A few weeks ago, right after a holiday, my husband came home around 8 p.m. with a letter in his hand. I could tell he wasn’t happy.
The letter was unsigned and lengthy. It came from someone who had visited our area for the holiday and felt compelled to share their opinion about how we were taking care of our yard. According to them, we should replace our dead bushes, consider hiring help, and recognize that our neighbors’ homes look “much better” than ours. I’m giving you the kind version—the actual letter was much more pointed.
I skimmed it, set it on the counter, and told my husband we had bigger things going on. At the time, we were walking through a tough situation with a family member. That took priority. We don’t face many family issues, but when we do, we rally hard and stay close.
Now that the family matter is resolved, I’ve given the letter a little more thought—but honestly, I haven’t reread it. And truthfully, nothing in it was factually wrong. Yes, we have dead bushes. Yes, our neighbors’ homes are more manicured. And yes, we are incredibly blessed to live in a beautiful home in a wonderful neighborhood.
But being “right” isn’t the point.
The bigger truth is this: It’s never helpful to speak ill of others—whether in person, behind their backs, or in anonymous letters. It doesn’t uplift. It doesn’t bring life.
I feel Called for Impact, and I’ve built a coaching business on that very principle. I help people launch revenue-generating businesses using their God-given brilliance. I pray daily that I’m doing the work I’ve been called to do—helping others walk in their purpose. And nowhere in that mission is there time to notice someone’s bushes—let alone take time to write a letter about them.
As Pastor Michael often says, our job is to meet people with love. When we do that, we don’t speak poorly of them. We don’t know what battles they’re fighting. And we don’t need to. The old saying applies here: Turn the other cheek.
I don’t know who wrote the letter, and I honestly hope I never find out. But it’s served as a great reminder: When you’re walking in purpose, distractions will come. Criticism will come. That’s not a sign to shrink—it’s a sign you’re moving in the right direction.
There’s a quote I love (originally from Rachel Hollis): “What people say about you is none of your business.” Once you truly understand that, you gain the freedom to step fully into your calling.
In my coaching program, we talk about this nearly every day. One of the biggest roadblocks for purpose-driven entrepreneurs is fear—fear of what others might say or think. That fear keeps them from taking bold action, even when that action could help others.
These dead bushes—and that letter—have become a powerful example for me. Maybe they will for you, too.
Because here’s the truth: the better you do in life, the higher you rise, the more people will try to bring you down. When I lived in a trailer house in my early 20s, we had a dead bush in the front yard the entire time. Guess what? No one sent me a letter. 😉
So here’s my call to action:
If you ever find yourself tempted to speak negatively about someone—whether directly or by passing along what “others are saying”—pause. Ask yourself: Is this from God? Or is this something else? Speaking poorly of others is never helpful. Ever.
And if someone has spoken poorly over you—let it go. It truly has nothing to do with where you are at. It’s a reflection of where they are at.
If you’re on your knees daily, pursuing your purpose, walking in your call for impact—get ready. Because forces will come against you. But take heart. You are not alone.
As for our family—we’ll get those bushes out eventually, probably once the cows stop coming and the 13-hour work days settle down. We’ll read the letter one last time, toss it in the fire, and sit in front of our beautiful home, full of love, with grateful hearts.
Romans 12:17–18 (TPT)
“Never hold a grudge or try to get even but plan your life around the noblest way to benefit others. Do your best to live as everybody’s friend.”
And you, my friend?
You are Called for Impact. Let’s go.
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