Raise Them Up

We cannot choose the family into which we are born. Nor, at times, do we have a choice in who we work with. We can choose our friends. With that in mind, why would we choose people who make us feel bad about ourselves? Or those who have made a habit of ridiculing others? It’s time to stop making excuses for those who tear others down with the intent to harm. It is unkind, unnecessary behavior that does not achieve anything except cause pain.

The best friends we can have are those who encourage and support us. Their belief- their faith in us- strengthens our belief in ourselves. Avoid those who seek to make you doubt yourself for your purpose. Critical and objective advice should be listened to and weighed. But those who are dismissive, who use backhanded compliments, or use emotional manipulation and punishment to prevent you from doing anything other than what they believe is best, should be given no power or freedom to do so.

Be the friend to others that you deserve to have in your life and space. Raise them up. Help them to see the good within themselves. Be a mirror of the good that you see in other people’s hearts.