Chicken, Chaos, & Criticism
Guys, Popeyes released their chicken sandwich…and it’s amazing…from what I’m told because I don’t eat chicken! Why? Because animal products are killing Americans and people don’t seem to care…HA! I’m joking…Except I’m not joking, but your diet isn’t what I want to talk about.
If you don’t know, Popeyes is competing with Chick-fil-a for the best chicken sandwich. Long story short, many people think it’s better than Chick-fil-a and have posted vlogs about it. You can watch them on Youtube (Click here to watch our very own Zoay TV version of it) …or not…but regardless, it’s a hot topic. Then the unthinkable happened, chaos broke out as Popeyes ran out of chicken.
The point? I don’t really know why because by the time you’re reading this, the hype has already died down…like completely…and no one really cares…but one major thing took place…
Almost everyone I talked to had an opinion one way or the other. Some had valid arguments. Others argued on loyalty. Still others argued just to argue. We love it…arguing that is. We love to be right. We love to criticize. We love opinions. I love it, but I’m also challenged by it…
Because often times I can criticize others for doing what they love or creating something of value to society. Why criticize? Because it’s easier to criticize than to create yourself. Why does it matter? Because many of the critics have harsh opinions about what other people do instead of pursuing their own dreams. We can easily become a part of the problem because creating is hard freaking work and criticizing is way too easy. Don’t let the criticism of others rob you from creating. Keep being dope even if you’re the only one that thinks it. Keep doing what you love even if you’re the only one that appreciates it. Keep inspiring even if you’re the only one that’s being inspired.
I was listening to an interview Pastor Brian Houston had with Phil Cooke. On the topic of criticism, Phil had a very interesting and provoking thought. He said, "If criticism and boycotts work, why don’t missionaries do it? Why don’t missionaries go to a third world country, surround the village, call them names, and criticize them until they accept Christ? Well because that doesn’t work. To make change happen you have to be in on the inside.” Or in other words, real change comes from real dialogue in real two-way relationships.
There will always be haters. Just don’t let it prevent you from creating. Your creativity could change the world. Your criticism doesn’t do any of that.