Turning Possibilities into Reality

20 My son, pay attention to what I say;
    turn your ear to my words.
21 Do not let them out of your sight,
    keep them within your heart;
22 for they are life to those who find them
    and health to one’s whole body.
23 Above all else, guard your heart,
    for everything you do flows from it.
24 Keep your mouth free of perversity;
    keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
25 Let your eyes look straight ahead;
    fix your gaze directly before you.
26 Give careful thought to the[a] paths for your feet
    and be steadfast in all your ways.
27 Do not turn to the right or the left;
    keep your foot from evil.

Quote of the day- Don't you be the reason that stops you from what you dream to do.

Know your purpose is greater than your pain. 

Believe in yourself. Forgive yourself. - Steve Harvey

You Can Cope with Criticism

Adapted from the resource Trusting God Day by Day - by Joyce Meyer

No matter what you do in life, there will be times when people criticize you, which is why it’s important to learn how to not only receive constructive criticism, but also let go of destructive criticism. Thankfully, it is possible to learn how to shake off aggressive, critical words and refuse to let them damage our self-image.

Like many other great people, the apostle Paul faced criticism about many things from countless people. He saw and experienced the same thing we do: people are fickle. They love you when you’re doing everything they want you to do, and are quick to criticize when just one little thing goes wrong. Paul said he wasn’t the least bit concerned about the judgments of others. He said he didn’t even judge himself because he knew he was in God's hands, and that in the end he would stand before God, not people, to give an account of his life (see 1 Cor. 4:3–4).

Sometimes the people who are criticized the most are the ones trying to do the most good they can with their life. It amazes me how people who do nothing want to criticize those who try to do something. I may not do everything right, but at least I’m attempting to do something to make the world a better place and to help hurting people. I believe that is very pleasing to God! After so many years of agonizing over the criticism of people and trying to gain their approval, I finally decided that if God is happy with me, that is enough.

When someone criticizes you, try saying positive things about yourself. Don't just stand by and take in everything people want to dump on you. Establish independence! Remind yourself of God’s love and be confident in His approval, and you won’t be defeated by criticism.

Prayer Starter: Father, please help me to let go of others’ negative, critical words and intentionally remind myself of the truth: that You love and approve of me as Your child. In Jesus’ Name, amen.