Do you have a vision to be a doctor, lawyer, author or teacher? Visions require faith and self-control. Others may not share or understand the vision God has placed in us. Those who do not see or believe in our vision can cause us pain, especially coming from love ones. Although we are hurt, rejection can sometimes be a powerful motivator. Rejection can become your challenger. En Garde! Draw your sword of faith and prepare yourself to win the battle over your adversary and rejections. Seize the day and succeed in what you are destined to do.

Oprah Winfrey is a prime example of overcoming adversity and even rejections. Ms. Winfrey is recognized as one of the world’s most powerful women among Forbes 100 Powerful Women, where she is ranked as Number 21. Briefly let’s acknowledge her road to success. Winfrey often states, “Opportunity is being prepared.” Her advice seems simple enough. For me, it was not. Past experiences taught me that I was not prepared for my destiny. I lacked the faith required of me.

Oprah encountered and defeated rape, racism, economic hardships, and self esteem issues. Like Oprah, we too must take a proactive approach to our happiness. Many times, we have been wronged and suffered a setback, we feel that the world and God owes us something in return. Oprah refused to bow down to racial discrimination. Once, I watched Oprah Winfrey interview a Jewish Holocaust survivor, Elie Wiesel, the author of the book entitled Night and also a winner recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. Night is an apt title about Wiesel’s past experiences. Metaphorically, night experiences can be demanding. Endurance and faith must be exercised at full capacity.

During his interview with Oprah, Mr. Wiesel mentioned some words that were very profound, which left an impacting impression on me. To paraphrase him, “Just because we have suffered a tragedy, it does not mean the world owes us (you) anything.” Wow! I thought to myself, he is right. In the past, I wanted to be compensated for all of the pain, rejection, and losses that I suffered. I expected people to have pity on me, because I had suffered a great loss. I actually believed the world owed me something. When seeing that payment was not coming, I grew irritable. I started to question God’s love for me. How much more do I have to endure, since I have proven my loyalty to Him? I can share with you, that I did not stop serving Him in the storm. Storms don’t last always. I encourage you to believe that statement after you have done all that you can. Stand and see the salvation of the Lord.

Vanessa Richardson can be contacted at vanessajackso90@hotmail.com