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Published 10-10-11    The Religion Network publishes every Monday

ON TODAY'S SITE:
Kathy Ganino, Lao-tzu, Paramahansa Yogananda, Melody Beattie,
Book of Psalms, Max Lucado, Jean Sibelius
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Dear Readers,

Being the object of someone's criticism can feel like being alone in a foxhole with bombs raining all around! If the criticism is gentle and
justified, it's like being pelted in a paint ball war. But if we believe it's
unjustified, it's threatening and we try to protect ourselves...and why?
Because our ego - that quirky fellow who doesn't take criticism well,
is under attack.

I happen to like boxing; I even did color commentary for a cable boxing show when I was a radio sportscaster. Now, I can see some of you
cringing at the thought of the violence, but it's true; I'm fascinated
by boxing's high speed chess game aspect, and also by the subtle art
of slipping a punch. Criticism is like boxing: step into the ring and
you know the other guy is going to come out swinging. Yet it's
possible to deflect and even "slip" criticism's punch.

And when it's not possible to slip criticism, we can take refuge because
the Lord knows the truth; he knows the depths of our heart. We can
live confident because He protects us from those who wish to harm us:
"Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able
to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand."
(Ephesians 6:13, NKJV)

- Lisa

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Photo by Chuck Bowman            All rights reserved


Wasted Flight

I saw a ball of criticism
aimed directly at my soul.
I stepped aside, the ball flew by
and lost its strength,
fell out of sight.
My soul rejoiced
with thoughts
of wasted flight.

Kathy Ganino
Poet and writer


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What is strong and rigid is snapped and laid low.
What is flexible and soft will always prevail.


Lao-tzu (6th century BC)
Ancient Chinese philosopher


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You came to earth to accomplish a divine mission
(to be reunited with God). Do not allow the
narrow ego to obstruct your attainment
of an infinite goal.

Paramahansa Yogananda (1893-1952)
Indian guru and yogi



Photo by Chuck Bowman            All rights reserved



The issue is not about others understanding
and taking us seriously. The issue is not about
others believing we're good and good enough.
...We are the ones that need to see the light.


Excerpted from "The Language of Letting Go,"
by Melody Beattie
Hazeldon, 1990

____________


Whoever sits in the refuge of the Most High, he shall dwell
in the (protective) shade of the Almighty. I will say of Hashem,
"(He is) my refuge and my fortress, my God, I will trust in Him."
For He will deliver you from the ensnaring trap, from devastating
pestilence. With His pinion He will cover you, and beneath His
wings you will be protected; His truth is shield and armor. You
shall not fear the terror of night; nor the arrow that flies
by day; nor the pestilence that walks in gloom;
nor the destroyer who lays waste at noon.


Psalm 91:1-6
The Stone Edition Tanach

 

____________


...(A)s grace infiltrates, criticism disintegrates. You know
you aren't who they say you are. You are who God says
you are. Spiritually alive. Heavenly positioned. Connected
to the Father. A billboard of mercy. An honored child.

Excerpted from "Come Thirsty,"
by Max Lucado
W Publishing Group, 2004


The Last Word:

No statue has ever been put up to a critic.

Jean Sibelius (1865-1957)
Finnish composer



 

 






 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 








 







 







































 

 

 

 






 

 

Utterly Random Bonus Quote:

He who laughs, lasts.

Mary Pettibone Poole
Author of "A Glass Eye at the Keyhole"
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Welcome to
The Religion Network!

I'm Lisa Bowman, editor
of The Religion Network,
a multi-faith Web site.
We offer encouraging,
inspiring quotes on
life's challenges.


The Religion Network
holds that inspiration is
found in all faiths; and
furthermore, that finding
commonalities in the
world's religions builds
bridges of understanding.

Religion as an institution
is a precious gift,
blessing us and
uplifting communities.
However you worship,
may this site enhance
your journey. To read
my personal story, click:
biography.

________


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THE RELIGION
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OLDER THAN
ALL NEED
AND PRAYER


_______




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