Growing 4 Life

On traveling to a third world country

Leave a Comment / June 20, 2011 April 26, 2017

I spent last week in Haiti with my family. When we arrived at Port Au Prince, it was with great fear and trepidation, as none of us had ever been to a third world country. As we traveled from the airport to the compound where we were to stay, our eyes beheld unbelievably sad conditions. From the makeshift tent communities set up everywhere to the little boxes they called “bathrooms” to the men standing on the streets because of a 75% unemployment rate. It was hard to take it all in. As our eyes scanned the countryside, we saw half built buildings, the place where they buried 200,000 victims of the earthquake in a mass grave, and cattle, donkeys, and goats anywhere and everywhere, all with their ribs clearly showing. As we observed, we talked about the hopelessness we saw in the country. Can this country ever be “fixed”?

But during the course of the week, we realized that our job (and the job of the missionaries serving there) is not to fix the country. It is to share the gospel and minister to our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

It reminds me so much of that story where the the father and daughter were walking along the seashore among thousands of stranded sea stars. The father started throwing them back in the ocean one by one. The little girl looked at her father and sadly said, “you aren’t even making a difference”. And the father, with great wisdom, replied: “it makes a difference to that one”. I thought of that story often this week. It makes a difference to that one. We were there to minister to whomever God put in front of us. In is His sovereignty, He knew whose heart was ready to hear the gospel. He knew who needed encouragement to keep going. Because He knows everything.

And the interesting thing was…while we were there to minister to the Haitians, they in turn ministered to us. The joy in the lives of the Christians there is a wonderful thing seldom seen here in America. The warm hugs given without reservation to a stranger would be unusual here.

Sure, they have lots of problems, even in their Christian communities. And only being there a week gave us little insight into the working of the communities. But it was with great humility that I observed the grateful eyes and heard the soft spoken “mercis” with which they took a bag filled with rice and beans that would feed their family for at least a month. And I felt great shame over the things I find myself complaining about. We are living so far above survival here in the states that we have lost track of what truly matters.

You see, life is really not about us. Most of us Christians will walk around saying that with our mouths…but do our lives match our words? I know that I, personally, love my comfort zone. But what if that comfort zone is not where God wants me? Are we willing to go where He asks? Whether it be to a different country, the inner city here in America, or to bring foster children into your home? What are YOU doing to further God’s Kingdom?

Luke 12:48b says “For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.” No matter your economic status here in the United States…even if you are on welfare…you have more than 80% of the rest of the world. You have been given MUCH. What are you doing with what you have been given? It is a question that should truly be considered by all of us.

No posts this week

Leave a Comment / June 13, 2011 June 13, 2011

I just wanted to let my readers know that I am in Haiti for the week. I will be back again next Monday, probably with lots of stories to tell! Have a good week!

A Personal Testimony

3 Comments / June 9, 2011 June 9, 2011

So many of us languish in the land of the “Impossible”. We may have a desire to serve God in a specific way but we are halted by fear of the unknown or we are halted by lack of finances. I want to take just a moment and share with you how God worked out all of the details for our family of six to take a mission trip together. I am going to start at the beginning–

Since my children were small, it has been one of my greatest longings that they do not leave our home without experiencing a trip outside of the culture of the United States. I believe without it, we American Christians are in grave danger of holding a worldview that is not only very small, but also often inaccurate. And, so, one of my personal goals for my children has always been for each one of them to go on a mission trip. MY plan was to take them one at a time. I would take the girls and my husband and son would go on one and we would do this as we could afford it. But God had a different idea! One I like better!

Last fall, while looking for a trip for my husband and son to go on, we came across a trip offered by GAiN (Global Aid Network) to Haiti. As we studied the details of that trip, we realized that we could all possibly take this trip together. And then came a few obstacles–

The first obstacle was our 11 year old. To go on this trip you need to be 13. When I talked with the leader she said they never make exceptions. I was disappointed and we made the decision to go ahead and just have the guys go without the rest of the family. But, as one last-ditch effort, I decided to contact a dear friend that my oldest daughter and I had made on a former mission trip with GAiN. She knew our family and she works in the office there, so I thought it couldn’t hurt.

A few days later, I received an e-mail. “Contact me about your whole family going on the trip.” When I had contacted the leader, she explained that an exception had been made. Eventually, I figured out that the man in charge of the “exceptions” was none other than my friend’s husband! God had been orchestrating back in 2007 for me to meet and connect with just the right person that could enable this trip to be a reality.

