Underneath every criticism, there is a grain of truth...

The pastor of my church is pretty much my hero. She (yes, there are women pastors in my church!!!! risky, I know!!) is amazing.

She is one of the strongest women I have ever met. I'd compare her to be the equivalent of a Christian Oprah. She started our churches mission in Cambodia about 9 years ago and has never looked back. Because of her, there are over 10 churches going in Cambodia, and several more in Thailand, Singapore and Portugal. Her influence is literally world-wide.

There are so many things I admire about her, but the thing i'd say I admire most is her ability to challenge me. She challenges my faith without even knowing that she is doing it. What I love about the relationship we have is that she uses pure truth and Biblical principles to counsel. She never gives me the feel good answers I want to hear. In fact, she tells me exactly what I don't want to hear most of the time. And it's great.

One time, I remember I was really upset because I heard through the grapevine that someone had made a statement about me that really hurt me. To the core. I called her crying and upset and she was very compassionate and understanding. But then she made a statement that i'll never forget.

"Underneath every criticism, there is a grain of truth."

Think about that for a minute. I'm not saying we should take every criticism made against us, dissect it and dwell on it. In fact, I believe just the opposite. All i'm saying is we should try and find a way to learn and grow in every experience we have in life. That way nothing is wasted or lost.

I believe that God is always calling us to learn more, grow more, question more, believe more and challenge ourselves more. When someone says something to you, or about you that makes you upset or sad- look for that grain.

Use their words to make yourself a better person. Then nothing is lost.

Selah.