I attend Alfred Street Baptist Church in Alexandria, VA where the Rev. Howard-John Wesley is my pastor. Since 2009, Alfred Street has been my family away from home. The relationships and bonds I have made there cannot be replaced. My husband and I attended Saturday service recently and Pastor Wesley preached a sermon regarding rejection. Anyone could identify with this sermon because at some point in our lives, we all have been rejected. But in the midst of his sermon, he said something that I though was profound. He said rejection that is not dealt with, leaves the residue of bitterness and bitterness leaves the stain of anger. That statement was an aha moment for me.

The statement he made me think about the times I felt like I was rejected and if I had gotten over it or was I still stained with anger. The anger experienced with rejection and not getting over the situation has a direct link to not forgiving. Ohhhh that’s a bad word. When someone has done you wrong or rejected you it is unimaginable that you would forgive that person and walk away. However, moving on and forgiving is the only way not to be stained with anger or wear the residue of bitterness. Forgiveness does not mean you forgot but it means that you have moved on and now walk in peace. Forgiveness also means that although you rejected me, I know that I am worthy. I can walk away knowing that somewhere in God’s Divine and providential plan for my life, I will be accepted!

That makes me want to shout! Aren’t you glad that no matter who has rejected you that God’s plan has acceptance around the corner? And if you are glad about that then how can you sit in the stain of anger.

Pastor Wesley posed the will of God was that you be rejected so he can bring you to a bigger and better place of acceptance.” That’s how awesome our God is.

So today I challenge you not to sit in the residue of bitterness or the stain of anger. I challenge you to walk away, forgive, and consider that if God closed that door it is because he wanted to open another.

So excited for the next door,

Felicia Smith