Ever witnessed a group of people that seem like noisy, over-fed chickens? They flap their ‘feathers’ wildly and squawk about, showing off their knowledge, preening, posturing… indulging in delusions about themselves and the rest of their ‘coop’. These kinds of people love to gossip and make judgements on others’ lives, as if somehow they have the authority to do so…
Perhaps we’re all a bit like this, especially in those times we feel loneliness or weakness. Talking about others behind their backs – or letting a narky comment slip – might temporarily make us feel better about our pain, or relieve boredom – and make us feel like at least we know something others don’t.
I admire people for whom negative comments are water off a duck’s (chicken’s?) back, though they are probably fictional. You can’t be human if an ignorant assumption doesn’t get to you from time to time. I mean, many of us ignore massive abuse from our past for years without confronting it. Of course we’re going to have a sticks and stones mentality about people’s harsh words, just to protect ourselves.
Our family recently moved to a new area, which has meant lots of new social experiences. Most of them have been great, but there is one that stands out in my mind. I went along to a school parents’ group one day to try it out. It was a bit daunting as everyone seemed to already know each other, but the women were quite friendly. At one stage however, a mother of a Grade six boy launched into a tirade about one of the kids who’d been labelled in the playground as a bully. She called him some quite harsh names and made judgements about his parents… “Strange – his mum’s a lovely person… But maybe that’s the kid’s problem!… She needs a backbone!” she said.
This woman had been one of the friendlier mums – a dynamic person – so I really wanted to like her. But something inside me sank when she made those calls. It kind of jabbed at some of my own insecurities and issues… I dont know the parent and child she was talking about, but I started to imagine them discussing me in that way. It wouldn’t be far from the truth. My son has also had some behavioural difficulties, and in his first term of kindy he has already been blocked from the playground several times due to aggression problems. I’ve also struggled with assertiveness, so when I hear people make assumptions like that, it kind of cuts.
Being judgmental can really alienate us in relationships. People are less trusting if someone is always making superior-sounding calls on other people’s lives or situations.
I really want to be someone who doesn’t make assumptions about others. Sometimes it’s helpful to talk about our relational issues with someone close to us – but we kid ourselves if we think ‘filling people in’ or telling stories about others’ lives is a productive way to spend our time.
As for when people get to me with hurtful comments, I think it’s often best to address it lovingly in the context of a relationship. And it really takes the edge off the insult when I try and imagine the path they’ve walked. People aren’t rude or insensitive for no reason, and maybe they need love, and a bit of forgiveness and grace – or to be confronted with the truth. After all, it’s usually us sensitive types that are left with the wounds of other people’s comments. The talkers usually go ‘bleeargh!’ – and move on, unknowing!
Maybe it’s our insecurities that sometimes need another look too.. Why, oh why, is this person or these comments affecting me so much?… The last thing I want is to stay a wounded ‘victim’ of other people’s carelessness…
What I love about Jesus is that he had, and has, authority to judge the world – but to him, we’re all on a level playing field. None of us can measure up to his perfect standards – yet he chooses to offer us grace, love and forgiveness – no matter what we’ve done. This kind of puts it in perspective for me when I’ve felt hurt in some way. Not that I become a doormat – but when I think of all the stuff I’ve done to others – or against God – I realise he’s forgiven me SO much. I believe when you understand the depth of his love and mercy, it’s just that little bit easier to extend it to others.
And instead of spending my time carrying on about other people and their lives, I desire to choose again to sit at the feet of the one who made me, died for me, and has a beautiful, purposeful plan for my life. He will work the rest out, and deal with those that are against me. And as for me – I really do have better things to do – surely! – than speculating endlessly about others’ lives. Who am I to judge?
Lord, I hand all my hurt over to you – and help me not to make unjust assumptions about people. When I am wounded, help me to remember that you love me unconditionally, passionately, and without reservation – so it doesn’t really matter what others care to say 🙂 I am yours!
Can I leave you with this song by Casting Crowns? It’s called Who Am I.
It's a God thing... 
Thank you for sharing this reminder!
No worries!
this is pretty true. there is always an underlying issue that makes people have to make themselves look better. nice story
I think so… thanks Terry.
beautiful 🙂
Reblogged this on amberdover and commented:
Happy Inspirational Wednesday and thank you GodGirl for this heartfelt post! God bless and Remember The High King Lives!~Amber Dover
Thank you for the re-blog! Happy Inspirational Wednesday to you! God bless.
Yw and anytime 🙂 Thanks for the message! ((hugs))
I grew up in a very small town. Gossip was one of the main ways the residents liked to pass the time. It taught me to hate gossip. Years later, when I became a Christian, I realized the importance of praying for God to “put a guard at my mouth” (psalm 141:3). Excellent post 🙂
I can imagine…! So important to ask God for help with this one. Thanks for writing, and God bless!
Thanks for sharing. It’s when we think little of others that we’re the loudest; and when we think the most of them that we’re the quietest. Go figure.
Great post!
Beautifully said… may we all have gentle (yet bold) spirits, asking God what to say before we speak.. Thank you for commenting and re-blogging – God bless.
Ali
You’re welcome Ali. God’s continued blessings on you as well.
Reblogged this on justmyfaithtalking and commented:
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Thank you for sharing. I love the chicken coop perspective. It nails it.
Thank you 🙂
Beautifully written and I loved the song! Thanks.
Joy
Thanks Joy!
Blessings,
Ali
I love the honest and real way you write and share Jesus with us. Something along these lines came up for me too the other week . . .and I didn’t handle it as well as I wished I would. So thank you for this sweet reminder. Looking ahead to the next time, so that with His help, I can not be so bothered by what is said and done. God bless you and yours hugely today!
Thank you Debbie 🙂 It’s hard isn’t it – it’s so easy to react, because words can really hurt. God bless you in your journey x
I am glad I read this, it actually casts a lot of light on my post today about judging people and being judgmental.
I’m glad – thank you 🙂
In theory, it would be nice to let hurtful comments roll off our backs like water, but reality doesn’t work that way. The sad part is, the mom who made the hurtful comments probably doesn’t even realize the damage the words cause to others. It is an excellent reminder to think before we speak.
I hope you are able to keep your strength in working with your son. My older son had one year (2nd grade) where he had several agression instances (I even got a call from the Principal while at work.) I cried, I fretted and probably over-reacted. He’s finishing up his 4th grade year and hasn’t had a single issue since. My point is, it is good to be aware and nip the behavior in the bud, but it could also simply be something in his environment (perhaps a rub with a teacher or another student?) that will settle in time.
Thanks heaps for that… and for sharing your experiences – it’s good to keep it in perspective (I tend to get very emotional about it all!) and keep the bigger picture in mind when it comes to our kids.
You are spot on with this post. THANKS!
Thank you!
Dear Ali, what a great post and I love the person that you are and the kind of person you aspire to be. Prejudices, assumptions, labelling and backbiting are truly some of the most destructive and toxic forces in the world today. They cut to the core of a person and pollutes wherever they take residence. It takes a bigger person to remain unswayed and live by a different spirit. A spirit that loves beyond the boundaries of man-made rules and understanding. Thank you so much for sharing. So very proud to know someone like you! Sharon
Wow.. thank you, and so well said. May we all choose this spirit. So happy to know you too, and thanks heaps for dropping by with your beautiful words.
Excellent post thank you
Thanks visit my blog. Many people of faith visit.
Excellent post. I did Who Am I for my church’s worship service today; it is such a powerful, encouraging song!
In Christ,
TTT
Thank you! It is isn’t it. Thanks for your encouragement.