This is the story of a person who despite being different and worn out by his circumstances was able to taste success in life. Do you think you’re a misfit? Then this story will definitely inspire you!
We all love stories during Christmas time, don’t we? So did this man called Robert May who not only loved stories but wished for a career creating them.
Bob was always a different person. Small and weak, he was regularly bullied and ridiculed by everyone. After graduating from Dartmouth college in 1926, Bob joined as a copywriter, in Montgomery Ward, Chicago and lived a modest life with his wife Evelyn and daughter Barbara-until everything changed.
The Great Depression emerged in 1929 and a few years later, Evelyn was diagnosed with cancer. Times were tough for the family and after suffering for years, Evelyn passed away, leaving Bob with utmost grief and a large debt from the medical bills. The father and daughter barely had enough to live on.
Christmas was near and at work, Montgomery was going to go about its usual agenda of purchasing and selling colourful books. One day however,the chairman called in Bob and mentioned his eagerness to create something within the company in order to save costs. He asked him if he could write a story!
Bob’s happiness knew no bounds. At once he sat down to write a story that he knew all along. Only that this one, talked about a reindeer.
A red-nosed reindeer, ridiculed by all other reindeer (for his red nose), who but because of his red nose caught Santa’s attention and led the pack on Christmas Day for distributing gifts to all the children of the world!
Montgomery Ward sold 2.4 million copies that year, in 1939 and eventually its president, Sewell Avery generously handed over the copyright to May, to help him out financially. The story soon became a cartoon and finally gave way to the famous song “Rudolf the red-nosed reindeer” that we love and cherish even today.
Rudolf was a misfit and so was Robert May. We are all different in some way or the other. Not talented enough, not smart enough, physical limitations, mental illnesses, social awkwardness – everyday we face rejections and struggle through life hopelessly.
Photo by Anthony Intraversato on Unsplash
Acknowledging our limitations, then, is a good place to start. Just how many people are living their lives in denial! Giving in to various pressures, they force themselves to behave in a manner that the world approves of. Living a dual life, unfortunately however, takes away the peace from within, and leaves the person miserable.
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10.
Today as we struggle through our weaknesses, let’s call upon God with a humble heart and pray for His mercy and grace. Let’s forgo the control, surrender to God’s will, embrace our weaknesses and give Him the glory and praise for whatever we are going through.
The dots may not seem to connect at present, but we can be assured that we are wholeheartedly loved by a God who knows what we are capable of becoming!
“Sometimes we come to life’s crossroads,
And we view what we think is the end,
But God has a much wider vision
And He knows it’s only a bend-
The road will go on and get smoother
And after we’ve stopped for a rest,
The path that lies hidden beyond us
Is often the path that is best.
So rest and relax and grow stronger,
Let go and let God share your load
And have faith in a brighter tomorrow,
You’ve just come to a bend in the road.”
– Helen Steiner Rice
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Hi! My name is Rubitah. I’m a Content Writer certified Life Coach, Counselor, Social Work professional and the Founder of Being Rubitah. Over the years through my professional and personal life, I have realized that prayers and love can do wonders to family life once you come to terms with yourself and surrender to God. Do you relate to me? Then you may like what I post here! Read more about me
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