Today I applied for a job. A real job. I haven’t applied for a job in over a year and if I’m being honest with you, it scares me. I’m not scared of having the job! Believe me, I’ll be absolutely overjoyed if I get it. What I’m most afraid of is rejection. The potential that my lack of work experience, large work gaps and age could prevent me from being hirable. Rejection is one of those fickle experiences that only you are capable of designing. If I never step out of my comfort zone then I’ll never have to fear rejection! That’s the key; in order to be rejected you first have to ask. You have to stick your skimpy résumé out there and pray that the answer is yes. Rejection isn’t a tragedy only associated with the professional sphere. It exists in relationships, hobbies and education.
Telling that boy you’ve got a heart for him is terrifying knowing the potential negative response. What if he doesn’t feel the same way? Applying for the school of your dreams could lead to a broken dream. Will you have to choose a backup? Those are the risks. By making ourselves vulnerable we run the risk of walking away with broken hearts. But here’s the other side of the same coin. True vulnerability leads to the greatest level of success. In order to succeed greatly, rejection has to take place. It’s necessary for us to grow, learn and develop.
J.K. Rowling was rejected by 12 different publishers before her book “Harry Potter” was picked up.
Stephen King’s first novel was rejected 30 times before it was published.
Marilyn Monroe was told she should become a secretary instead of a model.
Imagine if any of those people had stopped aiming for that big dream on the first rejection? Imagine if they had stopped on the tenth or twentieth “no” they got? I’m putting myself out there with every application I send. The fear of rejection is strong, sure! There is a greater power than fear in where I place my roots. I’m rooted in the knowledge that whether the answer is yes or no, I’m being loved and protected by the same God. I’m pushing forward until he says “Stop.”
I’m facing rejection with a smiling face and open hands! Who knows – maybe this time the answer will be “yes”!
This is probably one of the biggest prayer requests I’ve ever written. Please pray that the job would come through! Pray that whatever job I end up with would be the right one. I’m excited for this next chapter and I’m thrilled that you’re all a part of it!
