I am always bothered whenever I see someone criticizing another person in a loud, angry, and boisterous manner. It bothers me because, although it may have been meant to be constructive, it is, in reality, destructive for both parties. And I know that experience does not have to be destructive.

What criticizing person fails to realize is that he (or she) is showing his ignorance. He is actually demonstrating his unhappiness with himself.

Consequently, he concentrates on what is wrong with everything instead of what is right. He does not see sky; he sees rainy clouds. He does not see true potential of his wife, his children, or his employees; he only sees their tiny natural mistakes.

This person concentrates on specks of dust that may be found on a masterpiece and misses masterpiece, itself. As a result, he goes through life missing beauty and gusto of life.

Self-talk is vital! We spend more time with ourselves than anyone else in world. That’s why I believe we have to be our own best friend. We live in a fallen world and there’s too much in life that is against us. We don’t need to be beating up on ourselves.

Let it be known that there is an enemy we have who is like a roaring lion that roams around seeking whom he may devour. (John 10:10) Let’s not give him any help.

I know at times we tend to kick ourselves when we do something stupid, but there is never an excuse to put ourselves down. Failure is an event, not a person! You may find it easy to speak garbage to yourself because maybe that’s all you’ve heard all your life. Those tapes in your brain keep playing over and over. Be reminded that God doesn’t make junk.