TODAY'S MESSAGE IS DEDICATED IN MEMORY OF
                                                      ABRAHAM BEN ROSA A'H
                                   BY EDDIE & HELEN SHAMAH AND FAMILY

         One of the more emotionally upsetting situations a person must deal with is being insulted. Somehow, for some reason, someone makes an offensive comment. The subject —or victim—of the remark may react with anger, a red face, or tears. In all cases, insults hurt. A bruised ego is perceived as similar to a broken bone or a cut finger—but it doesn’t have to be that way.

The pain a person feels as a result of an insulting comment is a matter of perspective. It is one’s attitude towards the barb that will determine its effect. Words are merely sounds, without inherent power over people. One’s reaction to them is crucial.

An insult can be perceived as a wake-up call. Perhaps the person is exaggerating, but where there is smoke, there is fire. Do a self-evaluation and work on the shortcoming the other has pointed out. Another approach is to accept the criticism, but focus on your strengths rather than dwell on the weakness your adversary so rudely highlighted. Alternatively, you might think of another insult that once hurt you and realize that not only was it meaningless in the big picture of your life, but you will remember how short- lived the moment of pain really was.

An insult can change your day—maybe even your life. But an insult is like any other word; your reaction to it will determine its effect. Defuse the pain and make use of the warning, and an insult can improve your future.