Judgment is a nasty thing, isn’t it? I was once told that when I point my finger at someone, I have four fingers pointing back at me. This made no sense to me at first. However, when I really thought about it, I realized there is so much truth in that statement. A few days ago, someone passed serious judgment on me. Being as sensitive as I admit that I am, I was incredibly hurt by what was said. I felt that my character was being questioned, and truthfully, it broke my heart. Initially, I felt as though I was a victim, that I didn’t deserve to be judged. So why did it cut to my core so easily? 
I had to look intently at the person who was judging me. When I really considered what was said, I realized that this person was pointing their finger at me, but there was something in this person’s past experience that caused him to say the hurtful things he said. Now, if I am being completely truthful here, I have to admit that this did not necessarily make me feel any better in the moment. After some time, I was able to accept that it was my actions that were initially wrong, but his reaction was a result of his own biased experience.
My children have been taught by me that before they pass judgment on someone else, they need to realize that they do not know from where that person is coming. I have told them that every person has a story. Everyone has gone through something that has changed them and made them the person they are today. We cannot look at another and pretend to know where they have been. Therefore, judgment will always be unfair. Who are we to pass judgment on anyone?
When we are tempted to judge another, we should first look in the mirror.
~ Patti Crowley
Patti Stotts 