OVERCOMING REJECTION

"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9

Every morning, I take 10-15 mins to read my devotion.  This morning was amazing...God spoke to me. He encouraged me to share my story and with you I will do!  

My family and close friends know that I tried time after time to get into an MBA Program.  Despite my untiring efforts, I was left with numerous rejection letters, a broken spirit, and an empty checkbook.  To this day, I hate standardized test. In my opinion, that is no way to measure ones intellectual ability....but that's an just MY opinion.
After weeks of nearly severe depression, I picked myself up and began the job hunt.  I remember sitting in my room, crying and praying to God.  In that very moment, I fully surrendered to Him.  I asked that He show me the path that He wanted me to take....and wherever that may be, I promised to go.  My dad quickly reminded me to "be careful what you pray for because you just might get it". I knew my prayer could result in me traveling to third world counties, spreading the gospel...and I was okay with that.  Keep in mind, I was beyond ready to get out of my [then] current position.
One day after work I began surfing through jobs at Mississippi State.  My dream has always been to work at a University.  I came across an opportunity that caught my attention.  I quickly sent an email, made a few calls, and applied for the position.  A few weeks passed before I heard anything (of course I was dying inside) and then one day I received a phone call for an on campus interview.  To make a long story short, I conquered my fear and made that presentation my..........doormat.  I traveled back to Jackson with a feeling of contentment.  I knew that I had done my best, so whatever the outcome, I would have to accept it.  Within a week I received a phone call (while on my way to another interview  haha see how good God is).  I was extended the offer to serve as the Recruitment, Retention, and Program Specialist for the Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion (new name) at Mississippi State University. WOW!!! Little ole me?? Working directly under the president of MSU?? My prayers were answered....but there is more.  Remember my letters of rejection? Well, I am now enrolled in graduate school.  In a few short years I will have my Master of Science in Counseling & Educational Psychology with an emphasis in Student Affairs.  Did I mention I pay ZERO dollars for my education? Since I am an employee of the University, my tuition is paid! THANK.YOU.GOD.

You see, my rejection was painful.  But God showed me that with patience and faith, anything is possible.  Some may not consider this a "testimony"...but it is for me. I know what God has done for me and I am forever grateful.

"Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house.  Test me in this, says the Lord Almighty, and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it." 

Malachi 3:10

With LOVE,
NaToya Rae xo

Why?

Last night I was watching a show called American Greed...not sure why I'm into all the scandalous stuff but that's not important.  This episode was about Dr. Mark Weinberger; Ear, Nose, & Throat Specialist.  To make a long story short, Mr. Weinberger (how dare I call him Dr.) led several patients to believe they needed surgery for their allergy problems.  After taking an x-ray, he would show them a picture of some random person that REALLY needed surgery....how crazy is that?!  He would even put them under anesthesia and "perform" surgery; doing nothing but harm to their invisible problem.  As a result, several families sued for negligence, and he was indicted on multiple counts of insurance fraud.  However, one lady's story touched my heart.  She went on a routine visit and he insisted that she undergo surgery to "fix" her sinus problems.  After doing so, she consulted with another doctor for a second opinion.  The 2nd doctor found that she was in stage 4 of throat cancer.  How did Weinberger not catch this?? Because he had no regard for human life! Disgusting! Sadly, the lady died within a few short weeks.  This was just a brief synopsis of all that went on in Mr. Weinberger's practice, but it results in so many questions. Not just about his wrongdoing, but the wrongdoing of many others. Why are we so greedy? Is 1mil/year not enough? I'm sure it's more than enough, but what do I know?

I've been asking myself a lot of questions lately.  Questions that I'll likely never get answers to.  Why are people so greedy? Why are people so mean? Why are they envious and jealous? Why do they steal and kill? Why do they manipulate people? Why do they scheme? Why do they treat humans beings as less than? Why? Why? Why?

To me, it's simple. Have fun. Be nice to people...nobody likes a mean person. Hold doors for others. LAUGH. SMILE. Return phone calls. Reply to emails. Say please and thank you...and mean it.  Thank God each day. Say what you mean and mean what you say.  Do what you love. Forgive others.  Most importantly, be honest.  Don't be afraid to ask for help.  READ.  Be humble.  R-E-S-P-E-C-T others. Appreciate the small things.

Please excuse my rant this am.  Perhaps there are some things I will never understand.