THURSDAY THOUGHTS: LESSONS FROM THE NEWS

Never underestimate anyone. The help you need might be right under your nose. 

No one gets away with anything. 

We just may not have a front row seat to their suffering. 

Consequences of wrong choices, actions, and words manifest in a myriad of ways, and over time. 

Mercy and grace are always at work.

Before flippantly concluding that someone "won't mind" maybe you should ask first. 

Not everyone can speak for you...nor should they.

Good intentions aren't always strong enough. 

If a situation is wicked, and desires to remain so, good people are dispensable. 

People with integrity can't fake ruthlessness, and don't make good liars for, or cohorts with evil. They'll always crack. 

"Ain't it funny that the way you feel shows on your face?"

You don't ever have to love or like anyone, but don't ever think you don't have to respect them. 

Don't ever think another person doesn't matter, and commence to disregard them as if they're invisible. That's a good way to get your feelings hurt--and even miss out on opportunities. 

Some people may never display an aggressive bone in their bodies, until they see a child being mistreated. Then there's hell to pay.

Note the loyalty, intent, and consistency of those around you. You know when others are operating with two faces. The funny thing is they think they've mastered deception and don't think you can see it. Stay woke. 

If they'll talk about you to them, they'll talk about them to you. 

You'll stay out from under buses if you keep your eyes and ears open. 

Some people are deliberate in their attempts to annoy or move you. They'll see just how far they can go, and how many snide remarks they can make. 

That's their own insecurity screaming. 

How you respond--or don't respond, can shut all of that down. 

When people examine their own behavior they'll, hopefully, understand why you'd rather not be bothered. Unfortunately, some people are only fixated on what's wrong with everyone else. 

Some things are deliberate distractions. Cover every base. 

People will expect you to put up with what they never would. Point that out to them the next time they want to know why you won't participate, go, stay, agree, concede, or support. 

Perhaps they'll get mad. So what? Your nerves will be intact, your time won't be wasted, your senses won't be damaged, and your resources won't be depleted. 

No one has the right to impose their bad habits, nasty ways, and nonsense on you, and then wonder what's your problem. 

Stop trying to convince hard-hearted people to do the right thing. When they reach that state, the best you can do is pray. Trouble is near.

Be firm in your belief when it is just and true. Those who try to discourage you will have no power. 

Get your power back. You matter. Generosity and benevolence is fine, but giving everything away leaves you at a deficit. 

Call a spade a spade. If it's a pyramid scheme, call it that, and stop feeding other people's flocks while yours suffer. 

Practice self-care. It is not selfish. 

Don't sleep on your intuition. Trust your instincts. That gut feeling didn't just show up for nothing. 

Do what is right. Don't slack off. Don't give anyone ammunition, especially when there are those who have no trouble making stuff up when they can't find any to use against you. 

Let competitive people run their own imaginary races against you. They'll soon realize you're not even on the track, but chilling in the bleachers. 

Pay attention to what others do and what they say. That will inform you in valuable ways; help you decide how to proceed--or not.

Don't ever think you have permission to mistreat, dislike, reject, or confront someone based on what someone else has said or thinks. That's another good way to get your feelings hurt. 

Human beings have a tendency to be biased, to lie, and be insecure. 

Get to know people for yourself. Too many relationships are forfeited because you were a mindless follower. Get the whole story. If you're too much of a coward to do so, reserve your opinion, gossip and judgment. 

Document when necessary. Embrace that smartphone. Its stored media can shut down many an argument or accusation. 

The mercy you show is the mercy you will receive. People will call a bluff. Don't think you're that important or indispensable. People will, and actually prefer to cope just fine without constant drama or messiness. 

Peace is priceless. Don't allow anyone to disturb yours. Those who thrive on confusion also thrive on your aggravated response to it. Don't bite. Respect the boundaries you set. You put them there for a reason. 

Never lower your standards--your expectations perhaps, but NEVER your standards. 

You don't get brownie points for correcting the problem you caused.

Shame is always effective.

Speak up. It may shock the self-absorbed, insensitive, and misinformed into rethinking their actions or position. 

Remember that rights come with responsibilities. No one is obligated to clean up the mess you made--or suffer the stench while waiting for you to do it. 

Be careful who you pick on. Pleasant, quiet people are not punks or pushovers. They do have another side you may not wish to see.