Many of us are inherently cynical. What is it about human nature that makes us view others through a lens of skepticism?

Some people, like my cousin, Kathy, and one of my and my wife’s friends, Pam, are instinctively sweet, kind and giving, but they’re the exception, not the rule. At least from my perspective.

Ha, I just started writing this blog and I’m already assuming the worst about people. YEESH…

Seriously, though, how many of us scoff at others when they’re not looking? How many times do we insult someone behind their back, only to offer a faux smile and handshake or hug when they turn around? How many of us would be mortified by the playback if our words were recorded 24 hours a day? How many friends would we lose, how many family members would shun us, due to our very own bitter dialogue? 

How many neglected, disheartened people have chosen suicide when that one vile look or comment from the wrong person finally pushed them over the edge?

“So encourage each other and give each other strength…” 1 Thessalonians 5:11a

How many murders been carried out by someone who had, at last, had enough of being attacked and mistreated?

“Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” Ephesians 4:29

How many are in prison today because of the needless cruelty they suffered at the hands of someone who had the power to lift them to the skies by cheering them on instead of tearing them down to the ground and below?

“So let’s try as hard as we can to do what will bring peace. Let’s do whatever will help each other grow stronger in faith.” Romans 14:19

How many, even as we speak, are holed up in their caves, infuriated and demoralized, bankrupt of any semblance of cheerfulness, convinced of their own inadequacy, due to being injured by those closest to them?

“As iron sharpens iron, so people can improve each other.” Proverbs 27:17

How many of us chuckle when others reach for their visions and fall short, simply because we haven’t achieved our own dreams?

“If one falls down, the other can help him up. But it is bad for the person who is alone and falls, because no one is there to help.” Ecclesiastes 4:10

How many are dead or dying because someone chose hate instead of love? How many precious souls lay cold in the grave, solely due to some hate-encrusted skeptic who beat ‘em down and beat ‘em down and beat ‘em down, until there remained no more courage or faith in humanity?

God, please let my words by the ointment, not the salt, on emotional wounds. May all I say and do be honey to the spirit, and not vinegar to the soul.

All this being said, please let me remind you of your awesomeness. Nobody can do what you do and nobody can encourage those you can encourage. No one can fill the same gap you can fill and no one can dream exactly the way you dream.

There’s only one beautiful, bright and inspiring YOU. Please don’t throw that away!

Bitter words from a spiteful person do not make you a loser. Failing at something does NOT make you a failure; it makes you human. Keep trying and never give up!

And one of the most important aspects of emotional and creative survival: separate yourself from those who mean you harm. Instead, surround yourself with those on the same mission as you.

Many blessings.