Next came the obstacles of finances. We figured we could afford it by sacrificing but lots of little things started adding up. For example, did you realize that to take 6 people to a third world country, you will spend almost a thousand dollars in vaccinations? And then we found out that the trip to Haiti only started in Miami and we would need to pay to get our family to Miami. This was going to cost at least $350 per person, plus the baggage fees, as it was a domestic flight. These were expenses we had not planned on. But again God stepped in and took such good care of us!

While trying to find a flight to Miami, I was discouraged because prices were going up and the team was having a hard time nailing down the flight out of Miami to Port au Prince due to some difficulties with other groups who were going. I was getting very nervous and shared this with our team leader. She suggested that I try to find a direct flight out of JFK airport and they would credit our trip $350. So, I started to do some checking on flights.

Would you believe that a direct flight from JFK to Port au Prince cost us almost exactly $350? So not only would we not have to deal with changing planes and layovers, but we would be saving at least $2100 by not having to fly to Miami! But God wasn’t finished yet!

In January, our 15 year old had taken a trip to Brazil with her school. The trip back was delayed and she ended up getting an $800 credit from American Airlines. We didn’t know when we’d use it, but it was certainly a nice gesture on their part.

But would you believe that American Airlines is the ONLY airline that I found that even provided a direct connection from Haiti to Port au Prince for the dates and times that we needed? So, now we had $800 to put towards our flights that was a true gift. This covered the unexpected costs of our vaccinations.

I am not sure if I have communicated my excitement in seeing God working out these details! And, due to length, I haven’t even shared a couple of other really special ways God chose to work. Do you realize that God cares about the details of our lives? He is alive and He is working! Sure, it is now always how we want. And sure, it doesn’t always look like it to our human finite eyes. But God IS working and occasionally He shows us in ways that no one would dare call a coincidence. What a blessing!

If you are living for Him and you want to please Him with your life and actions, He will come alongside you and work out the details in amazing ways. Don’t you dare forget it.

5 Things We Can Learn from Children

Leave a Comment / June 6, 2011 May 22, 2015

The other night my daughter was babysitting a one year old. The adorable little girl came into our home, looked around, and made herself at home. She smiled at all of us, started eating the dinner that was being fed to her, and was content. It led to a conversation at our dinner table about how little children can just come into a strange home and feel right at home and how we, as adults, can’t do that. It got me thinking about a few things we can learn from children who are blissfully unaware of all of the social implications of their actions–

1) No pretensions. Have you ever talked with a little child? They are who they are. They are not strutting around pretending to be someone they are not. There is no wondering if the child is upset or happy or angry. We always know, don’t we? There hasn’t been years of wall-building and hypocrisy to dig our way through. While I am not suggesting it is healthy to express our emotions at every opportunity, I am suggesting that I think this world and our churches would benefit greatly if we would stop trying to impress one another. So many of us have built these thick walls around our hearts and lives. What would happen if we would tear our walls down and get real?

2) Live in the Moment. Have you ever seen a little guy dance to a tune that was playing? It is a joy to see the little legs bouncing up and down, as they try to move to the beat. But somewhere along the way, we forget to dance. We forget to enjoy the moment. We get wrapped up in taking kids to soccer, in paying the bills, in doing the housework. You know the old saying–Stop and smell the roses? Perhaps we should do that more often in life. Just stop and enjoy the moment. Enjoy watching the birds in your backyard. Enjoy petting your dog for a moment. Watch your child chase butterflies and hunt bugs. Stop and really watch your husband wrestling with the kids. Grab a hand and dance joyfully to the song playing. These are beautiful moments the Lord gives us. Let’s not take them for granted. Those fleeting moments are what make up the tapestry of our vaporous lives.

3) Eat until your full. Children do not continue to stuff themselves after they are full. They only eat when they are hungry. They obey the mechanism that God so intelligently designed and when their bellies feel hungry, they eat. And when they feel full, they stop eating. Somewhere along the way, many of us have stopped obeying that mechanism. It’s breakfast time? Then I have to eat, even if I am not hungry. I am at a party with a table full of delicious food? I have to try some, even if I just ate a complete meal before I came. I wonder what would happen if, as adults, we continued to obey our hungry and full signals?

