Too Many Haters ...

I don't think anyone enjoys being criticized. 

So why do we criticize?

In our culture we believe so strongly in the freedom of expression, but that freedom doesn't end with, "Be yourself." Rather, that expression looks more like, "Be youself... and then be prepared to have others say it's not good enough." Everyone's a critic. Whether it's the movies, music, political, fashion, or more personal things like people's occupations, how they look, or even what their laugh sounds like... we live in a world that insists on commenting on everything. 

That's not to say it's always a bad thing. There are causes that need a voice and certainly there are times when we must stand against the tide. Friends step into bad situations and it takes a friend to say something... even if it's just saying, "Here's a breathmint." And there are much more serious causes that we must stand for and comment on. We must fight for those who are hurting and downtrodden: the orphan, the widow, the refugee, and the AIDS victim in a country that we may never visit. We must also be bold when it comes to things that hold significant meaning to our lives: friendship, love, and faith. Yet all to often it seems we remain silent when a voice was needed, and speak too quickly when it's at someone's expense.

Sometimes I think that we forget the power of our words. 

In Proverbs it says, "Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing."

I'll be the first to confess my tendency is to be reckless with my words. There are many that I've hurt. Whether it was because my opinions differed, my confidence was low, or to please the crowd... it really doens't matter. It hurts to be at the other end of criticism. And when reflection comes, it hurts to think that we have caused others pain.

Today is a new day. Today, let's look for the good in others. Let's listen and try to understand. Let's be messengers of healing rather than pain.