Tuesday, December 22, 2009

critics and quotes...

It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; because there is not effort without error and shortcomings; but who does actually strive to do the deed; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotion, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement and who at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly. So that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat. --President Theodore Roosevelt

Peter heard the cock crow. Moses struck the rock. Jonah jumped ship. Eve bit the fruit and Adam followed. None of those pillars of biblical narrative would ever claim to be perfect. And neither do I. I have faltered, and sadly, I will falter again. Paul encourages and reminds the Romans that there is not one person who is righteous; everyone has failed and fallen (3:10, 23). But as believers in Christ, we stand before critics as broken vessels yet claim, through His stripes we are healed (Isaiah 53:5); as piles of ash waiting metaphoric beauty, we claim He uses the base to confound the wise (1 Corinthians 1:27).

Dale Carnegie said, Any fool can criticize, condemn, and complain, but it takes character and self control to be understanding and forgiving. Only listen to a critic if they can be forgiving. If not, be unthwarted by their comments. Like my father always told me, to escape criticism, do nothing, say nothing, be nothing.

16 comments:

renay. said...

@the critics: We don't follow Bianca because of her but because of the One she believes in and writes about- Jesus Christ!

B, Keep doing what you're doing!Love you!

Anonymous said...

Beautifully said. And convicting, too. Thanks for the awesome quotes and the scripture references.

I am blessed by your blog. By your humility. And by you simply "being in the arena."

Thanks Bianca. :)

Jason said...

Well said and thanks for the quotes. :)

Diandra Ann said...

critics don't waste their time if no one will hear them... In other words... People say the things they do because your blog makes a difference. Because people read ur words... And the words of God and lives are impacted.

you are incrdible. God is using you. Way to stay above it :)
I love you and I'm super proud of you.

ps... If it comes down to it... I think I could kick some butt ;)

christy said...

Awesome Bianca...yes we r blessed to be able to read your blog and know you are just like the rest of us...u share the same struggles and convictions as we do...that's what makes this such a safe place to be...

btw...loved the quotes!

Anonymous said...

Awesome Bianca, Simple awesome. Thanks for pouring your heart to us through your writing. Critics they just need a big chunky hug and Jesus to be the center of their lives. Nobody but him is perfect... Have a very blessing Christmas. God Bless you!

Anonymous said...

And then I read my bible. And 1 Peter 3:10-12 kicked my butt. And I apologized to someone I had totally wronged. Thanks for such a real post today.

D To Tha G said...

At least when you have opposition, you know you are doing the right thing B. The enemy will never stop throwing those fiery darts especially when your resting in God's will for you.

You dad's quote is tight - have to jot that one down. As believers we have all failed, come up short, tripped and stumbled. Yet our Father, the True Living God awaits with His arms extended towards us, that we may cling on to them, rest in His hands and gain strength through Him to stand again and keep running the race.

Bianca you are doing an amazing job!

Sare said...

I always find it amazing when you read or hear something that you feel is directly relating to you.
It happened to me at the Engage Conferene when Matt Chandler spoke and happened again to me this morning when i read your challenging post.
Thanks for giving me the kick up the pants that i needed B.
Thanks for your posts and your daily reminder to strive to serve our Lord.
Merry Christmas and Best Wishes from Australia!

Sare said...

I always find it amazing when you read or hear something that you feel is directly relating to you.
It happened to me at the Engage Conferene when Matt Chandler spoke and happened again to me this morning when i read your challenging post.
Thanks for giving me the kick up the pants that i needed B.
Thanks for your posts and your daily reminder to strive to serve our Lord.
Merry Christmas and Best Wishes from Australia!

Bianca said...

@renay: how much do I love you? this much <------------>
@michelle: with your new camera timer, I expect 365 degree pictures of us when I finally make it to spokane to visit you and annie henson!
@diandra: with the way you've been hitting the gym lately, I'm affirmed you could kick some patootie!
@jason: wow!!! a new commenter! woohoo. thanks for joining the cult... er, I mean club ;) thanks for the affirmation. merry christmas.
@christy: thank you for being a loyal blog reader and commenter. i wish you all the prosperity and health 2010 can bring!
@DtotheG: one word: PSALTY. go check your email ;)
@sare: merry christmas, my aussie friend! stay cool this summer and enjoy your holiday!

Cora said...

Thank you Bianca! I feel the beautiful strength of your words and they comfort me...

Anonymous said...

Celia Jimenez...I could not have put it better myself! so you get an AMEN sista...lots of !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

merry CHRISTmas!

B..your amazing!

ap!

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netta said...

Keep up the good fight, Bianca! We love you and know that you are speaking Gods word. People are funny and your dad has taught us, that we, as Christians, will always be up against those who question or do not believe in God or Jesus. We believe! And as long as there are believers keep on preaching, teaching and loving Gods word. Lord knows I need it. Thank you for being you and allowing us to be who we is. LOL!! I wish you and your family a blessed and merry CHRISTmas.

The Montgomerys said...

Your blog means a lot to me, it is so encouraging. Thank you so much. God Bless you <3

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