Encouragement

Overcoming Rejection Part 1

by Janice S Ramkissoon 
09/02/21
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Being called a Slave baby, by someone who looked like me and was of the age where she represented eldership in the community, was the first time I felt rejection.


I didn't have the understanding of what was happening but I grew to understand that I was in a community where I was not well represented. So, when I saw someone who didn't just look like me but who was also of two generations above me, at the least, I was excited.


I wanted to feel accepted by her and by that community of people but instead, I felt rejection. She was not a descendent of a people who were enslaved and so she thought herself better than me. I hung my head in shame and walked away feeling like I didn't belong.


Each time I encountered a person or group of people from that background, I found I was still made to feel that way. Whenever that happened it would trigger that memory.


I did nothing with that memory until 2020, when I was speaking to a young lady whose thinking was similar to that elder. She confessed that her responses to people of Caribbean culture changed after the death of George Floyd. She was now exposed to information that challenged her preconceived ideas of that group of people.


The Bible says, "My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge" (Hosea 4:6).


Many relationships have been destroyed and are being destroyed because of this lack of knowledge. I've watched loved ones forfeit their blessings of having rich friendships because of preconceived ideas.


My encouragement to you today comes from Proverbs 4:5-8, "Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her and she will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is this: get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Cherish her, and she will exalt you; embrace her and she will honour you."


Since the death of George Floyd, I have been educating myself on my history; looking deeper into why we have groups of people looking down on others or rejecting other groups of people. I'm gaining understanding.


Based on my limited knowledge and understanding,  I was able to pass on relevant information to the young lady I mentioned earlier and she was able to continue on the path of learning and gaining understanding. More importantly, a friendship was maintained because I had grown in understanding and was able to recognise the need for education.


Proverbs 24 says, "By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures."


The challenge to us today is to build with wisdom. Get to know your building materials and how to use them; gain understanding and begin building or rebuilding the house. 


What are you building today? Are you building a home? Are you building friendships? Are you building a ministry? Whatever you are building, gain knowledge, gain understanding and build wisely.


Be blessed and continue to be a blessing to others.

Your sister in Christ,
Janice S Ramkissoon
2nd September 2021