Last week our Sunday school class had a cookout, and many of
us left with more than a good time. Over twenty of us there left with a
brutal stomach virus. It was like a scene in a bad movie --- we were all
shocked at how contagious this virus was, and just how puny it made us feel.
As I reflect on this rapid spread, I can’t help but think about
how quickly gossip spreads. What starts with one person can spread like kudzu.
None of us went to the party intending to get sick. Likewise, there are times
when we don’t mean to gossip. It might even start with genuine concern for
another, but the more we talk, our concern slowly turns to slander.
Since the outbreak, I have cloroxed our house in hopes of killing
any bacteria that might linger. We need to also be proactive to guard our
tongue against malice. My middle school daughter has learned how hurtful gossip
can be, and she has decided to memorize scriptures to help her guard against this
evil. She’s written verses and posted them on her bathroom mirror to help her
to watch her words. May we learn from her example!
Labels: Inspirational
