In this broken world, we all know the hurt of rejection. Whether the pain comes from a dysfunctional home, bullying, or unrequited love, we are left scarred. And rejection hurts. Studies show the brain reacts the same way to rejection as it does to physical pain, which is why we get stuck. Someone once told me she felt like a stray cat that no one wanted. I told her she was a bummer lamb.
Sometimes, when an ewe gives birth to a lamb, she rejects it. She won’t allow it to nurse or accept it in any way. The rejected lambs are called “bummer lambs.” The rejection not only puts them on the path to starvation, but it also takes their will to live.
Shepherds are on the lookout for these little lambs. A good shepherd will find the bummer lamb, place it close to his heart so it can hear his heartbeat, and take it home. He bottle-feeds it and keeps it warm. The shepherd holds it close, knowing that it will die of a broken spirit without nurturing. As the lamb rests on his heart, it hears his voice and learns to trust him.
When the bummer lamb is ready to be released back into the flock, it no longer feels rejected. It feels special, and it holds its head high. The shepherd has singled it out. And when the shepherd calls, “sheep, sheep, sheep,” the bummer lambs are always the first to come running.
I am a bummer lamb. I know the sting of rejection from an alcoholic father, betrayals, and the pain of unrequited love. But I have found profound healing in the love of the Good Shepherd, who offers comfort and transformation.
The Bible tells us that Jesus will leave the 99 to pursue the one lost lamb. That’s what He did for me. Jesus picked me up, carried me close to His heart, and rejoiced when He brought me home. And while I’m still healing from some of my wounds, I feel special, and I hold my head high. I feel loved by the Good Shepherd, and for me, that love surpasses the rejection of others. The Good Shepherd’s love is comforting and a healing force that can transform our pain into strength.
I know there are a lot of bummer lambs out there—my professional practice is full of them. What is truly tragic, though, is how many Christians won’t allow the Good Shepherd to hold them close to His heart. They want just enough of Him to go to heaven but don’t want to get close enough to be nurtured to wholeness. Without the tending of the Good Shepherd, they suffer from broken spirits. No wonder the world has so many wounded Christians.
If this is you, I pray you will allow His love to salve your rejection issues. You are precious to Him, and He longs to gather you close to His heart so you can learn the sound of His voice and feel His comfort. Then, the rejection of the rest of the flock won’t seem such a big deal. And when the Good Shepherd yells, “sheep, sheep, sheep,” guess who will lead the pack?
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