My New Favorite Word

“No” is not mean. “No” is not nasty. “No” can sting sometimes, but often it is actually filled with grace, love, and care.

I think the issue is that our society sees being told “no” as failing, or as something shameful. But let me tell you, I have been saying “no” quite a lot these last 5 months, and behind every single “no” is a “for now”.

In my job, I have the honor of hearing people’s stories, I get to know their defining moments in life, I get to celebrate their high points and sit with them in their hurts. I have the privilege to come alongside of the applicant and my co-workers in prayer as we figure out the next steps in the application process. And, I have the gift of calling back that applicant, and telling them we are unable to accept them.

It sounds weird, that it is a gift, but in doing so, I truly believe we are offering applicants a space for processing, a space for healing, and a space where the Lord can continue doing work in them.

Having heard it a number of times myself, I agree that “No” is a word that produces grief and upset. However, in the space of that initial pain, instead of letting it be filled with bitterness, we have a choice to press into the pain and see what lesson, healing, and even joys that season has. We have to opportunity to fully appreciate how God is growing us and moving in our life. And after that season, God. Keeps. Moving.

How He grows us in our season of “no” opens up door after door in the path He has set before us. He may open the door for a healed applicant to re-apply for a missions trip. He may open a door for an opportunity unrelated to Adventure in Missions that they never would have known or thought of if it weren’t for that season of “no”.

“No” isn’t the end. It doesn’t mean God doesn’t have good things for us. It doesn’t mean we failed. “No” is an opportunity. “No” is a doorway into living a fuller life. A healthy life. A life fully dependent on the Lord, His provision, and His plan.

“No” is not mean. “No” is not nasty. “No” could be the most caring thing you could say to a person. “No” means “I love you”. “No” means “I care for you”. “No” means “There are far better things ahead than anything you leave behind”.

Learn God’s grace in each “No”. He has wonderful things for you.

 

Love well, 

Molly Fae