Open criticism is better than unexpressed love. Proverbs 27:5 (God’s Word translation). Those of you who know me personally know that I’m a person soft-spoken when it comes to consideration for others. My husband has told me so many times, “Just cut to the chase! You will walk 5 miles around something to keep from just saying what’s really on your heart!” And he’s right…the “diplomatic me” has such a hard time even speaking the truth in love.

The reason I’m better at writing than speaking is that I have time to more carefully choose my words. It’s a gift and a hindrance all in one. God has created as diverse a palate of personalities as He has variations in the colors of our skin, for ... (Continued)