4) Don’t Let the Fear of Others’ Opinions Rule You. Some of my favorite “mommy” moments were when I could get my babies to start giggling. They would give this big belly laugh, filling my heart with pure joy. They didn’t worry what anyone was thinking about them. They didn’t worry about if they were cool or look around, wondering if someone noticed that they “snorted”. Because it didn’t matter. They were having fun! So often, we let the fear of others’ reactions dominate our choices. While I understand that we do need to be concerned about others and about our Christian testimony, sometimes we may be concerned about unimportant things. Does it really matter if the neighbor thinks you are crazy for catching fireflies at dusk? Does it really matter if you play a game and people make fun of how you run (personal experience on that one!)? Does it really matter if you fall on the ice? Or if your hair gets wet? So often we let the fear of people’s opinions and reactions keep us from enjoying our lives.

5) Be okay with the way God made you. Ever see a baby wear make-up? Or get plastic surgery? So, let’s be honest. If you are like me–aging quickly–you are not feeling so adorable. Many of us won’t even leave the house without make-up. But why not? Why do we feel the need to have something on our faces to face the public? Why do so many feel the need to enlarge or reduce areas of their body through plastic surgery? Why isn’t the way God made us good enough? Instead of being grateful for the incredible body God designed, we complain that our noses are too large, our hair is too curly, our legs are too short, our hips, too narrow or too wide. But children are not conscious of this yet. They just are. Sometimes I wish we could appreciate the amazing body we have been given without the constant attitude of criticism that almost every woman (and man??) feels when they look in the mirror.

Unfortunately, real life takes its toll and, sooner rather than later, we all learn some pretty hard lessons. People can’t be trusted. The way I look isn’t good enough. You know the dialogue. But perhaps we can learn just a few things from the children in our lives.

Just a thought for today…

Who is your hero?

Leave a Comment / June 2, 2011 June 2, 2011

There seems to be something wrong with a nation that makes people who can throw a ball or say a line on a screen their heroes. If you look around, you will find heroes right in your own family. Or in your church. Or at the soccer game. Because the true heroes in this life are the ones who give up personal gain to serve others.

It is my children’s teacher who patiently and lovingly cares for his ailing wife. It is the elderly man who continues to work enthusiastically for the Lord with a smile on his face, even though his body is wearing out. It is the Doctor that actually treats you like you are a person instead of a number. It is the person who endures tragedy and then takes action…to work tirelessly on getting a law passed…to speak to teenagers about drunk driving…to share a testimony of how God used this in their life.

Unfortunately–and I do mean unfortunately— I had the chance to see one of today’s hottest stars perform a song on the TV screen the other week. After 2 seconds, we hit the fast forward button but even that did not keep our eyes from seeing the disturbing performance. The outfits (or lack of)…the sensual movements…the whole thing was…well, I am struggling to find words to express how offensive it was.

And, yet…this is who our kids are idolizing?!? Oftentimes, these are the people WE are idolizing? What is wrong with us?

I have heard someone say that we should encourage our kids to be producers instead of consumers. I wonder if this dynamic isn’t part of what is going on? If our kids (and ourselves, for that matter) only consume life then it is natural that our heroes will become people who we watch sing a song…kick a ball…swing a club…say a line in a fictional story…drive a car around a track.

But, if instead we become producers, then our heroes are going to be those who are also producing, whatever your field of interest. Whether it be the surgeon who has come up with a new method, the woman who started a home for orphans, the guy who started Wal-mart (that is actually a great story!), or the preacher who preaches the truth unwaveringly.

And, lest someone misunderstands, let me assure you that I do believe that acting, singing, and playing sports are all legitimate professions…I just don’t think their participants should be idolized. After all, how are they making this world better by what they are doing? Of course, some do take their platform and money and use it for great good. But, oftentimes, this is not the reason they have become someone’s idol.

And, while we are thinking about who our heroes are, perhaps we should think about another thing…are YOU anybody’s hero? Does anyone aspire to be like you? Should anyone aspire to be like you??

As I write, I can think of several ladies at my church who set a great example for me. They are woman who are in their 70s and 80s and are actively serving the Lord. They shed a ray of sunlight wherever they go. They minister in whatever way they are physically able. They are pleasant, with a kind word often on their lips. Such a contrast to the complaining and selfish people of this age we so often run into.

