walk away from the whisper

noise.
clatter.
talk.

A mixture of
truth and untruth,
baked up
in a whisper.

Wrapped
with bright ribbons,
laced in laughter,
iced under witty words,
and sprinkled with just enough
spice…
to entice.

Often we devour them
quickly,
easily,
licking up the last crumbs
of these tasty treats.

The first few bites
are devine...

and then they begin
to stick
in my throat.

Wondering if
these can be
as good for others...
as good for me.

The ache inside
for what I've done
begins to swirl.

remorse.
regret.
guilt.
shame.
isolated pain.

The heaviness I feel inside.

I may not have spoken the words,
the whispers,
the gossip,
the rumor...
but I ate them up.

And now I am part of the illness.

Others saw me there
in the circle
of whisperers.
And the illness
inside
grows.

Heavy.
Heartsick.
Heartfelt.

How do I move on?

Rumors are dainty morsels
that sink deep into one’s heart.
Proverbs 18:8

I must confess this illness.

Lord, forgive me
for devouring the whispers,
the lies,
the gossip.

Lord, forgive me
for taking part
in the morsel
so tiny at first,
that could cause great harm
to another.

Help me, Lord,
to right this wrong.

Let me rather
speak words of life
which satisfy,
bringing wholeness
and friendship.

Wise words satisfy like a good meal;
the right words bring satisfaction.
Proverbs 18:20

When these dainty morsels are offered,
let me be the one
to serve
another choice...

wholesome words
wrapped in truth,
solid and strong,
giving life,
satisfying,
freeing hearts,
lifting spirits,
stirring others
to do the same.

Word of God,
train me today...
to step away from the treat that is gossip, choosing not to partake,
to offer instead, a satisfying meal of kindness, encouragement and generosity.

Lord, let me speak boldly,
rather than in whisper,
words of truth
about others which only encourage.