I am but the reflection in your eyes, the effect of your expressions, and the sum of your praise and criticism.

Rather than critique people, try admiring God’s creative handiwork.

Those sweet souls who speak kind words when they could rightly criticize are the most influential beings in all the world.

We are all guilty of sin, error, and moments of sheer stupidity; none of us should be casting stones. The occasional arced pebble might be overlooked.

With the best of intentions you toss me a lifeline. Failing to see how a piece of rope will do me any good, I ignore it and drown.

It is said that the boldest thing you can do is think for yourself, but I believe that it is bolder still to act on those thoughts and ideas despite certain criticism and objections. To be true to yourself—to look straight into your own eyes reflected in the mirror and be loyal to the person you see—is to be bold indeed.

Be warned: A person content to sit with you and criticize others will speak critically of you out of earshot.

When it comes to the crusty behavior of some people, give them the benefit of the doubt. They may be drowning right before your eyes, but you can't see it. And you would never ask someone to drown with a smile on his face.

For every one person who praises you, there are a hundred who would criticize. Heed neither the one nor the hundred. It is your own opinion that truly matters.