REBUKE

WHEN PEOPLE REBUKE US...some of us might be taken aback because we never noticed or felt that we have anything to do with what is happening, and then we go on blaming other people, then complain or feel victimized -- now all we see is how the other person treats us and then choose to be stuck in thinking that we are the "victim" because that is way much easier. This is far from the truth, but an unfortunate reality for some. As a friend put it, "the mentality of an underachiever."

Solution? Take responsibility. I read somewhere that "Constructive action is the opposite of victimized brooding." In life, we either respond or react. So instead of reacting or overreacting, we should respond to the situation by realizing that, yes, we are part of the problem. It may be hard to admit that, but we can proactively approach the situation instead of playing the blame game and seek to understand before being understood. "Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid." -- Proverbs 12:1 (NIV) (written on July 22, 2012)