Don't forget.

There is a tribe in Africa and when someone in the tribe does something wrong, they take the person to the center of the village. The tribe surrounds the person and for two days, everyone speaks all of the good he has done. The tribe believes each person is good, but sometimes people make mistakes which are viewed as cries for help. The purpose for the two-day event, they say, is to reconnect him with his good nature.

In our culture, we are so used to focusing on the negative. We jump on the bandwagon when someone is down, shaming them to other people around us. Perhaps in an effort to be liked and accepted, we're more apt to go along with the crowd instead of stand up for the individual. To encourage others to see the good. And when it comes to ourselves, we're no better. One negative thought leads to another, which leads to another. Before we know it, we're in a cesspool of negativity, drowning in reminders of things that we've done wrong in the past.

How different it would be if we were reminded of the good...

In relationships, when your spouse forgets something... instead of reminding them sarcastically or in a cruel way, remind yourself of the times when they think of things that you don't recall. And offer grace.

At work, when a co-worker doesn't bring their "A game" to a presentation... consider what other things might be going on with them outside of work, and remind yourself of the time he/she saved you in a past presentation.

We are so quick to judge.
To place blame.
To jump on the bandwagon.

Instead of to comfort.
To support.
To encourage.

Don't forget all the things that they did right. Be someone who lifts up, not one who puts down.