Criticism is something none of us can avoid. The only way to escape it is to do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing—and that’s no way to live.
The truth is, criticism can either crush you or shape you. The difference lies in how you receive it. Some criticism comes from a place of love, meant to help you grow. Other criticism comes from a place of negativity, meant to tear you down. Either way, you have the power to choose your response.
Instead of letting criticism discourage you, let it sharpen you. A diamond is formed under pressure, not comfort. If someone points out a real area for improvement, thank them—then work on it. If their words are just noise, let them pass through your heart without taking root.
Remember, the loudest boos often come from the cheapest seats. Focus on the mission God has given you, not the opinions of those who aren’t walking your path.
Criticism can be a steppingstone or a stumbling block—it’s your choice which one it becomes.
Quote of the Day: “To avoid criticism, say nothing, do nothing, be nothing.” — Aristotle
If you can’t find five minutes, can you spare one or two?
Newspaper columnist and minister George Crane tells of a wife who came into his office full of hatred toward her husband. “I do not only want to get rid of him, I want to get even.
Before I divorce him, I want to hurt him as much as he has me.”
Dr. Crane suggested an ingenious plan “Go home and act as if you really love your husband. Tell him how much he means to you. Praise him for every decent trait. Go out of your way to be as kind, considerate, and generous as possible. Spare no efforts to please him, to enjoy him. Make him believe you love him. After you’ve convinced him of your undying love and that you cannot live without him, then drop the bomb. Tell him that your’re getting a divorce. That will really hurt him.”
With revenge in her eyes, she smiled and exclaimed, “Beautiful, beautiful. Will he ever be surprised!” And she did it with enthusiasm. Acting “as if.” For two months she showed love, kindness, listening, giving, reinforcing, sharing.
When she didn’t return, Crane called. “Are you ready now to go through with the divorce?” Divorce?” she exclaimed. “Never! I discovered I really do love him.” Her actions had changed her feelings. Motion resulted in emotion. The ability to love is established not so much by fervent promise as often repeated deeds.
There’s something inside all of us that wants to get the last word, the final jab, or the “last lick.” We want to be right, to prove our point, to make sure they know they didn’t get away with it.
But true strength doesn’t come from getting the last lick—it comes from walking away with your peace intact.
Every time you choose not to retaliate, not to respond with sarcasm or anger, you win a battle that most people never even see. You rise above the moment and refuse to let someone else’s actions control your character.
Proverbs 15:1 says:
“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
You don’t have to stoop to someone else’s level to prove your worth. You don’t need to return fire with fire. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is not respond at all.
Choosing not to seek the last lick doesn’t make you weak. It means you’ve mastered the art of self-control and discovered the freedom that comes from letting things go.
So today, take the high road. Keep your joy. Protect your peace. Don’t waste your energy on battles that don’t build you.
Let them have the last word—while you move forward in purpose.
You may be one person to the world but you may be the world to one person!!
It reminds me if the following song:
Song–“Wind Beneath My Wings”
It must have been cold there in my shadow
To never have sunlight on your face
You were content to let me shine, that’s your way
You always walked a step behind
So I was the one with all the glory
While you were the one with all the strength
A beautiful face without a name for so long
A beautiful smile to hide the pain
Did you ever know that you’re my hero
And everything I would like to be?
I can fly higher than an eagle
For you are the wind beneath my wings
It might have appeared to go unnoticed
But I’ve got it all here in my heart
I want you to know, I know the truth, of course
Iknow it
I would be nothing without you
Did you ever know that you’re my hero?
You’re everything I wish I could be
I could fly higher than an eagle
For you are the wind beneath my wings
Did I ever tell you you’re my hero?
You’re everything, everything I wish I could be
Oh, and I, I could fly higher than an eagle
For you are the wind beneath my wings
‘Cause you are the wind beneath my wings
I remember the adults of my childhood, favorable and unfavorable impressions. I remember the ones that took time with me and the ones that had little or no time for me. I remember the ones who were generous and kind and those who were rude and stingy.
The good ones above were my “heroes” and made me want to pattern after them.
We all need heroes and we all should want to be a hero to others. Some young people desperately want and need a hero ( good pattern) in their lives!
Won’t you consider filling one of those spots
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For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.
If you can’t find five minutes, can you spare one or two?
8/11–Can You Spare A Minute?
Bette Nesmith had a good secretarial job in a Dallas bank when she ran across a problem that interested her. Wasn’t there a better way to correct the errors she made on her electric typewriter? Bette had some art experience and she knew that artists who worked in oils just painted over their errors. Maybe that would work for her too. So she concocted a fluid to paint over her typing errors. Before long, all the secretaries in her building were using what she then called “MistakeOut”. She attempted to sell the product idea to marketing agencies and various companies (including IBM), but they turned her down. However, secretaries continued to like her product, so Bette Nesmith’s kitchen became her first manufacturing facility and she started selling it on her own. When Bette Nesmith sold the enterprise, the tiny white bottles were earning $3.5 million annually on sales of $38 million. The buyer
L cd,n c, cds has. Do+. was Gillette Company and ,,,!,,:the sale price was $47.5 million.
Life is not a sprint; it’s a marathon. And in that marathon, endurance is the secret ingredient that separates those who give up from those who go the distance.
Enduring doesn’t mean the absence of pain or struggle—it means pressing on despite them. It means choosing to keep walking even when the road is steep, the load is heavy, and the end is not yet in sight.
Every great story of success, every breakthrough moment, every inspiring testimony—has endurance behind it. The dreamer who refused to quit. The worker who kept showing up. The soul who believed there was still hope even when things looked hopeless.
Endurance is what allows you to grow through what you go through.
Maybe today you feel tired. Maybe life hasn’t been fair. Maybe you’ve faced one challenge after another. But let me encourage you: Don’t stop now. Your breakthrough may be just around the corner. Your effort is not wasted. Your perseverance is building strength, character, and hope within you.
The Bible says in James 1:12, “Blessed is the one who endures under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life…”
Endurance isn’t just about getting through—it’s about becoming more in the process.
So breathe deep. Straighten your shoulders. Keep putting one foot in front of the other.
