Every Person's Story Is Her Own

Please.
I beg you.
Do not share
someone else’s
story
for her.

Every person’s
story
is her own.

Betraying trust.
Perpetuating rumors.
Muttering gossip.
Sharing “bless his/her heart” thoughts.

Those things
hurt
real people.
Those things
destroy
real lives.

So please.
I beg you.
Do not share
someone else’s story
for her.
Especially if
she did not
share it
with you
on her own.

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And one more thought: When the churches and/or other organizations of which we are part begin to care more about paying the bills, upholding a reputation, and/or making persons comfortable and happy instead of following the heart of God and being God’s prophetic voice in this world, then maybe it’s time to move on.

Oh God, when we, your people, hurt others, forgive us. And when we, your people, hurt others in your name, thinking that we understand your Love, acting as if we know who can and cannot serve in your Kingdom, forgive us tenfold. You are so much bigger than our frail human minds. Thank you. And thank you for being a God who sits with us in the brokenness we both cause and feel. Amen.