In Others’ Words: Bricks

“A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him.” ~David Brinkley (1920 – 2003), American newscaster

If somebody throws a brick at me, I’m gonna duck.

If somebody throws a verbal brick at me — an insult, an accusation — sometimes I make the mistake of embracing it like it’s the gospel truth. (Pardon the cliche.)

When I read today’s quote, I chuckled and thought, “Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant.”

Let’s face it: People are going to give me both compliments and insults. It’s a fact of life. The question is: What am I going to do with them?

The older I get (nope, I’m not inserting my age here), the more determined I am to not let others’ opinions of me — good or bad — rock my world. I had the fun opportunity to explore this idea over at Rachelle Gardner’s blog in a post titled Unhitch Your Wagon from the Stars. Here’s the summary of that blog post: I can’t make life all about me, and whether people like me or don’t like me. I can’t spend time waiting for the next brick tossed my way.

But, the more I mull over today’s quote, the more I realize even insults can have worth in my life. I can examine them and see if there’s any truth in what is said — and if there is need to change. If the insult is laced with venom … well, I have an opportunity to love my enemy — maybe even to pray for them. (Matthew 5:43-48)

In Your Words: Has an insult — a verbal brick — ever become a part of the firm foundation of your life?