Chapter 1
Outside in the Hall

Do you remember reading On the Rock, “Set Apart” when Erin’s desk was moved out into the hallway as punishment? Well, Erin spent a good portion of her school years—rejected. And even though no one wants to be rejected, God selected the rejected for good in order to build His ministries and missions.

To bring about God’s plan, Erin needed to be rejected in order to be set apart from her classmates. For years her desk was either up behind the teacher’s desk so she was facing the corner, or her desk was outside in the hallway. The only time students were permitted to talk at her private school was outside during recess—never in the classroom or washroom or in the hallways. Yet for months at a time, Erin was denied recess.

Remaining quiet all day was difficult for Erin because of her God-given passion for communicating. But like all God’s gifts, they’re reserved for His good use—not to feed our flesh and make us feel good. Feeding our flesh is human nature but it falls short of our spiritual nature designed for us as His prince. 

Yet, facing the corner or in the hallway, Erin never felt she was alone. Remember how she’d learned that she was with her Prince of Peace who was closer than a Brother? Sadly, too many people in the world never realize that the Lord is right next to them—simply by inviting Him into their hearts—as I hope you read in My First Love "Closer than a Brother." If you don’t feel the Prince of Peace who promises to be closer than a Brother to you, then this is the appointed time. He’s been waiting for you. 

Having the Prince of Peace who was closer than a Brother meant that Erin could talk all day long, in her heart, to her Prince of Peace who rescued her from ever feeling rejected. Have you discovered this too? If not, just ask Him and He will do the same for you.