Those of you that grew up in the LDS church are probably aware of the poster above. It was in the New Era Magazine back in 1982. I think it best describes what gossip does to you and to those around you. I have been trying very hard lately to stop gossiping. I'm even giving up celebrity gossip--everyone laughs when I tell them that, but I feel like that is damaging too. I hope I don't sound preachy, not my intent. I just think it's something a lot of us need to work on, women especially. I totally include myself in this.
About four weeks ago I had just about had it. I think in was an accumulation of David’s absence, work wasn’t going well and I was just unhappy. I was unhappy with where my life was. Have you ever thought to yourself, “Well this just wasn’t part of my life’s plan?” Anyway, I know I am a very introspective person and I was having a tough time diagnosing the problem. I believe the answer can to me in a dream…weird, I know, but it came to me clearly that I needed to stop gossiping.
I really believe that you can never be happy if you constantly gossip. I know I am guilty of gossiping, but I have made a valiant effort to stop. My sister, Aimee, said that, “People who gossip [celebrity or otherwise] are so unhappy with their own life that they have to defile the lives of others.” I really felt like that hit home with me because I do love my life, my husband and my family and to think that me speaking ill of another person would tarnish that, saddens me. So I challenge us to stop gossiping, it’s not worth it and life is too short. If we have so much time to speak ill of others, maybe we can use that time to improve our own lives. AGAIN, I totally include myself as I speak!
Here are a few quotes that I found that express it way better than I do:
"You are chosen to be faithful women of God in our day, to stand above pettiness, gossip, selfishness, lewdness, and all other forms of ungodliness. Recognize your divine birthright as daughters of our Heavenly Father. Be one who heals with your words as well as your hands. Seek to know the will of the Lord in your life, and then say, as did that wonderful exemplar Mary, the mother of Jesus, 'Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.' (Luke 1:38.)" President Howard W. Hunter, To the Women of the Church, Ensign, November 1992.
“Lies and gossip which harm reputations are scattered … like the seeds of a … dandelion. … Neither the seeds nor the gossip can ever be gathered in.” Spencer W. Kimball, The Miracle of Forgiveness [1969], 54.
6 comments:
We should definately come visit some time. We love you guys... the kids love you guys! It would be fun... you have always been fun... but the past few visits we have really gotten to know David... and we don't like him... just kidding we are very fond of him... never got the chance to visit so much. Mitchell gets along with him really well! (And Mitchell is picky!)
Two people were talking over the back fence gossiping. One said to the other "I love gossip tell me more. The other replied, " I have already told you more than I know."
Its amazing that you wrote about this! I was just contemplating gossip in my life and trying my darndest to weed it out. Im grateful for you encouragement. Even a little is such a bad thing. I know we will be happier!!
Wow - that rang home with me. Thank you for the challenge. I hope to do away with gossip in my life. Love ya.
Thanks for the reminder. It wasn't until I heard that I was on the other end of "the gossip" that I decided enough was enough. It is so bad- and life is so much better when I don't gossip. And I like other people more- feel like I can trust them- when they don't gossip to me about other people!
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