Have you ever noticed that in life we meet people who complain about anything and everything?
When was the last time you complained about something that was either trivial or not?
What I would challenge you to do is sit in the lobby of any hospital and watch the people entering or exiting the facility the next time you feel like complaining.
How do we look at life?
This is not a rhetorical question; it’s a question for you to decide where you are going and whether you are accepting your lot in life.
Having said that, my heart is heavy once again as I receive notifications about the deaths of two people whom I knew who recently passed away.
These are people that I knew personally and witnessed them adding value to others.
How we make the most of our time here on this earth is up to us.
This goes for gossip as well.
I’m reminded of James 3:5 and the “Taming of the Tongue,” where I learned years ago to let things go.
When I received the meaning behind James 3:5, I was told to ask three questions:
Is it true, is it kind, is it necessary?
In response to the three questions, should the person continue speaking only if they can say “yes” to all three?
Persons/Places/Events
James
The author of the epistle, traditionally identified as James, the brother of Jesus. He was a leader in the early Jerusalem church and wrote to Jewish Christians scattered among the nations.
The Tongue
A metaphorical reference to human speech and the power of words. In this context, it represents the potential for both good and harm.
The Body
Represents the whole person, emphasizing how a small part (the tongue) can influence the entire being.
The Spark
A metaphor for a small action or word that can lead to significant consequences, much like a tiny flame can ignite a large fire.
The Forest
Symbolizes the broader community or world, illustrating how words can have far-reaching effects.
This past week, Toastmasters International announced an increase in membership dues from $60 to $72 for the six-month dues renewal fee effective August 3, 2026.
Just years ago, when it went from $30 to $45 to $60, now, on August 3, 2026, to $72, I’m sure there will be members unwilling to pay the dues increase.
For some, it will be “The Spark” that ignites a large fire among other members.
I witnessed it coming based on what happened when Membership dues increased on August 1, 2023 (from $45 to $60 semiannually).
Of course, the August 2023 change was the last time the core membership dues were adjusted, with the 2025 new member fee increase being the most recent fee-related update. New member fee increase: October 1, 2025 (from $20 to $25).
I’m telling you this as only an example of the spark that can ignite a larger flame. You can’t even imagine the people who complained three years ago and how they voiced their feelings of dissatisfaction.
Everyone has something to complain about; however, is it worth it?
We have choices in life: accept our lot or change it.
I won’t get into what the Bible says; however, we should accept and rejoice in what we have been given.
Hence, as an advocate for developing greater emotional intelligence, choosing to change requires self-awareness, courage, and deliberate action.
It also requires discernment. That’s what I learned from reading the Bible.
Every day is a choice, and complaining about it is not the answer.
Therefore, on this day, if you’re complaining about something, is it worth the emotional stress, or can you just let it go?
Besides, we’ve all heard the phrase Why complain? It does go anyway.
How we downplay it is totally up to us.
Therefore, we should just be grateful and rejoice in what we have been given.
I’ll give you two quotes to think about this week:
“You don’t make progress by standing on the sidelines, whimpering and complaining. You make progress by implementing ideas.” – Shirley Chisholm
“Never tell your problems and complaints to anyone; twenty percent don’t care, and the other eighty percent are glad you have them.” – Lou Holtz
Today, I challenge you to ask the question the next time you feel like complaining: Is it worth it? Give yourself 24 hours to think about it. If not, think about taking a trip to your local hospital and sitting in the hospital lobby that I mentioned earlier.
Amen and feel the same way. I to have been hit with a string of deaths an uncle, aunt and three cousins close in age that affected me dearly. I had to look at what you said about complaining go to the hospital and what do you see spoke volumes because I have been saying that for years..
Jerome,
First and foremost, condolences to you and your family. We are so blessed; it’s beyond words. Thank you for sharing your comments and taking the time this morning to be part of my blog. I’m keeping you in prayer.
CM