Love Month – February 18

I love people who don’t spread rumors.

Last night I heard about Ryan Newman’s accident and was looking online for more information. There was a huge Twitter thread with speculation that he was dead. Actually there were some people that were actually saying that there was no way he was alive.

I don’t really follow NASCAR, but have a love for a large contingent of the folks involved with it. Some because they live in our community, some because they support Camp Victory Junction, which gives kids who are sick, have been sick, or been siblings of the sick, an amazing camp experience each summer. The NASCAR people I have met are a caring, giving bunch of people.

Ryan lives in our community and my few dealings with him have been when he has been doing thoughtful things for others. He and his wife Krissie are responsible for starting the Rescue Ranch in our county. This non-profit helps animals every day, and educates people about animals and pet ownership, too.

I can’t imagine how hurtful the rumors and exaggerations were to his family and others who love him. I know my stomach dropped when I read them and I quickly decided that any time spent reading them was worthless. I prayed instead. How grateful I was to hear his injuries were not life threatening.

Rumors are evil. All rumors. So many people speak so eloquently and forcefully when sharing information that simply isn’t true, and so many people believe them. There is nothing to be gained there, but feeding their own self importance. When you believe and spread what they say, you are encouraging a culture of lies.

If you post something to the internet that you don’t know to be true, you are spreading a rumor. Because someone else has shared it, does not mean you have to do the same; especially if you are not willing to spend a few minutes to check it out with reputable sources.

The same thing when you spread rumors as you speak to others. Take a minute and think about why you feel the need to share the information. Probably that chain needs to end with you. Lock it away and don’t let it loose. If you believe it is your business, speak to the person concerned.

I’m not immune. As someone who loves stories, rumors get my attention. I’m trying to focus on truth as much as possible.

Philippians 4:8 says “Finally, my friends, keep your minds on whatever is true, pure, right, holy, friendly, and proper. Don’t ever stop thinking about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise.” (CEV)

Just think. If we keep that list at the forefront of our mind and make that the heart of our conversation, we’d have no room to think of anything else.

I love people who don’t spread rumors, because they are warriors for truth and not mouthpieces for lies.

“Never make negative comments or spread rumors about anyone. It depreciates their reputation and yours.” – Brian Koslow