This may be a touch long. Sorry.

Why do we look for opportunities to criticize and demean each other?

We have a choice. Our words can be used for healing or used to wound. We can uplift, share goodness, and inspire or we can destroy, demean, and hurt feelings.

Here is message I received from a man who heard me speak recently: "May I say that my experience listening was far less than what I expected it to be. Not long after you begun I began to be concerned. My concern grew to embarrassment, and soon I became offended." He went on to write, "I was genuinely offended by your approach. In many ways it was not the words you spoke, but tone of your voice and mannerisms. I wondered as I sat there what the First Presidency and the Twelve would have thought. I do not think they would have been entertained."

Compare that message to these two messages I received from a woman and a different brother who were at the exact same fireside: "Listened to you speak last night and it was absolutely amazing! Thank you for the lesson. Definitely needed to hear it!" From the man: "Thanks so much for your message, it was an answer to my prayers "

Do you see the choice we have when we choose to speak? Choose goodness, choose kindness, choose to be uplifting. Be the rare one that encourages and inspires.

What would I tell the man who wrote the first message? I'd probably say thank you, but I'd tell him that when God wants to correct me, He usually tells my wife.