The Gift of RejectionSample

For our final devotional day, I’m sharing a high-level overview of the practical framework I outline in The Gift of Rejection. I go into great detail about this in the book, so let’s consider this a primer ahead of you reading it.

My OPEN Framework stands for Observe, Pray, Explore, and Name with the following definitions:

OBSERVE. When rejection happens, take a moment to ask yourself, “What am I thinking and feeling right now?” Find a piece of paper or open a notes app and jot down your thoughts. As you review them, take the process a step further by asking yourself, “Is this thought true?”

PRAY. In Ephesians 4:26-27, Paul writes, “Be angry, and do not sin: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil.” When rejection happens, pray and receive God’s supernatural power to break the stronghold of anger or sadness.

EXPLORE. Every rejection contains the gift of insight into yourself and others. By exploring the lesson, you can shift from a passive posture of “rejection victim” to an active posture of “change agent,” making a conscious choice to use what you’ve learned about yourself to change your future.

NAME. Your new-found insights will only serve as a gift if you set a clear action plan for how to incorporate them in your life. To do this well, you - need to name your next step. Identify the action you can take to put your insights into practice. In doing that, you will be opening the gift of rejection. And that is the beginning of your healing.

I can’t wait to go deeper with you in The Gift of Rejection book. Thank you for joining me! If you enjoyed this plan, please share it with any friends or family who you believe will be blessed by it, too. I am praying for you!