Finally after months of arduous campaigning by our presidential candidates, the people of our country have made their decision - many say "Hope Won" with President Elect Barrack Obama! I wonder how this man feels, knowing he has won the favor of the American people and will now lead one of the greatest global superpowers in world history? I can't even imagine what it might feel like to be "chosen" in such a profound way.
Most likely the reason it's difficult for me to comprehend being chosen like this is is because of a memory I have from 2nd grade when I felt the shame of rejection from my classmates. My teacher, Mrs Ayers had picked two team captains for a PE excercise but it was the captains job to choose their team, taking turns until all students had been selected. Now I don't have a lot of memories of my elementary years but I do remember what it was like to be in 2nd grade and I have to say some of the memories are difficult. I was a rather shy little girl and at the age of six I started to put on weight. By 2nd grade I was plump (by today's standards I would classify as obese) and I felt very self conscious and ackward. I don't remember having many friends in class but Mrs. Ayers was a nice teacher and I remembered feeling safe and comfortable in her care until this particular day.
As you might have guessed, the team captains went about their duty stirring up excitement and laughter from all of the children. As the teams were being formed some teasing began as those of us remaining children waited in line with hopes of being chosen next. My stomach was twisted in knots because I was petrified of being chosen last but then I was also afraid I wouldn't be able to live up to the expectation my teammates would place on me to perform in the activity. Mrs. Ayers hurried the captains along and the two teams grew on either side of the dodge ball court. Four of us remained, then three. Looking back at this moment in my life I can't even remember who these other children were or what they looked like, but all that mattered was that we stood there for what seemed like an eternity. Mrs. Ayers came over and to hurry the process along she tapped us each on the shouldrer and pointed to a team, "You go there" and "You, over there." Funny thing is, I don't even remember anything after that except a deep sense of loneliness. Although I was added to a team I was not really "chosen!"
Now fast forward to my middle school years which for many teens can be some of the most difficult years of life. By then I had slimmed down and soon found out what it felt like to be accepted among my peers. Then I was invited to a Young Life meeting where I heard about Jesus Christ. Not only had I found a fun and embracing group of leaders who seemed to care, but I also found a Savior who, I was told, loved me more than His own life, since He gave it up for me on the cross. Through fun and games and goofy skits I began to feel that "Jesus-love" all over me and then one day I heard the words that would break into that 2nd grade wounded heart - "You did not choose Me, but I chose you" from John 15:16. Words from the mouth of my Savior spoken for me, to heal the past and to set me on a course of purposeful life, indeed.
I must say that hearing those words did not "fix" me and instantly make me more confident and assured but from that day they have been with me to remind me that I am valued and loved for what I am, and that I have been hand picked, for something special!
If you have scars caused from the wounds of rejection, I encourage you to let Jesus' words became the mortar that heals and holds your life together. He has chosen us to receive Him and it is through His presence and love in us that we are transformed! Remember whose team you are on today and stand strong!
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