giving attention to critics

I posted on Twitter last night.

"What if instead of talking about people, we prayed for them?" 

It's a thought I had been pondering for awhile and thought it was worth sharing. How quick we are to gossip and judge. How quick to spread the word when we hear bad about people. Or how quickly we become angry with the things people say to us.

A few hours later, someone tweeted back at me. Something not very nice. Something about not believing in God and prayer. And then she attacked my faith.

My stomach sank. I got bright red in the face. I wanted to curl up and die. Or at least give her a piece of my mind and include a few choice words about what I thought she deserved in life.

Then I thought of this quote...

"Pay more attention to your Creator than your critics." 



I don't want to force anyone to believe what I believe. I am a praying woman. I will ALWAYS be a praying woman. And I will worship God through the good and the bad. And there will always be someone who disagrees or disapproves of the way you choose to live your life, even when you are doing your very best.

It's not between you and them. It's between you and your Creator. An Almighty God who believes in the very best of you. <3

How do you handle the critics? 

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9 comments:

Elizabeth Lynn said...

I'm sad you had to go through that (I happened to see the conversation on twitter). You have it right--pay more attention to your Creator than your critics is a great reminder to all of us <3

Brittany T. said...

Oh i am so glad you shared this even though it's not so fun/good thing. I am in the middle of something along these lines too. Thank you for reminding me to pay attention more to my God and how he loves me and the things i already know.! much love sister!

Vanessa L. said...

I ignore the critics =)

What they think isn't critical to my salvation.

There's a difference between holding another believer accountable or questioning beliefs that are different from your own and attacking someone who believes something different.

It's tough to be bold and live out your faith on social media because it's easier to judge behind a computer screen.

Hang in there, keep your head up =)

Anonymous said...

I totally agree with you. The world would be such a better place if we all prayed for each other.

And praying doesn't have to be to a god or some bigger being (I do pray to God). But I know, when I pray, I pray in a positive manner and that leads me to have more positive thoughts all over, which i tie back to prayer.

Jon. Jamie. Ethan. Lynsi. Katie. said...

You couldn't have said it better my friend! I look up to you for your courage and strength. It's not easy, but you are an amazing young lady!

Amanda Schroeder said...

Brooklyn you have no idea how much I needed to hear this right now. Yesterday, when I replied to that tweet, I really did have hopes in helping this poor girl who is clearly looking for answers. But she kept firing back and I decided to just give up. I have had some pretty harsh emails/words said to me these past few weeks, and to be completely honest, it's been hard to pay more attention to my Creator.

So thank you. You're amazing. You're an inspiration. And I can't wait to finally meet you.

Ashley Ziegler said...

I agree with this. I feel such a need to take a break from social media because all I ever do is feel horrible about things. I feel jealousy, envy, hatred. Whenever I see certain things I just can't go a night without crying sometimes. I really need to start praying more and involve the Lord more and learn to love others.

Angela said...

How frustrating that someone would post that... I just don't understand why people do things like that. What is the point?! I guess that just points out one person you especially need to pray for.

Hayley! said...

Ugh! I can't stand when people are so rude! Even if that person doesn't believe in God/prayer, they could at least come to the logical conclusion that that quote takes the "high ground." Goodness! At least you had a GREAT attitude through it all!