Keep Walking...

Here we stand together,
Dressed in our pain,
Covered with scars
From wounds we did not ask for
Or deserve.

So what now?

We can't go back and relive our lives.
We can't take back the innocence we lost
Or make the sadness we felt into happiness.

But we can go on from here,
So let us start.

Stretch out your hand to mine,
Close your eyes
And slowly let the pain slip away.
Let go of the sadness;
It belongs to yesterday,
And let's walk.

The earth is firm beneath our feet.
The sun is warm on our face.
Heavenly Father sees our struggle,
Smiles at our effort,
And sends us strength.

My friends, we can't stay, looking back,
Lest we falter.
We must face forward,
Eyes wide open,
And keep on walking.

Hold tight and don't let go;
You aren't walking alone,
And neither am I.

Barbara Aldrich

“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”

Romans 8:1

Stack Every Bit of Criticism Between Two Layers of Praise



Shortly after graduation, Joe and Lana married.  One of their first marital discoveries was their very different understanding of "being on time."  Not wanting to end the honeymoon stage too early, Lana found herself mildly complaining about Joe's being late.  But Joe never took the hint, and soon her complaining turned to out-right criticism.

On the surface, there may not seem to be much difference between exposing a problem and criticizing, but in a relationship, the choice of words can bring very different responses.  Criticism attacks someone's personality and character.  When Lana criticized Joe, she would say, "You're only thinking about yourself!" 

Putting an issue on the table for discussion in a positive manner is the first step toward finding a resolution.  A person who asks gently, "Does it embarrass you when we are late?" is opening a dialog for finding the solution to the problem.  Criticism only wounds the spirit, puts the other person on the defensive, and usually ends up in a no-resolution argument.

Watch what you say!  Criticism can cause a wound that takes years to heal, but a kind and gracious attitude in problem-solving can save you years of tears.

Correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction.

2 Timothy 4:2