The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
I saw this on another board, and It really struck a chord with me..I thought I would share it with you.
One junior high school boy confided in another his love for a certain girl. The first boy asked the second one to keep his secret. By the end of the school day, the rumor was all around about the boy and girl. The first boy was mortified as others mocked him and teased the girl he liked. In shame, the boy ran home, and in the weeks ahead he avoided both his friend and the girl of his affections. Through a thoughtless and cruel act, one person was able to shame another and build walls that blocked a relationship from ever starting. Gossip is one of the most sinful and selfish acts we can engage in. It robs others of their honor, and places them in positions of mockery. Gossip can never build up, but only destroy. It casts doubts, and puts others down. God (my higher power as I understand him) favors the woman or man who keeps silence when a friend confides in them. Trust is one of the most powerful forces on earth. Every good relationship has trust as its cornerstone, even our relatonship to God. When we learn to trust God, we have the weight of the world lifted from our shoulders. We can live in faith, knowing that God works all things for good, and that He will be with us always.
When a friend speaks to me in confidence, let me be trustworthy and devoted. Seal my lips from ever saying anything which brings another person shame or grief. May the words of my mouth be a blessing.
I never understood what the deal was that my friends loved to gossip. Why would anyone want to talk about something that may be hurting someone else? Or spread things that are damaging?
I am talking back in hi school. The loved ones I have now do not gossip.
It is a true measure of the integrity of a person - whether they can be trusted with the confidence of another. integrity also entails much more, but in my opinion, integrity rules. it is something that noone can take from you. to do the right thing when noone is looking.. to do what is right, instead of what is easy. my 2 cents
love you guys cj
-- Edited by CJ at 19:56, 2007-05-20
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time to stop going to the hardware store to buy bread.