Many writers (may I
daresay all writers) have received negative comments, putdowns or biting
remarks about their work or talents or themselves. It hurts!
Through times I’ve been criticized, I’ve
learned a lot about some of God’s ways. In addition, this question helped me focus: “What are some of your personal and spiritual developments that
have helped you handle criticism?”
Forgiveness is the most necessary
ingredient. It’s a choice, an act the will. ““If you forgive those who sin
against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you (Matthew 6:14). Forgiveness breaks
the chains of bitterness and frees us from resentment or injury.
However, as I learned while counselling, sometimes we
need further measures to experience complete forgiveness.
Our
spirit needs to be healed. Francis McNutt, who wrote the book, Healing, said, “Jesus
eagerly desires to show us how much he cares for us by healing us of those
ancient hurts that have withered or broken our hearts and spirits.”[i]
(my emphasis).
Our emotional stream is different from our will. We
have received a hurt that can burrow deep into our spirits. The next step in
forgiveness is to face the hurts—naming each one—and asking the Lord to heal
the binding effects of those incidents.
I asked God to give me definition. What was the real issue in criticism? Was there any truth in those
comments? Or was the person picking at minute points? Or did she/he have a critical spirit? Or jealousy?
Sometimes God has prompted me to intercede for the
other person. This is particularly true where the person has
a critical spirit in a number of issues.
Criticism is one person’s opinion, not mine. A challenge for me has been to not let their issue become mine. My attitude
and behaviour should reflect who I am, not who they are.
Confide in another writer. My writer friends know me and my writing, and releasing my feelings to someone else helps me see the situation more objectively.
God is giving me wisdom to speak into the criticism when necessary. Sometimes there is a proper time and way to confront our critics. This has become easier as I’ve gained more confidence in my writing and have a better sense of its value and worth.
God is giving me wisdom to speak into the criticism when necessary. Sometimes there is a proper time and way to confront our critics. This has become easier as I’ve gained more confidence in my writing and have a better sense of its value and worth.
~ ~ ~ ~
Now over to you. Tell
your story of how you have transcended criticism. Is it as difficult to write
your story? What strategies rooted in strength
have you discovered? How has God spoken to you through Scripture, to
your spirit, through others, etc.? (Or if you are still wrestling with handling
criticism, tell us your journey.)
I think this is a very relevant topic for this month's blog posts and is sure to garner discussion and insight.
ReplyDeleteWelcome back to our blog! I'm so glad your surgery was a success.
DeleteFor sure, Tracy, that this topic will bring a lot of insight. I'm looking forward to everyone's perspectives.
I am sure of it!
DeleteI believe, Sandi, that you have opened some doors and windows to let some fresh air in on this subject of rejection/criticism and how to deal with them through healing and objectivity. Thank you for another good start.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments, Sharon. I had wanted to write on criticism for a few years, but wasn't sure how to frame it, until one of the members in our InScribe writers' group said the words I quoted for this month's theme: "Transcending criticism."
DeleteWonderful guidance on accepting the hurts of criticism and how to let in God to heal them. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your response, Lynn. I had originally written the incidents where people criticized my writing and me, but then deleted them--somehow I just couldn't broadcast their hurtful statements. Instead, I wrote on some of the ways God healed me--and others--and how God enabled me to transcend those hurts.
ReplyDelete