Good morning, DearHeart.

There are souls in this world who carry deep insecurities and the way those troubled wounds get handled may be projecting their hurt onto you. This can be especially true if you happen to have some measure of respect and relationship with people. It can also happen if you have any measure of groundedness that they seek. Think of anyone you know that has experienced success … they have their fans – and they also have haters. And, both fans and haters may know nothing about who these souls truly are as human beings. They are just a name that rises in today’s media who happen to be a canvas onto whom people can project their hopes and dreams or … their fears.

You could be that to someone too. Doing your thing for the greater good. Loving well.

Then come the haters.

Christ set the standard for dealing with haters. He gave His life. He doesn’t even expect you to do the same, but from His example we know how to respond when criticism comes.

Consider the deliverer.

Consider what you can do with their message.

There may be a kernel of truth in what they say; find an opportunity from which you can grow from their slander. Simply separate the cruelty of the delivery (harder than it sounds sometimes), from a hidden opportunity in their words or behavior.

Focus on the people who believe in you and love you. For Christ, toward the end of His flesh days, that must’ve just seemed like His mom and a few from His inner circle. Maybe that’s all you’ve got – that’s enough. Every person who rises knows the importance of those who believe in you. The importance of their inner circle. They know where they can get the

push they need,

the bump they need,

the encouragement they need.

Even if it is only from one person.

Focus on those who care about you no matter what and ask for their perspective on how you continue to show up in this life. Cherish those people deeply, and let them know it. Feeling unloved has got to be the loneliest feeling in the world. Reach out to those you trust.

Know you are worthy.

Connect with your heart.

Moment by moment, all respect within for the wonder that Your Creator breathed life into, share that respect with every encounter.

“The Lord protects and preserves them— they are counted among the blessed in the land— he does not give them over to the desire of their foes.” Psalm 41:2 NIV

Wake up.

You’re protected and preserved.

Go.