I hate to admit it, but it’s true.  There are portions of my life where I was such a dumb ass, I don’t really know how I made it thru.

Probably:
1. the grace of God, and
2. people who kept loving me in spite of my behavior, arrogance, stubbornness & repeated bad choices.

Having been thru this, and then being giving the gift of getting to pour into other people, Jana and I (mostly Jana), coined the phrase – “loving people thru the stupid.”  (I doubt she spells it with two “o”s like I like to).

People can have a very small “yes”, a fledgling “want to” about making change in their life.  And guess what, lots of times they’re going to fail again, do the same behaviors you recommended they NOT do, and at times you’re wondering, “Why do I bother?”

Answer:
1. you undoubtedly needed the same grace to get where you are.
2. People are worth it
3. Without support structures, they’ll never make it.

Be wise where you apply the rule, and, be generous with your strength, belief and affection.