Rejection is hard.
But you know what, it’s for our benefit sometimes. It humbles us, it refines us, and it grows our character - if we let it. I’m no stranger to rejection, especially when it comes to my dreams. American Idol, X-Factor, ministry teams in college: all “no” for me. Does that mean I can’t sing? A few years ago, that’s what I thought it meant. There were lessons in each of those let-downs that I needed to learn, and God was so faithful to mature me through that season. Because of those rejections, I learned what worship is truly about, and now I can lead from a place of true joy and humility when I take the platform each week. In order to make me more like Christ, I needed to experience those hurts. I no longer have a dream to be the next Lauren Daigle, but I’m using that gift God gave me for HIS glory every week. Life looks different now, but I still have dreams: to write a book, Bible studies, and maybe even host a podcast one day?! But I’ve been really wrestling with it, wanting to honor God’s plan for my life and make much of HIM, not myself. I’ve been wrestling with discernment about what is that line between pursuing my goals with ambition versus just trying to promote myself & make things happen that aren’t God’s best for me. A few weeks ago, I stepped out of my comfort zone & submitted some work to a blog that I absolutely adore & highly respect. I poured my heart into the story I wrote, and yesterday I found out they decided it wasn’t for them. And you know what? It hurts! But I’m not going to let this rejection crush me as others have. I'm not going to ask, "Does this mean I can't write?" I now know my worth is not in my abilities. My worth doesn’t come from comments on my blog or likes on my photos or even my role as a wife & mom. It comes from being created in the image of Almighty God. I used to claim my identity through my accomplishments, but now I know Jesus Christ has already accomplished everything for me on the cross. Praise God! I don’t need to be a published author to complete God’s purpose for my life. If He hands that opportunity to me, I’ll be grateful for the chance to steward it well. If He doesn’t, then I’m okay. It just means I have a different role to play in His story. These ordinary tasks of wiping bottoms and being used as a human chew toy and cleaning toilets and instilling truth into little souls through just being present are SO significant. They are full of meaning. I've already been given my biggest dream, and I never for one second take the gift of her for granted. Ada is all about climbing and standing these days. As I was writing this, she had pulled herself up on the ottoman, peering over her little hands to smile at me. Still pretty wobbly in her new skill, she took a nice tumble moments later. Instinctively, I comforted her as I helped her back to her feet and said, “It’s okay, Ada! Let’s try again. You’re doing so good! When we fall down, we just have to get back up and try again.” And of course, as the words left my mouth, the Lord whispered in my spirit, “That’s right, sweet girl. Just get up and try again.”
2 Comments
10/14/2018 04:08:26 pm
It's clear to me that those people who rejected you because they didn't think your singing voice was "good enough," needed to have their ears cleaned out by the doctor. I'm wondering about these people who didn't like your writing too. What? How?! I think your writing is so good. I am so glad that these rejection experiences have humbled you though. Maybe that was the point in all the rejections? I'm not sure. What I am sure of that you are SO BLESSED in your every day life and it's clear to me that you are living for the Lord and using your voice and your writing as a ministry for HIM. I, for one, am thankful for you and for the blessings that God has given you. ❤
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Ashley
10/26/2018 10:59:21 pm
Thank you so much for your kind words Shantelle! I agree with you that there was definitely a reason God has allowed those rejections in my life, and I am grateful for the lessons He is teaching me through them. I am also grateful for the many blessings He has given us <3 Hugs!
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Ashley Setterlind: Jesus lover, wife, new mama to a baby girl. Archives
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