“When Criticism Hurts” by Lysa Terkeurst
Isn’t it amazing when God gives us exactly what we are needing? Here is a wonderful devotional by Lysa Terkeurst that was just what I needed for today! I hope that you find it helpful as well!
WHEN CRITICISM HURTS
by Lysa Terkeurst
Proverbs 15:2
The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.
“It was one of those voicemails that left me rubbing the sides of my head wondering, “Why me? Why today?” I was blindsided by the criticism and felt this would be the perfect time to find a hole and crawl into it.
Criticism hurts. No matter who you are, how many people are encouraging you, and how happy you felt before you got “that call” or “that email,” one drop of critical yuck spreads fast and furious.
Oh, how I wish I had a little “criticism antidote” to make it all better. I don’t. But I do have a little sermonette I preach to myself when criticized.
When someone criticizes, I’ve got to quickly discern if they are trying to help me or hurt me.
No criticism is fun, but it can be helpful if it is from a wise person speaking words that are truly intended to help us. Proverbs 15:2a says, “The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge …” To me, a wise person is someone who
• Cares enough about me to get their facts straight and isn’t speaking out of assumption.
• Has talked to God and reflects a gentle, caring tone in their communication.
• And wraps their criticism with grace and humility.
This kind of criticism is given with the intent of sharing helpful wisdom that is constructive rather destructive.
If the criticism is destructive and hurtful, I must remember the second part of Proverbs 15:2b, “… but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.”
The definition of folly is a “lack of understanding or sense.”
We need to remember this kind of harsh and unnecessary criticism says a lot more about their insecurities than our inadequacies.
We can’t fix whatever hurt caused them to lash out. But we can decide to stay calm and not compound the hurt. “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1)
No matter what kind of criticism we get—helpful or hurtful—it still stings. And we might not feel like being calm at first. When I returned the call that left my heart racing and my head pounding, I didn’t feel like being calm. I had to choose to be calm despite my feelings. I’m learning that staying calm is as much of a gift to myself as it is to the one criticizing me.
Dear Lord, I know You are not a God of condemnation and criticism. Teach me to hold my tongue and trust in You when I am hurt by those around me. I want to be able to take the criticism that is helpful and leave the criticism that is hurtful, but I know that only through You can I do this without the weight of condemnation. Thank You for Your gentle conviction and patience with me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”
I have a feeling that if you love makeup and keep up with the “beauty community” you are already familiar with Boxycharm. But just in case you don’t know what it is…
Each month the value of the box is over $100. This month’s box has $126 USD worth of products in it. It is a great way to try out different higher priced brands without spending a lot of money. I’ve received products from brands such as MAC, Tarte, Cover Fx, Becca, Dr. Brandt, and Bare Minerals.
I love that they include a card with the product’s info and pricing on it. Each month there are usually a few product variations between the boxes that are sent out. This month there were three different possible boxes. I got variation number one, as indicated by the number 1 in the lower right-hand corner of the info card.
This product is gorgeous! I love it! a little bit goes a long way and adds so much sparkle to the eyes! I’m such a sucker for sparkles!
“The Pop-Up Palette is perfect for any OFRA magnetic makeup godet. The palette holds up to 48 grams of product and items can be continually tailored according to personal preference. 
I was really excited to get this as one of the variant products! I don’t already have a popup palette, but I have wanted one for a while now. I’ll be putting this to good use!
“The Blush Godet offers strong pigment with a long-lasting effect in a fabulous pressed powder blush. Can be applied wet or dry.”
The Boxycharm card says that the pop-up palette is $19 while the Ofra website has it listed for $21. Both site and card list the blush as $12. I’m not quite sure where the Boxycharm website gets the $50 it lists for the combined price? Maybe someone added incorrectly? Who knows…$12 and $19 combined for a total of $31.
“With an instant boost of shea butter, raw sugar, and exfoliating beads, this 4-in-1 lip scrub pencil exfoliates, plumps, hydrates and soothes. Using the shea butter to soften lips, while the raw sugar and exfoliating beads are used to buff away dead surface cells, it moisturizes the lips for a softer, smoother, more plum lip!”
Here are some of the variant products that some other “charmers” could have received…
Looking Joli Good 