After just a few months shy of thirty years as a holder of a major credit card and, in their words, "an absolutely perfect record", both Hubbie and I had our cards declined this week. I spent nearly two hours on the phone yesterday and another necessary call is scheduled for tomorrow morning (to say nothing of the embarrassment that surrounded the events). That adds up to hours of major hair-pulling. According to the supervisor who spoke to me the problem was at their end and had to do with renewal dates and cards not mailed outblah, blah. All I know is that there are few things that reveal my pride more than being rejected for no justifiable reason.
For most of us and on most occasions rejection hurts, whatever the reason. Looking for employment is hard enough; a pile of rejections when top-notch resumes have been submitted is demoralizing. As a writer I can attest to the stab in the heart that comes with rejected manuscripts, although I've gained some thick skin through that process. Possibly one of the most difficult situations is to be rebuffed by a friend for stating an opinion contrary to theirs. To disagree is one thing; to be given the cold shoulder is quite another.
Throughout time men, women and children have suffered rejection and on occasion, even death because they stood for something they believed in. Realizing that at the same time I inwardly groaned at the hours spent getting my problem sorted out, people were being slandered, beaten or killed because they dared to proclaim their stand for worthy values.
Blessed comfort, then, to know that Jesus, who was rejected for no sin of His own, welcomes all: "the one who comes to me I will by no means cast out" (John 6:37)
How's that for acceptance!