And I wonder…when I am that age, will anyone look to me as a great example? Or will I be one of those selfish, complaining types? And, if I am going to be someone’s hero, then I had better start developing that now. Because it won’t just appear by some miracle later on. And, for that matter, I am getting older quickly…are younger women who are watching me right now encouraged or discouraged to follow my example when they analyze my words and actions?

So…two questions to think about today– 1) Who are my heroes? and 2) Am I worthy to be anybody’s hero?

Freedom isn’t free

Leave a Comment / May 30, 2011 May 25, 2015

Most people view Memorial Day as the beginning of summer. But think with me for just a minute about the actual holiday and what it stands for.

You see, many men died so that you can be eating that hamburger. Many men died so that you can be sitting comfortably by your pool.

Many are those who would criticize, humiliate, and otherwise degrade our leaders and our troops. It pains me to hear it. For I realize that if America had not stepped in on many occasions, the world would look very differently. Your life…my life…would look very differently.

I think that we may have become so far removed from World War II, the last war that was felt by every citizen in the United States, that we forget how much freedom truly costs. We also forget the great reward for the fight. We do not remember the emotions that surged upon VE-Day or VJ-Day. You see, if there is going to be freedom, there is going to be a battle. For there are always evil men trying to rule the world. Whether it is their own personal world or the entire world. And when someone tries to stop them, the cost will be great. And many men will pay with their lives. I thank the men (and women) who have stood up for freedom and offered their lives, so that many could be free.

On this day, let’s remember those that fought the fight for freedom across this great land. And their families, as well. Let’s not forget that someone paid a high price for us to live free here in America. And for many others across the world to enjoy that freedom, as well. And, lest you shout, we are not free here in America…do a little checking. Read about the daily life in most of the countries in the world. Yes, America has changed and it does grow worse…but it is still where I would choose to live, given the choice!

And one more final thing to think on. Christ died so that you could be free. Free from the penalty of sin. He paid the price. He fought your war and paid the ultimate price of His life. He has given the gift of salvation…if you choose to accept it. I hope that your own personal country is free and secure and at peace. (John 3:16)

On love and respect…and tone of voice

1 Comment / May 26, 2011 May 26, 2011

The other day, as I was shopping in the store, I heard a woman’s voice say, “You bring too much junk food into the house. You have to stop it”. Or something like that. But her TONE of voice said “You stupid idiot, what is wrong with you?! ” I turned to see who she was speaking to and found an older couple. The woman was speaking in this condescending, holier-than-thou, tone to her husband, who was shuffling behind her with his head down. What is wrong with this picture? This is one of many times I have seen a person treat someone who should be…at one time probably was…the love of their life with condescension and unkindness.

Have you ever seen spouses treat each other like this? Have you ever treated your spouse like this? I know I have. I recognized the tone of voice the woman was using, because, sadly, I have used it on occasion. But if we get in the habit of treating our spouse this way, we are essentially adding bricks to a wall that will grow taller and stronger with each incident. And, if we are not careful, it will end up casting a dark shadow over the relationship, eventually drowning out the light. We need to constantly be on guard against treating our spouses in this way.

And this goes for your private moments, too–just because you are a model wife or husband in public does not mean you are treating them with love and respect at home. Many is the couple who look so happy on the outside, but their true relationship is quite the opposite. And, oftentimes, the breakdown in these relationships started when we stopped treating one another with respect and kindness.

The other day, I came across a couple I had never met. The woman had to leave for a moment and the husband proceeded to spout off several unkind remarks about his wife, then rolled his eyes when he told me they had been married 50 years. I got the impression that he felt like the last 50 years had been a mild form of torture. The only thing that made him light up was when I asked about his grandkids. When the woman returned, she gave me the impression that she was unpleasant and bossy. From the outside, it looks as if this couple has lost all respect and love for one another. It was heart-breaking. I wonder if all of those years of treating one another with disrespect and unkindness had changed a couple who had pledged to love one another for eternity to two people that couldn’t stand one another?

If this is something you struggle with (and, if we are honest, many of us do, at least on occasion), why not sit down and have a heart to heart with your spouse and ask them if they feel like they are loved and respected? And, if not, why not? Find out if your words have degraded them…discouraged them…disheartened them. And if they work up the courage to be completely honest with you, do not make excuses. Do not grow defensive. Listen carefully. Apologize.

