found on marvelesstudios.blogspot.com

We celebrate life in so many ways–gender reveals, births, birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, and job promotions just to name a few. The planning phase is the same for any of these events. First things first: create a “to do” list and a “who’s who” attendance sheet. Budgets are set and then we realize the VIP list needs a delete button. Whoa!!! How will I EVER be able to afford to feed and host all these people? Maybe it’s best to keep the party intimate with close family and friends. No, we’ll extend it to immediate blood-kin.  Ahhhh, but what about him? And her? I don’t want to hurt his/her feelings if they find out they weren’t invited. Oh well, it’s just how it has to be. Or maybe I should just cancel the event all together. Sigh.

Step back and reflect on this from a different perspective. Have you ever been left OFF the attendance sheet for a special event that left you feeling confused, angry and rejected? Did it happen to your sweet, precious child? That’s even worse, right? As an adult, we can handle the emotional let-down, but how do you explain this to your child? It’s gut wrenchingly difficult to find an excuse as to why he/she was shunned. Being let down is such a misfortune. You blame yourself, you blame others. You question what you did or didn’t do. Was it something I said? Something I didn’t say? I just don’t get it. It’s really tough accepting the fact that you missed out on a fun and memorable celebration with the people you thought were your closest friends.

found on pinterest.com

Your RSVP

Did you know God will never exclude you from the biggest celebration that has yet to occur? Matthew 22:2-3, 8-10 (KJV) “The Kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son. 3 And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. 8 Then saith he to his servants, the wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. 9 Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. 10 So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests.” (read in full context Matthew 22:1-14) Click here for the NLT version.

Here, Jesus uses a parable to teach us about the most valuable and sought after invitation one could ever receive, but many ignored. Will you choose God or refuse God? For those of you that have already accepted Christ as your Savior, there’s still a lesson to be learned here. You’ll never have to worry about having to create a facade to fit in with the “in” crowd in order to be invited to the next big shin dig. The most exclusive party doesn’t have a price tag or any strings attached to attend. It’s so easy to get swept up in the chaos of social acceptance, but God has promised us VIP treatment to those that have accepted Him. Remember when you set out in your own pity party because you’ve been excluded from a social event, don’t hash it out and be angry because you have a far greater celebration awaiting you! And it’s going to be the most exquisite event you could ever imagine. Focus on what’s important. The petty things we obsess over on earth are temporary fixes- walk in the light. Be the peculiar person God intended you to be. Stand up and stand out!

Discussion & Reflection

1. Who has excluded you or your child from an event that hurt your feelings or angered you? How did you handle it?
2. How will you choose to handle this same situation in the future so your light shines rather than retaliating or lashing out?

Much love and many blessings,

4 Sisters Share

Kendra, Tonia, Blake & Tiffany

Instagram @faithistheseed