Katy Perry recently released a new album with her featured song called "Smile."

While listening to her song, "Smile" there was a verse that really stuck out to me... "Rejection can be God's protection."

The song goes a little something like this...

"But every tear has been a lesson

Rejection can be God's protection

Long hard road to get that redemption

But no shortcuts to a blessin'"

When we get rejected, we think that everything is over. It can hurt for a while. Some people take longer to recover than others. One thing I learned is it is extremely important to not put a timeline on overcoming rejection. You move on at your own pace.

I've been rejected on multiple occasions:

- I applied for several job and internship opportunities, but I was always told I didn't "have enough experience" or I was "too young."

- I went out on several failed dates, because none of the guys I went out with met my expectations or I was told I had "too high" expectations for what I wanted in a relationship.

- I recently got out of a relationship, because the feelings weren't mutual, and it hurt like hell, but I continue to put myself out there and meet new people and spend more time with those that actually love and care about me, not wasting my time on those who don't.

- I ended friendships with people who became "too toxic" or did not fit my future. They would not cheer me on or celebrate my big milestones. They would have only kept me in the past. Some people even cut me off, and that's okay. In life, no matter how hard you try, not everyone is going to truly like you for being you, only for what you may have to offer them, temporarily.

So you see...these are ALL examples of rejection in my life. But can you imagine if I hadn't been rejected in certain circumstances what my life would have looked like today? Me either.

I seriously, truly believe that everything happens for a reason. We may not always have the answers to everything, but I do know that when rejection occurs, it is not the end. It is actually a chance for new beginnings. It's a chance to start all over.

When rejection occurs, God is protecting us, because HE knows we deserve so much more.

When rejection occurs, we are given the chance to grow as individuals.

When rejection occurs, we are free from any toxicity that we may have in our life.

When rejection occurs, we are reminded of our worth and what we are truly made of.

The next time there is rejection in your life, instead of saying

"Why is this happening?," ask yourself, "What is this trying to teach/show me?"

Remember this: Rejection is ALWAYS God's protection, whether you want to believe it or not.