grape harvest, he sent one of his servants to collect his share of the crop. But the farmers grabbed the servant, beat him up, and sent him back empty-handed. The owner then sent another servant, but they insulted him and beat him over the head. The next servant he sent was killed. Others he sent were either beaten or killed, until there was only one left—his son whom he loved dearly. The owner finally sent him, thinking, ‘Surely they will respect my son.’ “But the tenant farmers said to one another, ‘Here comes the heir to this estate. Let’s kill him and get the estate for ourselves!’ So they grabbed him and murdered him and threw his body out of the vineyard. “What do you suppose the owner of the vineyard will do?” Jesus asked. “I’ll tell you—he will come and kill those farmers and lease the vineyard to others. Didn’t you ever read this in the Scriptures? ‘The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone. This is the LORD’s doing, and it is wonderful to see.’ ””Mark 12:1-11 NLT
Many times in life you’ll be rejected. It’s not right nor fair but that’s just the way life goes. But it’s through those rejections where character, strength, will and determination is brought to light. It’s through our rejections that we are made whole.
Had it not been for many people, jobs, and companies rejecting me, I wouldn’t work so hard at trying to be a better me and have my own business. Had I not believed in my own capabilities, skills and talents, I wouldn’t dream so big to have my own book on shelves and e-stores. Had I not had many people, including my own family and so-called friends tell me I wasn’t going to make it and how I need to settle down and get a “real job,” then I wouldn’t still keep moving forward everyday.
Words are powerful. People’s judgement and rejection can seem even more powerful. It’s our choice to not let it get us down. It’s our choice to decide to block out the negativity, the hate and all the bad thoughts that cloud our minds. It’s our choice to move forward, conquer our goals while becoming the best version of ourselves.
I choose greatness. I dream of a life more fulfilling than what I have. I dream of touching and blessing people all around the world. I dream of seeing the world, not just through my own eyes, but through the eyes of its local communities. I’m determined to be the first entrepreneur in my family. I’m determined to show my family that owning a successful black business can happen.
Though their faith is small and not in me, I believe in myself and know what God has in store for me. I have faith that He will see me through. He didn’t bring me this far to let me down. As with all his children, what God has for me, it is for me. Can’t no man, woman nor child ever take that away.
There may be more rejections that lie ahead but that just means that door wasn’t meant for me. I’ll have to find another door to walk through. That’s all rejection is. A way to guide you towards the path and doors meant for you. It’s a guide to show you your potential and allow you to flourish and blossom into what God intended you to be. So fret not when faced with rejection. Stay positive and tell yourself that “this is not the end.” In the words of singer Aaliyah, “If at first you don’t succeed, dust yourself off and try again!”
Dear Father, I pray that whoever reads this message, that they find the courage to never give up hope. I pray that strength is given for them to continue on their path. I pray that you get all the glory from their trials and success. In Jesus name, I pray, Amen.
~A.G.Rogers
(Instagram: @AndreaGees)
A Gees Life 