07/28/2026
Motivational Moment: Be Careful Digging Ditches
Over the last couple of weeks, one thought has continually echoed in my spirit: "Be careful digging ditches."
We're living in a culture that celebrates the "I got you!" moment.
Current pastors tear down those who came before them as if they inherited perfect churches instead of standing on someone else's sacrifice.
Current elected officials spend more time criticizing former leaders—or even colleagues—than they do solving today's problems. Others dismiss people simply because of their age, forgetting that if they're blessed to keep living, they're headed in the same direction.
It is easy to throw stones when you've forgotten that someone else built the house you're standing in.
I am reminded of the words in Mississippi Mass Choir's "Holding On" led by the late Mama Mosie Burks. Mama Burks painted the picture of people throwing stones, hiding their hands, and then warned that when you dig a ditch for someone else, you may discover you were digging your own.
Scripture reaffirms this thought in Proverbs 26:27, "Whoever digs a pit will fall into it."
That's because there is something called "collateral damage."
Beloved, when others are determined to expose someone else, don't be surprised if they expose themselves.
When others are so committed to embarrassing someone else, don't be shocked if their own shortcomings come to light.
When others are obsessed with creating an "I got you" moment, they may discover that the greatest casualty is their own credibility.
Here's the lesson: Spend less time digging ditches and more time building bridges.
Honor those who paved the way.
Learn from those who came before you.
Correct when necessary, but don't condemn for applause.
Because elevation never requires humiliation.
And remember this:
The shovel you're using to dig someone else's ditch today may become the evidence that explains why you fell tomorrow.
Be blessed!!!
