Thread by @stevecusswords

One of the 23 sources: Cumulative criticism. For @jasbuddy.

I think we were warned in seminary that we would face 'criticism,' but I wish that large word with 100lbs of weight and shame behind it would have been dissected more.

Criticism is tough. Cumulitive is deadly.

1/

It comes from either multiple sources of is a pile on from the same crew. There is a significant 'usual suspects' element with CC - the same people taking the same shots.

Paying attention to your soul during a heavy season of it is essential, I think.

2/

I don't care who you are or how you're wired, unless you're a psychopath, it affects you. Sensitive people internalize it. "Thick skinned" people externalize it. But I think 'thick skin' might be a misnomer. I've seen some called thick skinned leaders lash out pretty strong.

3/

The accumulation takes a toll. I think the path through is radical humanization. I work hard, mostly by praying for critics, to see them as fully human. I attempt to invite my critics to see me as human.

4/

I have a couple of handfuls of long term, ongoing critics. They either think they know better, even though they've never done this, or they enjoy cutting people. I've said to many of them 'this hurts' or 'its predictable when you come' or something to...

5/

...stop the 'rerun' and try to have a different engagement than the usual. Some stop for a while, a couple have doubled down, 'what, are you sensitive or something?'

'Yes. I feel deeply, I get my feelings hurt, I'm human.'

It can be arresting to offer that vulnerability.

6/

And some can't see me human, only as a different species called 'Leader worthy of mistrust.' Hard to compete with that inner narrative. Prayer helps. So does fishing and a good long hug from Mrs C.

That's cumulative criticism.

7/7

Some typos in this thread, sorry. My puppy was trying to chew on my arm during most of it. Don’t let the serenity in this photo lull you. He’s a little beast.