The lessons garnered from all of this:


1. People will talk. They always have, 


and they always will. Some people enjoy 


belittling as opposed to building others up.



People will judge us, hurt us, put us down 


and try to break us, and more often than not, 


this will have nothing to do with us.



In many cases, they are too emotionally stuck 


and afraid to change or deal with 


their own shortcomings... and will try to highlight 


the supposed flaws of others.

 


In most cases, they do not care to see or accept 


another person who is trying to change for the better. 



Rather than putting their energy into 


improving themselves... they tend to criticize 


and tear others down in an attempt 


to make others feel miserable too.



Think about it:


No matter what we do or say, how we behave, 


or the decisions we make, we will always 


be scrutinized by others. 



Some people work as agents for Satan. They are 


looking for those they can taunt and torment. 



It is important for us to take the high road. 


We cannot allow the negative, ill-intentioned 


opinions of the naysayers and the purveyors of 


negativity to hurt us, define us, 


or have the pleasure of insulting us. 


It is imperative that we tune them out.



God knows what is in us, 


and even when others 


purposefully insult or overlook us… 


God is fully aware of the treasure


He placed in us.



We must tune out the inner and outer critics 


and concentrate on mastering 


our God-given talents and abilities.



No one has the right to re-direct our lives 


to fit their agenda. 



May we utilize our God given talents and abilities 


and not allow the naysayers to beat us down or break us.



Let us not become guilty of taking 


what God so graciously placed inside of us... 


to the grave.



2. People are either part of the problem... 


or part of the solution.



3. We must be careful who we trust, 


careful of negative and cold influences, 


and be careful of our associations.



Association really does bring 


about assimilation. 


Spirits can be transferable. 



We, in essence can, unconsciously, 


conform to their behavior, 


and we don't even have to be in their presence long 


before we begin speaking like others, or making 


gestures and facial expressions like them. 



Some people are poisonous, depressing, 


and weaken us by their very presence.


We must tune into our own intuitions... 


turning within to see what is true 


and false in any dynamic.

 


We need to choose our company 


wisely, and trust those who are 


capable of being trusted. 



Association with people who are God-fearing, 


living their faith, and practicing what they believe 


reinforces the good in us. 


Good association can inspire us to reach higher 


and dig deeper so that we may improve ourselves 


and thrive.



Bad company really can 


corrupt good character.



We are not obligated to trust those that we love. 


And we are not obligated to trust someone... 


just because other people do. 



We must trust our own gut feelings, 


and stay away from anything or anyone 


who keeps us from living our best. 


Let us trust our ability to see what is happening... 


without denial.

 


Trust can be lost within seconds,


but it can sometimes take a lifetime to regain, 


and it is never as strong again after all is said and done.



4. Strong people lift others up. 


They are not merely an influence, but an inspiration.


By their very presence they are a tower of strength 


to the souls around them. 


It is beneath their dignity to knowingly oppress,


suppress, or depress others.



5. When people harshly judge others… 


it is usually something within them… 


that they don’t want to face.


When one is a forward-thinker 


and begins to make progressive moves in life... 


some may see it as a threat to their goals and interests.



6. The one who follows the crowd… 


goes no further than the crowd. 


One becomes who they spend time with.



7. If we are under attack, the blessings must be close. 


The vaults are loaded and the thief is dying to rob us. 


When we are betrayed, 


we must release disappointment at once… 


so the bitterness has no time to take root in us. 


We cannot waste time hoping someone will suffer 


the consequences for what they did to our heart.


If we don’t let go of the crazy-makers 


and let God abide... 


it allows them to hurt us a second time in our mind. 


God knows... an God can handle them.



8. When God calls us… He fully equips us. 


We are not expected to be perfect. 


God equips us with everything good 


for doing His will.


Followers of Jesus have experienced this truth 


through the centuries from 


the calling of the first disciples. 


The disciples were ordinary people 


like you and me. 


They were not the most highly educated, 


charismatic, perfect, 


or influential people of their day. 


They did not hold the highest positions 


with the best pedigree or 


biographies filled with accomplishments 


and awards.



Jesus called the ordinary 


and then did extraordinary things through them. 


He changed the world 


and continues to change the world!



Without God, I know would fail, miserably. 


I am totally dependent upon God... 


moment by moment to give me what I need 


and equip me to do what He calls me to do.



So, think about it, naysayers,


you also have a calling on your life 


that you may not be able to answer 


because you’re not in your lane. 


If we are not in our lane... 


we may not be able to answer our call.


We will all have to answer.



9. If what we are doing is not fixing 


or improving the situation then… 


it is time we open our eyes and see that 


we are wasting precious moments of our life 


that we will never be able to recoup.



10. No pressure no diamond. 


Without manure, the plant may suffer 


and fail to grow.



11. When someone betrays you, 


it is the reflection of their character, 


not yours.


May we always remember and never forget:


Even if our pain is the teacher… 


there lies an opportunity for growth.



12. People may make cutting remarks, 


make jokes about us, 


gossip about us, dig up bones, 


or even hate us for being different 


and not following the ways of the world, 


but if the truth be told, 


they would love to have the guts to face their fears, 


dare to fail, and do the same.



13. Some people we need to forgive them in our heart 


and allow them to get off the bus of our life, 


and take all of their toxins with them.



Yes, we have to let go... 


and allow those who find joy 


in creating pain in our lives... 


to get off the bus.


Allowing devilish spirits to exit our lives... 


can be the best decision ever. 


Sometimes we have to reward 


loyalty with loyalty… 


and disloyalty with distance.



14. If you have a dream for your life, 


then a crab bucket is no place 


for you to remain. 


If you feel like you’re suffocating, 


or have joy and spirit drainers...


it might be time to fight your way out... 


quickly detaching from the toxic bucket of crabs.


If we continue to expose ourselves 


to infectious dis-eased people


 or toxic situations... 


we could fall ill or get hurt, yet, again.


15. We must be careful who we vent to and listen to. 


There are some individuals who may be knowledgeable 


in some areas,  


but they do not know what is best for our soul... 


God does.


According to Ephesians 2:8, the Scriptures tell us, 


“For by grace we have been saved


through faith. 


And this is not our own doing;



it is the gift of God.”



16. We must learn to spot the pitfalls that await our spirits 


and avoid them, if possible. 


Let us keep ourselves strong and healthy in Christ 


and help others find the same victory.



I pray that God will open the eyes of our hearts 


so that we will sense the magnitude 


of His plans and purposes for our families.