Prof. Victoria AJALA

Life’s mysteries are often wrapped in contradictions. Sometimes those who should respect us despise us, while those who could claim privilege choose instead to honor us. In this dialogue, Grandma shares with her grandson Tony a moving story of rejection, reversal, and God’s hidden blessings.

 

Tony: Grandma, why do people sometimes treat others so badly, especially elders?

 

Grandma (sighs deeply): Ah, my son, I have tasted that bitterness. Some young people insult me, despise me, and look down on me. Their words used to pierce me, making me feel inferior and clouding my thoughts with negativity.

 

Tony: That must have hurt a lot.

 

Grandma: Indeed, it did. But listen, Tony—God always has a way of surprising us. Let me tell you what happened recently.

 

Tony (leaning closer): I’m listening, Grandma.

 

Grandma: I went to visit Baba, a man far older than me, a respected elder. While I was there, another young man also came to see him. Suddenly, the electricity went out, and the whole house was in darkness. Baba looked at that young man and said: “Take your torchlight. Go with Mama. Lead her to her room. Make sure she is comfortable.”

 

Tony (eyes widening): What about Baba himself?

 

Grandma (voice soft, filled with awe): That’s the wonder, Tony. Baba remained in darkness, uncomfortable, so that I could be satisfied. Imagine! He set aside his own comfort for mine. That moment overwhelmed me. It was as if God Himself was saying: “See, the one despised by some is honored before kings.”

 

Tony: Wow… Grandma, that sounds just like the Bible! “The stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.”

 

Grandma (smiling with tears in her eyes): Exactly, my dear. That’s how God works. The same me that some younger ones dismiss, God raises up in the sight of elders. It is proof that insults are not the end of a person’s story. Sometimes, they are just the preparation for glory.

 

Tony (thoughtful): So the lesson is… no matter how people treat us, we must hold on, because God sees differently?

 

Grandma (nodding): Yes, Tony. People may choose their comfort over you, or despise you because of your age, but God will always raise someone who will honor you—even at the cost of their own comfort. That is how blessings hide inside trials.

 

Tony (smiling slowly): Hmm… then I must never let rejection blind me to God’s bigger picture.

 

Grandma (with a knowing smile): That’s my boy. Remember—what looks like darkness can be God preparing to shine His brightest light.

 

 Lesson: Human rejection is not God’s rejection. When the world pushes you down, God often lifts you up in ways that leave you in awe.