Treat your spouse with love and respect. Honor them. Be grateful for the way God made them. Remember why you fell in love. And, in the process, let’s be a shining example of marriage as God created it. Let’s show the world that it is possible to be in love for a lifetime!

Ephesians 5:22-33

God isn’t surprised.

2 Comments / May 23, 2011 October 12, 2014

The other night our family was on the back porch on a lovely evening. We were talking about something. I can’t even remember what it was. But our whole family was surprised about a decision someone had made or something someone had said when out of the darkness we heard a small voice say, “God isn’t surprised.” Some of the wisest statements come from 12 year olds sometimes.

God isn’t surprised. So simple and yet so profound. God knows everything you and I will think–do–speak–accomplish–or not accomplish while we live on this earth. He knows when we will leave this earth. He knows absolutely everything about us and about everyone else. So nothing surprises Him.

The cancer is not a surprise. The car accident is not a surprise. The betrayal of a friend is not a surprise. The lost job is not a surprise. The tornado, the tsunami, and the flood–none of these surprise God.

I know we all “know” this. But have you ever thought about what this means? It means that God is in control. God is Sovereign. And if we believe what the Bible says–that God loves us–then we can rest in His will for our lives. It will not always be pleasant. It will not always be easy. But we can trust Him. We have to trust Him. What else is there? What else is there for us to grab hold of?

We have a choice to make every day. We can respond to the trials of life, be them great or small, by trusting our Heavenly Father or we can grow bitter and angry. It is a choice. God will not force you into His will.

I would like to leave you with something that was written by Octavius Winslow from a book entitled Soul Heights and Soul Depths (1841)–

The royal path to glory is a divine mosaic paved with stones of diverse lines. Today, it is a depth almost soundless; tomorrow a height almost scaleless. Now, a shadow drapes the picture, somber and rayless; then, a light illumines the camera, brilliant and gladsome. Here, the “song” is of mercy, sweet and entrancing; there, it is of judgment, sad and mournful. “When men are cast down, then you shall say There is lifting up.” But, a divine Hand, veiled and invisible to all but faith’s eye, shapes and directs the whole; and, assured of this, the believing soul is trustful and calm. “He led them about, He instructed them,” was the history of the Church in the wilderness; and each stage was a school, each condition a blessing, each event a lesson learned, and a new beatitude experienced, –learned and experienced as no other. Variety, rich and endless, is stamped upon all God’s works and operations; not less is this seen in the circuitous path by which He is leading His people home to Himself. It is this ever-dissolving, ever shifting scenery of the Christian’s life that unfold new views of God’s character, and brings him into a closer acquaintance with His own.

The Story Behind JellyTelly

2 Comments / May 19, 2011 December 6, 2020

Disclaimer: Since this was written in 2011, I have been very dismayed to see Mr. Vischer go a very heretical direction. While this is still an interesting testimony that we can learn from, I recommend that you take it at face value and do not follow this man who has proven himself to be very confused at best or a false teacher at worst. December 6, 2020.

I had the wonderful privilege of listening to the testimony of Phil Vischer the other day (the link is below if you are interested in listening). Phil Vischer created Veggie Tales in the 90s. My kids grew up on Veggie Tales and I had always wondered what, amongst the rumors I had heard, exactly had happened. The podcast will give you that story. But he also shared the reason why he named his new venture “JellyTelly”. And that is what I would like to share with you.

You see, he was a man with a mission when he created Veggie Tales. He had a dream. And he fully expected God to come alongside him and support that dream. His dream was to accomplish great things for God using animated films. Of course, God would bless it! Why wouldn’t He?

But Mr. Vischer learned a great lesson. Just because you dream something wonderful to do for God, doesn’t mean it is His will. He talks about how dreams have become idols in this culture. “Dream your dreams” and “any dream is possible” are the mantras of the day. It is okay to have dreams. But not if the dream itself becomes more important to you than God.

And, so, after the Veggie Tales dream turned into a nightmare and then proceeded to die, he had a decision to make. He is incredibly gifted (I am saying that…he did not say it!) and wanted to continue using his gifts for the Lord. And, so, he ventured back into the world of animated video. Slowly and on a much smaller scale. And he started JellyTelly.

He named JellyTelly after jellyfish. And this is the heart of what I want to share today. Because his reason for doing that challenged me. I thought it might challenge you, as well.

