Truth: While I am a much improved keeper of secrets, I still gossip sometimes. Sigh. And I couch it in terms like "I'm concerned about..." or "I'm worried about...." when in my heart I just want to get the details or share the details. Kind of ugly.
Truth: I'm critical now instead of gossiping. Critical of crap that I shouldn't really give two flying farts about. (Sorry mom for all the potty language!) I critique things and people and books and movies and situations and other people's driving and reactions and responses and clothing and food and attitudes. This. Is. Bad.
Truth: I'm human. I will strive to be better. My Father covers me with grace when I am less than gracious. He gives me more leeway than I ever give others, with maybe the exception of DH. And even then I fall short of His goodness. And I can't begin to imagine how much He loves me, little piddling me, if I don't love DH as much as He loves me.
Truth: I get to do life with a group of funny, bossy, amazing, truthful, loving, in-the-Word women. They keep me real. They will correct out of love, they pray for my weak times and to give me strength, they comfort, they counsel and they are examples. I am forever grateful for the insight that they share when they have no idea what "Ah ha!" moments I'm having sitting next to them listening through the laughter and through the tears.
As always, I'm pouring my heart out with Shell
You are speaking for me when you talk about friends who keep you accountable! I love my small group friends and how we are able to support and be accountable to one another.
ReplyDeleteI found myself nodding my head as you were writing about how you couch gossiping in terms of "I'm concerned about". Oooh-that strikes right at home for me.
Gossiping is a struggle, but I find the more I surround myself with like-minded women who don't want to gossip either, the better off I am. My last job was in a small office that was a beehive of active gossip. It was awful.
Wow. What an eye-opener. I'm a critic too, and I was so comfortable in doing it that I didn't even realise it.
ReplyDeleteI really get this topic, in fact I thin so many women can relate to it! I am totally against gossip and criticism in theory but I do it too. *sigh* I suppose the encouraging things is to be aware of this and try to stop and become better people! This post is fantastic and I appreciate the encouragement and gentle reminder!
ReplyDeleteHits so close to home for me as well! Thank you for giving me something to consider and pray about today.
ReplyDeleteI love this post! There are several times when DH and I just talk, or gossip, or vent about others, but we always finish with..."that's their thing, we're not all alike". While we may be critical of others, we still try to understand that they are who they are and we really shouldn't judge.
ReplyDeleteMy hubby and I gossip...to each other because we have several friends going through stuff that just makes us roll our eyes. When we know its bad to do it, I know on the opposite side they are doing it too...which isn't any better but I know they won't be able to stop either. I know we shouldn't judge but sometimes looking at the other light makes you realize that we aren't all the same.
ReplyDeleteStopping by from Shell's PYHO!
Very honest post! I think we all fall into being critical and gossiping sometimes.
ReplyDeleteI have struggled with all of the above, and having a group of women who lovingly hold you accountable make a huge difference. Glad you have that!
ReplyDeleteDie for this post! I can totally relate to this, oh so well. Thank you for the honesty! And for giving hope that I can break bad habits :)
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