Standing Strong

I found this card and knew I would post its contents that reads:

A mighty wind blew night and day. It stole the oak tree's leaves away. Then snapped its boughs and pulled its bark until the oak was tired and stark. But still the oak tree held its ground while other trees fell around....The weary wind gave up and spoke, "How can you still be standing, Oak? The oak tree said, "I know that you can break each branch of mine in two, carry every leaf away, shake my limbs, and make me sway, but I have roots stretched in the earth, growing stronger since my birth. You'll never touch them, for you see, they are the deepest part of me. Until today, I wasn't sure of just how much I could endure. But now I've found, with thanks to you, Im stronger than I ever knew."

There are instances in life when you experience that bitter sting of criticism, but stand tall because God will give you strength to stand. I like what John Mason said, "People who are growing with God all share one common trait; they attract criticism. Criticism is a compliment when you are doing what you know you're suppose to do . . .. It can be beneficial to receive constructive criticism from those who have your best interests at heart, but you're not responsible to respond to those who don't." Continue to stand tall dear friend, and do not ever forget just how deep your roots extend.