Fearfully & Wonderfully Made

So often, we let rejection rule our lives. Whether it's actual rejection or anticipated, we carry around a "list" of reasons why someone would reject us. For some of us, the list is such a heavy burden that we push people away before they ever get the chance to reject us. Our very image of self is so wrapped up in other people's perception of us that we actually lose sight of Who's opinion actually matters.

What's your list? Write it down; I don't care how "stupid" some of them sound. Write down every reason why someone has rejected you or that you assumed would result in rejection. I'll start.

1. I have three kids; no one will help me raise three kids that aren't their own.
2. If the guy doesn't mind being a step-dad, he wants more kids of his own. I may not be able to have any more babies. I'm open to adoption, but more pregnancies may not be an option for me.
3. I've got health issues that could get worse over time. No one will want to deal with that.
4. I'm too independent.
5. I'm too opinionated.
6. I'm too strong.
7. I'm not skinny/pretty enough. 
8. I'm too active. I like to go out and do things, meet new people, and absorb sunshine.

Okay, now let's make another list...

1. If he isn't willing to love me and love my kids, he isn't even worth my time. 
2. If he isn't okay with the prospect of adoption and is more interested in simply "carrying on his own seed," then he's not the one for me. He, like myself, needs to be at peace with however God sees fit to form our family - be it by blood or adoption.
3. "In sickness or in health..." If a man cannot uphold these parts of marriage vows, then there's the door.
4. He wants a needy woman who can't handle herself without him? Adios, amigo.
5. He doesn't want a woman with an eloquent brain? Next.
6. Who sits around and says to himself, "Gosh, I really want a weak woman." Seriously.
7. First of all, that's just stupid. I'm beautiful and curvy. I take care of myself; I work out and I eat healthy. Added bonus, I'm squishy and make a great pillow. If he prefers stick figures, then let him go. He has no idea what he's missing out on (good cooking and a cuddly woman).
8. He prefers to sit on his butt and never leave the house? Ain't nobody got time for that. Bye, Felicia.

Once you make that second list the first one sounds a little ridiculous, doesn't it? Precious sister, you are so valuable. You are treasured. You are adored. You have things to offer that no one else does. 

O Lord, You have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, You know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it... You knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are Your works; my soul knows it well. (Psalm 139:1-6, 13-14)

You are fearfully and wonderfully made. You face no rejection with the One who so intricately designed you, dear one. Every other rejection fades away when you hold to this truth.