Have you ever seen a jellyfish on land? It looks like a drowned plastic bag that somebody forgot to throw away. It cannot move, it cannot do anything if it is cast up on shore. It just lays there dejectedly…hopelessly.

But if it is in the water…if you could see it in the sea…it is a thing of absolute beauty! It flows with the current and the ebb and flow of the current causes its tentacles to wave about in the water. It is where it should be. The current directs it to food. The current determines if it will live or die. It can only move slightly up…and slightly down. That is the only movement a jellyfish has.

If Jesus is our Lord and Savior, we are like that jellyfish. We can choose to be like that flat, discarded plastic bag on the shore when we choose to disobey God’s Word and ignore His wisdom…when we choose to rebel against His will…when we tell God that we know best and “this is what I’m doing, God, and I expect you to bless it”.

BUT…when we, instead, submit our gifts and talents to the Lord and His will…when we rely on His wisdom and obey His commandments…when we rely on Him to meet our needs and to give us our dreams..then we become like that beautiful jellyfish floating in the water. Reliant upon the Lord for our needs and our desires. Knowing that He will take care of us better than we could ever take care of ourselves. He will provide in ways you never dreamed possible. But only if you get back in the water. If you are stuck on the seashore, stubbornly telling God what your plans are…you will miss out on so much. Let’s make sure we are in the current of God’s will.

Here is the link, if you would like to listen yourself to his wonderful testimony–

http://www.focusonthefamily.com/Radio.aspx?ID={D70BEA02-B56B-423D-A1BB-75A61996D0C0}

Weighing ourselves on the carpet

Leave a Comment / May 16, 2011 May 16, 2011

The other day, in the midst of cleaning the bathroom, the scales had left its normal home and instead found itself on the bedroom carpet. When my daughter stepped on the scales, she weighed a mere 64 pounds. That number was considerably lower than reality. And it got me thinking…

You see, in our day to day conversations, we love when people agree with us…compliment us…sing our praises. But some of us are always weighing ourselves “on the carpet”. We only listen to the good things. We only want to hear the positive.

When someone comes to us with a criticism…or they disagree with us…we tend to do two things. First, we may rationalize in our heads why the “mean, unloving” person could not possibly be right in their estimation or conclusion. And then, oftentimes, we put our feet firmly on our comfortable “carpet” and ask those we know who will agree with us what their opinion is about the criticism or statement.

I am not referring to biblical issues here. I am referring to…

*When your husband tells you that the dress you are wearing isn’t the most complementary to your figure. Instead of getting mad and turning to your friends (who often do not tell you the truth, anyway), be thankful your husband is willing to tell you the truth.

*When your wife tells you that you never listen to her. Instead of finding your buddies and talking about how “needy” your wives are, take her out to dinner and really listen to her.

*When your kids tell you that you have been grumpy lately. Instead of getting defensive and spouting a list of excuses, try examining your words, actions, and reactions…one by one…so that you can see how they might be reaching this conclusion.

*When your friend tells you that your child was caught smoking, or at the R-rated movie you told him was not allowed, or that he cheated on a test. Instead of turning away from your friend and defending your child, ask the hard questions and deal with the reality of where your child may be spiritually.

*When your pastor convicts and challenges you from the pulpit. Instead of looking around at others who “should be listening”, look at yourself.

You see, so many of us want to just weigh ourselves on the carpet. We only want to surround ourselves with people who will tell us the things we want to hear. But be careful. Because you will harm yourself and your family if you aren’t willing to listen to the truth. And let’s face it…we all have areas in which we need to grow. We all have areas in which we are not pleasing our heavenly father. And if we don’t have anyone in our lives that will help us see what areas still need work, then our growth will be seriously stunted.

Sure it hurts when people tells us a painful truth about ourselves. It hurts a lot. But, in the long run, if we can receive someone’s godly counsel with humility and grace, we will be thankful to the person who stuck out their neck to tell us that painful truth. And we will realize something. That person really cares about us. They cared enough to tell us the truth. Don’t get angry. Be grateful!

And, listen…if the person talking to you is not right in what they are saying…then…SO WHAT? Let it roll. Examine yourself, just to make sure. Then talk with someone who will be honest with you, so you can be doubly sure…and then…let it roll right off of your back. Accept the criticism with humility, recognize it as false, and then move on. Don’t sit in bitterness and resentment. It is not worth it!

Why don’t you move your scales today?

Proverbs 13:1