Hello, Friends, and welcome to Leisure Lane. We had a very mild winter in my neck of the woods, until the middle of February, which happens to be my birthday. I really wanted it to snow and get colder to give us a break. I said it and said it. I talked about it for months, and voila! My birthday wish came true…we not only got snow, but a freeze that shook the state of Texas’ confidence in preparedness. I promise to be a more careful with my birthday wishes 😉
Speaking of the words we choose, today I was thinking about the short story, The Turbulent Tongue, and was reminiscing on something one of its readers confided to me a few years ago. She said that every time she started to gossip she thought of the story, which convicted her to stop. It made her more conscious of her words and whether or not she was beginning to go down the gossip path. Her words did my heart good, realizing that it had the desired affect in helping her to curb her “turbulent tongue”. I had no idea she struggled with gossip and perhaps she didn’t, either. But, in truth, we all have had our share of curbing that sometimes unforeseen habit. We may not even be aware that what is coming out of our mouths is actually “gossip”. Then, there are others who not only know they’re gossiping, but find a strange pleasure in the pastime, just like our story’s loquacious main character. So, today I’d like to touch on the topic of gossip.
Some of you may not want to discuss this tender issue, and may have already clicked on to something else, but for those of you who have a desire to help yourself gain control over your tongue and help others do the same, then keep reading.
In the letter from James, the brother of Jesus, he writes in Chapter 3:3-5 , “Behold, we put bits in horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. Behold, also the ships, which through they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm…Even so, the tongue is a little member, and boasts great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindles!”
How true those simple words are. We have the ability to change the course mighty things and circumstances with our little tongues; we can bless or curse with our tongues; and we can create either havoc or well-being in the lives of others with just our little ole’ tongues. Think about that for a moment – especially the last part. When we speak about others, what are we saying about them and in what manner are we saying it? I don’t just mean the tone with which we are speaking the words, but from where in our hearts are those words being conceived? From anger, bitterness, resentment, frustration, envy – or simply trivial boredom? Or perhaps, and many of us are guilty of this reason, are we actually concerned about someone and so decide to “spill the beans” to another thinking we are genuinely discussing the subject’s well-being? Do we understand that what we say can reach far beyond the span of our listeners, or are we oblivious to consequences and only desiring immediate satisfaction from our conversation?
There’s a fine line, my friend, in speaking about one person to another, and it’s our duty to make sure we are not crossing the line from genuine caring to trifle balking. In The Turbulent Tongue, the Gossip, in engaging in her favorite pastime, crosses that line with no thought of the consequences of her words, or how far they can travel. In the end, to her chagrin, she receives the ultimate epiphany. The Turbulent Tongue was written in the hopes that we, unlike the Gossip, can learn this lesson without any drama. If you have a problem with gossip, or you know someone who does, this short story can help. It’s perfect for book groups, study groups, bible study groups and more. And if you’re looking for a church skit, this story is perfect. There’s no room for chastisement of oneself or others who fall into the gossip trap, only room for improvement and a happier life.
I’ll leave you with more wise words from James 3:13…“Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? Let him show out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.”
Thank you for strolling by Leisure Lane today. I hope you enjoyed your stay. God bless you, and…
Until next time, may happy days abound!
Marianne
author
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