When you are in ministry, you can’t please everyone. It’s just not possible. Some people will love you and the work you do and others you will never be able to please. Developing a tough skin is necessary, but not easy.
I also speak to groups across the country about living with a chronic illness. I work extremely hard to bring my stories to life, relate them to the audience and engage the audience throughout my presentations. But when one negative comment comes despite all the wonderful, praiseworthy comments, what do I focus on? The one negative comment.
Something that is hard to understand is that some people are not very gentle in their delivery. They can sound extremely rude when in fact, their personality does not help them filter their words. And in the end, you are offended and hurt (especially if something is said in front of a group of people).
One, bad apple spoils the entire bunch. One comment, one remark can have a devastating effect on our psyche and we feel as if we let everyone down, including ourselves. It can often give our leaders in ministry a great deal of undue stress. They work so hard and have to be so many places at one time. Our congregations don’t truly understand the demands our clergy are under.
Why do we place so much stock into what others say about ourselves? If we are happy with what we are doing, be it teaching, educating, ministering, helping…if we are happy and content with what we are doing that should be enough. If we give our best, our 100%, why does it matter what one person says?
It’s because we take our work personally. I am very passionate about ministry in the world of church and chronic illness. I give of myself completely and there is nothing else I can do except hope that the people that needed to hear my message took it to heart with great intention.
I encourage you to think twice about what you are going to say if there is a hint of negativity. We are not here to tear each other down, but to build each other up.
Today I Am Thankful For:
- A long, Sunday afternoon nap
- quick trips
- Uncle George
- Being busy
- School starting soon 🙂
