Oh be careful little ears what you hear...

There's a song we used to sing in Sunday School when I was a little girl... "Be careful little ears what you hear/Be careful little mouth what you say/Be careful little feet where you go... for the Father up above is looking down in love..."

I was subjected to gossip this morning and it has been bothering me all day. I'm sure the people who were part of the conversation thought that the conversation was justified but really none of it needed to be said and only served to make people think badly about 2 women I care deeply for and who I think have a lot to offer. Knowing the women being talked about as I do I know that what they said and/or did was misconstrued and misunderstood. While this wasn't "rumor mill" style gossip (I can honestly say I've not ever witnessed that from this group of people) it was still damaging. There are 2 women who are being judged by a group of people who don't even know them, and likely wont give them a chance.

I am so upset about this! There's nothing I can change about it and I did not participate in the conversation but rather directed my attention else where. But still, maybe I should have spoken up? Maybe by not defending these women and not trying to redirect the conversation I became party to the gossip? Maybe by even listening to the conversation I became party to it?

In all honesty I am not so sure I handled myself correctly. I worry that by keeping silent I betrayed my friends. I am ashamed to say I'm not even sure that given the chance to go back and relive the scenario I would have had the strength and maturity to speak up. I was quietly offended when maybe I should have spoken up for what was right, or at the very least gathered my things and left the room.

This is a perfect example of why I rarely socialize, despite being a very social individual! I don't do shallow relationships because it leads to these kinds of situations and idle talk. I much prefer a deep heart to heart about spiritual things, and life, and love and growth. I want to get below the surface and see your heart. I want real relationships built on faith, trust, honesty, grace and mercy.

Oh if only I could go back and have a redo of this morning!