Rejected Stones
The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. – Psalm 118:22 (NIV)
In early 20th century America, many people believed that women were unsuited for public life, and that a woman’s domestic life as wife and mother was ordained by God. Furthermore, a woman’s vote was thought to be represented by her husband, with disdain cast upon any woman who held political views that differed from the male head of her household.
But can you imagine how bereft American politics would be today without the involvement and leadership of women?
During the 1970s and well into the 1980s, when people thought “computer” they thought of large frame structures used by companies and the military. Steve Jobs had the notion that people would discover their own need for PCs once they experienced them. Job’s intent was not only to illuminate people’s latent need for PCs, but to get people to see the PC as an extension of themselves.
The objections and obstacles to the realization of Job’s vision were immense, but can you imagine a world today without smart phones?
Oprah Winfrey confesses that her initial career goal was to be a serious TV news anchor. In 1976 she landed a job as co-anchor of the 6PM news at WJZ-TV in Baltimore. Soon thereafter, WJZ decided she was dull and stiff on the air and noted that she regularly mispronounced words. She was abruptly fired.
But can you imagine the media and the movie industry today without the “O” effect?
Popular rejection has never meant the denial of one’s genius or one’s calling. Rejection often precedes respect, and our crosses do qualify us to wear crowns.
Prayer
Lord, let no denial derail the realization of my destiny in you. Amen.
About the AuthorKenneth L. Samuel is Pastor of Victory for the World Church, Stone Mountain, Georgia.