I’ve always struggled with acceptance. I’m afraid I always will. I think one of the greatest fears humans experience is the fear and painful sting of rejection. It keeps many from stepping out of their comfort zone. It paralyzes us with fear.
Those that step into leadership positions, either by a calling or through their own ambition, immediately become targets for their own shortcomings and those of whatever it is they are leading.
The church is one place where acceptance should be found. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen. Many have walked away hurt, confused and bitter because they have been looked down upon or treated as inferior.
What a terrible thing it is not to be accepted for who you are, regardless of how others think. It is okay to disagree, it is not okay to judge, dismiss or take humanity from those that we disagree with.
Not being accepted is hurtful and causes anxiety. Having said all that, true acceptance can only be found in God and his grace. There are areas within our souls that cannot be touched or healed by others. That healing and acceptance can only come from our triune God.
It is frustrating and not fair to ask of others only what God can provide. Even having been a pastor for almost two years I still struggle with this.
Shawn LaRue
shawnlarueorg@wordpress.com
Author of Incomplete
BooknVolume 
Reblogged this on Call to Witness.
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I’m sorry that you still struggle with acceptance. We all do at one time or the other, but I always remind myself now that I am made in the image of God and am His beloved child and that is all the acceptance I need. I’m not perfect but I do my best to hang on to that. A friend told me once that hurting people hurt other people and so I try to tell myself that their lack of approval or kindness is coming not from something I’ve done or said but from a hurt inside of them that needs healling. Hugs and blessings, Natalie 🙂 ❤
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Thanks for sharing. You are right – belonging and being accepted – so important. And sometimes it doesn’t take much to foster those feelings in another.
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Dear Didi,
I think that fear of reaction is present when we have expectations and expectations may easily fall into disappointments – and fear, fear of not having got enough attention and acknowledgement – when rising above it we are no longer dependent on these mind traps or of the opionions of others – first of all we have to stand on a stabil fundament ourselves, then no wind can bring us down – we have to become the rock in the stormy sea of life – of course not like ignoring others in a selfish way, but in a way that allows us nevertheless to appreciate others and ourselves likewise.
Have a great start in this new week
All good wishes
Didi
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I think self-acceptance is more important than being accepted by others. (I sound like a fortune cookie.)
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