Reuben's story a tale of rejection made right

Nobody gets through life without experiencing some degree of rejection. It can begin tragically early. This is Reuben's story — one I learned through an organization I support, Open Arms International.

“Reuben was born on the streets. His mother, an addict, had been living on the streets for quite some time. When Reuben was born he was immediately exposed to sleeping out in the cold. Every time he would cry his mother would have him sniff glue, which caused drowsiness and gave a feeling of having a full stomach.

Each day his mother would put him in a dumpster, have him sniff glue to fall asleep, and then come and pick him up in the evening. But then one day, when Reuben was just seven months old, she didn't return.

Someone found Reuben in the dumpster and informed the police. That's when he was brought to Open Arms Village. When he arrived, he had wounds in his mouth and all over his body. His eyes were infected, he had problems breathing, and severe malaria.

When Reuben started school he was in a special needs class due to developmental delays. Now he has caught up and is in the top ten of his class! He has lived at Open Arms Village for 11 years. He has experienced healing — physically, emotionally, and spiritually. His soul has been gradually healing. The love of a family was just what he needed to understand the love of his Heavenly Father.”

Here is another story of rejection-made-right — one from many in the Bible, including that of Jesus himself. A Greek woman followed after Jesus and His disciples crying out incessantly for mercy for her sick daughter. She so irritated the disciples they begged Jesus, “Send her away because she keeps shouting at us.”

Instead, He held a challenging conversation with this non-Jew woman, who stood her ground. He did exactly as she asked — healing her daughter, and commending her great faith. This was a shocking awakening for the disciples — who believed Jesus had come for their nation only.

Jesus showed an open heart for those who came seeking Him. The only time He sent someone away in rejection was Satan (a very real being detailed in the Bible) — when the devil tried to weaken Him, to make Him give up His work of redemption for the world.

There are always destructive influences and behaviors to refuse. But to be rejected as a human being shrinks my sense of self and value. And the value of myself is really the only thing that's mine. It's such a precious possession it determines just about everything else important in life. How I relate — how I communicate — my state of mind — my understanding of purpose for my life.

I recently read a great line, “Occupy your space.” The God of all creation has declared I have immense value to Him — enough for Him to enter my world (“For God so loved the world...”), and come seeking me. His is an unending acceptance — an eternal purpose and satisfaction richly given by faith in His Son Jesus.

That's some big space.