50 Then the Jews stirred up the influential religious women and the leaders of the city, and they incited a mob against Paul and Barnabas and ran them out of town.
51 So they shook the dust from their feet as a sign of rejection and went to the town of Iconium.
52 And the believers were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. [Acts 13:50-52 NLT]
Before Taylor Swift, there was Paul the Apostle! A group of bullies incited a mob against Paul and Barnabas. Paul and Barnabas had to quickly leave the town. Instead of getting upset, Paul shook the dust from his feet as sign of rejection. If I am not welcomed here, then I will gladly leave and go where I am celebrated.
Paul moved forward. He went to the next town and found amazing people who were beyond happy to welcome him into the town.
What can we learn from Paul's story?
Rejection happens to everyone including Jesus (the visible image of God)
There was nothing wrong with Paul or Barnabas. There is nothing wrong with you.
Make a choice to "shake it off!" Shake the dust off your feet as a sign of your power. Do not allow rejection to define you.
Move forward. Go to the next town (friend, relationship, job, etc.)