I am continually mystified why people feel the need to criticize. Call it 'positive criticism' if you want, but there is nothing positive about picking people apart. I've had my share of it this week and it seems to have increased since my book came out. Coincidence? I think not. I believe Satan is working over time at keeping me upset about the outright hateful and mean-spirited emails and letters I am getting on a daily basis. I know I'm not alone as you have probably had your share of attacks this week, too, just perhaps in a different way.
I was quickly reminded of Romans 12:19, "Do not avenge yourselves; instead, leave room for God. For it is written: Vengeance belongs to Me; I will repay, says the Lord." The Message puts this verse in an even simpler way, "Discover beauty in everyone. If you've got it in you, get along with everybody. Don't insist on getting even; that's not for you to do. 'I'll do the judging,' says God. 'I'll take care of it.'"
There are times when we need to let God settle the score. So if we can leave room for God's wrath, can we not leave room for His power, His grace and His intervention? The Lord takes delight in doing the impossible. We must pray, trust and wait on him to work in whatever situation we are facing. Psalm 37:7-8 says, "Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him...Do not fret, it only causes harm."
I cannot make everybody happy, fix every problem or avoid the barbs viewers throw at me, but I can "leave room for God" to work in my life and the lives of those who enjoy being negative. God says what He means and means what He says!
Barbie will be signing at Borders (Dogwood Festival in Flowood), Saturday from Noon-2pm. She will also be the guest speaker at Star Baptist Church's Ladies Night Out dinner Saturday night.
5 comments:
Try not to let negative people or ugly remarks bring you down. I know it's hard not too, I've always had a soft heart and would tend to take things to heart, I've developed somewhat of a tougher shell over the years, but I still let things get to me at times also. Just try to let them roll off your back, and pray for the Lord to give you strength and move on.Try this, if you receive an email or letter and it starts out from the first few words being negative or ugly, just close it out or throw it away right then.Don't finish it. It might help! I bought a copy of your book, can't wait to read it! You're a true inspiration to countless women, don't forget that! Blessings to you and your family!
Love,
Tammi
Some people just need to get a life if you are all they have to talk about. I bet you don't spend your time talking about them!! The ladies at the church are gonna love you!!
You know the saying...if the devil's not after you, he's not worried about you. YOU GO, GIRL!!!
I am in such good company! I've realized that if you are hiding in a crowd doing what everyone else is doing no one will throw a stone at you. But you step out in faith, away from the crowd, to do what God has called you to do...well, sometimes it makes us an easy target!
God is growing us up girl! I will pray for you, while I'm praying for myself, to count it all joy!
You keep up the good work! And like one of my friends told me last week, "You ARE and will continue to be successful. Anonymous will ALWAYS be anonymous."
Robin
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