Status Updates From Uninvited: Living Loved Whe...

“Because the need to be loved and accepted runs so deep, we find ourselves doing things we never thought possible just to try to satisfy those desires. What starts off as a seemingly small compromise can easily become a complete contradiction to the people we long to be. We set things in motion that we never intended, all because we missed the miracle of His presence and promise in the midst of the mess.”

“I'll even take it a step further and say that if we've been exposed to a teaching that we know we need to implement and we don't make any changes, that's a clue that the hardening of that part of our heart is in process.
Inspiration and information without personal application will never amount to transformation.”

“You are more susceptible to Satan's schemes when you are feeling rejected. Emotional pain will scream for relief, and it's so easy to start justifying thoughts and actions outside God's will.

Truth is the perfect tranquilizer. The enemy's power is rendered powerless in the presence of God's promises.”

1. One rejection = future failures
2. ≠ a bad label, find what is right for me
3. God may want to invite you to something else
4. For my protection
5. Ask the "what" questions
6. Keep the negative reactions off the Internet
7. Rejection may leave a time gap. Use time for the other parts of you.
8. Liability or asset?
9. Short-term setback, not permanent condition
10. Breaking be the making-make me stronger!

“Into that space of not understanding, we simply must state, "God, I don't understand this situation. But I do understand Your goodness to me. I thank You for the protection that is part of this rejection even when I can't see it. I trust You."

“There is an abundant need… your exact brand of beautiful” abundance vs scarcity mindset and how it relates to the more modern saying that “her success does not threaten mine”

James 3:14-15 ESV if jealousy is another emotion I’ve had that comes from rejection

Gifts from rejection: made less to have room for your turn to be great, being lonely because Jesus then gives compassion and so can we, and finally silence to hear God.

The Biblical story of Hannah in 1 Samuel. For the “look[ing] up toward heaven in utter frustration” moments
Suspicion of God. Forgiving. For. Giving.

“The lesson was this: Anything that infuses us with humility is good. Even if it feels a bit like humiliation in the moment, the workings of humility within are a gift.”

If I do the corrective experience chart, perhaps pride is a feeling that came from rejection. And this book gives James 4:6 as a verse about the proud… that the humble get grace

“"Me too" and "you do belong" are powerful words… soothing statements that calm and heal, beautiful realities for us to receive from God personally and believe.

Let your past rejection experiences work for you instead of against you by allowing them to help you sense the possible pain behind other people's reactions.”

A preaching “you should”
An expert vs student dynamic with “you could”
While “me too” is same team fighting an issue together, I was where you are, we can get through it together

It’s amazing how many times the words of my college coaches show up years after I graduated. This chapter talks about giving grace and there is a line of pointing out that Abigail “changes what she can”, which is like my coaches saying you “can control two things: your attitude and your effort.”

“It's like… a photograph containing all the people you love and suddenly some of those people purposely cut themselves out of the picture. And the gaping hole left behind is in some ways worse than death. If their absence was caused by death, you would grieve their loss. But when their absence is caused by rejection, you not only grieve their loss.. also have to wrestle through the fact that they wanted this.”

Her metaphors and stories of a life moment that translate into universal lessons are a strong point for me so far. While I’m struggling to read this in anything except complete silence, it’s a good mix of life and lessons and bible verses as evidence

Trust the fullness. God will follow, will catch us. We should not empty ourselves of God to speak fullness in a partner, opportunity, material possession

“All these things we're tempted to grab at? They won't fill us the way we think they will. In the end, they only make us feel emptier and more rejected.”

“Being full of God's love settles, empowers, and brings out the best of who we are. On the other hand, the more full of the flesh we are, the more we grab at anyone and anything to fill that ache for love and acceptance.”

Really opened my eyes to look at the bigger picture when I’m facing disappointment or rejection. I really think this book helps you see how to put your focus more on God, and not simply let Him be an after thought. Good read before the New Year. I’ve been looking to reacquaint myself with God, and reading this was the first step in doing so.

“Jesus doesn't participate in the rat race. He's into the slower rhythms of life, like abiding, delighting, and dwelling—all words that require us to trust Him with our place and our pace. Words used to describe us being with Him.”

“No soul can soar to the place of living loved when it’s a performance-based endeavor. Living loved is sourced in your quiet daily surrender to the One who made you.”

“Live loved."

Live from the abundant place that you are loved, and you won't find yourself begging others for scraps of love.

I want to come back to this prayer

Have it somewhere accessible time and time again