Too late. Think of it this way. If you decided to walk up a very tall building with a pillowcase full of feathers, what would happen if when you get to the top you dumped them all out? Those feathers (rumors) will go everywhere. How do you then undo the damage? It's about as easy as going around town and trying to find all those feathers. Almost impossible. If it's not a rumor that is uplifting or praising, then it probably should be kept under wraps. When you assume and then spread these rumors, even though they aren't true, you've now caused them to wear a jacket of your lies wherever they go. Then they are wondering why people are giving them dirty looks or whispering.
There are two main things I teach my kids. First of all, love God with all your heart, mind, and strength. Second of all, treat others the way you want to be treated. If it hurts someone to spread rumors about them, whether or not they are true, we don't do it. IF someone tells you something in confidence and says, "Hey, this is between me and you only," unless that person is in danger, it's not a good idea to tell others. Would we want someone doing that to us? No. I know it's nice to feel important, but that's not the way to do it.
*A gossip goes around telling secrets, but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence. -Proverbs 11:13
I know that it can make ourselves feel better by making others look bad but it's definitely not treating others the way we want to be treated. Unfortunately, kids can be put in the spotlight. My kids had to hear a lecture from a woman recently that it's just not good to be having so many kids. Instead of getting angry and talking bad about that person, the next morning in bible study with the kids we discussed it, prayed for that person, then talked about what the bible says about it. I can't put my head in the sand, my kids hear these cut downs and comments so I have to counteract them with the bible. Let God be true and every man a liar. We will pray for our enemies and do good to those that do harm. I have to be an example to my kids. If I don't want them to be talebearers then I too can't be a talebearer. It's not a Christ like quality so we need to stay far from it.
*He who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets, Therefore do not associate with a gossip. -Proverbs 20:19
In recent events I've had some nasty rumors flying around about my family but I can't stop that. I've decided that if God has forgiven me then I NEED to forgive them. Although I've recently had to cut off some relationships that was bringing my family down, that doesn't mean I can carry a bad attitude around and not say hi to that person if I'm passing by. I also learned that forgiveness doesn't mean you forgive ONLY if they say sorry. I have to forgive before they do and they may NEVER say sorry. Being kind to someone doesn't mean I'm befriending them, hanging out with them, and being buddy, buddy. It just means I am treating them the way I want to be treated.
The funny thing is in our morning bible study with our kids we are studying the character quality Forgiveness for the whole month. I know I need this study more than anyone in the family. While I am teaching my kids and sharing scripture, it has been ministering to my own heart. What a healing balm to the heart true forgiveness is. How do we forgive and forget? Well, it's impossible to forget but when you forgive someone, it means to never bring those sins they committed up in conversation again. It's done. Does that mean you have to hang out with them? No. But trust me, unforgiveness is not only bad for the heart, but God can't forgive us of our sins (and we've committed many) if we can't forgive others.
*But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions. -Matthew 6:15
5 comments:
Oh boy! That is a biggie. Sorry to hear you are having to go through this :(
Oh man!! I LOVE Habitat for Humanity. And if your family ever benefited from them, I would be very glad. They do such great things! And if that rumour were true, there would be zero shame from accepting help.
The only reason these rumours are really hurtful is because you are in a financial crisis and this person is a lowlife to kick you when you are down. Face it, what would you be doing right now if you caught wind of this crap whilst talking on your private phone in your private jet on your way to one of your seven mansions? It would be funny.
It just isn't right now.
The really sad thing is, you are such a good friend. Another sad thing? We are all ONE CRISIS AWAY FROM NEEDING HELP OURSELVES. One crisis away.
Virginia, you can buy better friends than this for 50 cents from the gumball machine.
Shame on those people. You have a beautiful family!
I am so sorry you are being treated this way! No matter what people are saying about your family, you should keep your head held high for you are a beautiful family, both in appearance and in spirit. Even if all of the rumours were true, there should be no shame in poverty. I hope and pray that you find the strength to forgive those who choose to gossip.
My heart truly is broken. My heart breaks that rumors can fly around in my own family. Family that doesn't even know me or even family I've never met. Another subject I touched on was friends who can't keep secrets (separate from the rumors). My dad always taught me that if your friend can't keep secrets of others, why would they keep yours? I've had to say to people in the past I didn't want to hear something private about someone who asked them to not tell anyone. I don't know why people think it won't come back around to the original person. It is hard to find real friends these days.
As far as the welfare issue, I'm not talking down on people about that stuff. It's just that when you have a large family you are already put in a fish bowl. It makes it worse when ugly rumors are spread. :(
Thank you for all your comments!!! :D
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