Have you ever found good in a bad experience? Sometimes mistakes, rejection, and disappointment can lead to something you would have never expected.
Being more or less against the grain at a liberal university I knew I wouldn’t get a great response selling prolife T-shirts to my peers. There was no need to panic though because I still had neighborhood parishes to contact. I was sure my school parish would jump at the opportunity to help their students with anything. The email I received back from the Pastor weakened that belief when I read my proposal was rejected. What was I going to do? I still had 30 more T-shirts to sell. Father still wanted to meet with me for more information about the ride and though disappointed I accepted anyway. I decided I would chat with Father with a smile on my face and come up with Plan C on the shirts later.
Throughout our conversation I was explained to why I couldn’t promote my trip to the parish. The parish wasn’t ready for this big of a step on abortion issues. Father didn’t want to set me up for failure which I understood. He also made a point to tell me I am always where I am supposed to be every minute of every day. Little did I know what that meant until after our hour-long conversation.
Not only did Father buy the rest of my T-shirts, he also insisted on being the backbone of our prolife club on campus. He thanked me for contacting him too and said I was the knock at the door he needed to start his prolife advocacy with the parish. It’s neat how so many doors can open through a simple conversation. I sure wasn’t looking forward to hearing my proposal’s refusal in person, but I am grateful that I met with Father. Three positive outcomes came from my one rejection, all unexpected. Good really can come from a disappointing situation and when these good things come unexpectedly we learn to appreciate them a lot more.
I want to sincerely thank my Pastor for his monetary donation and spiritual support. His willingness to spread the word of our organization and pass along our T-shirts and brochure will help this part of the state become more attuned with the cultural battle we are faced with today.
Thank you.
Sarah Voet