TO THE EDITOR:

I'm writing this letter as a consequence of having recently heard some vicious gossip about a friend and neighbor here in Rayle. I know the gossip is untrue and I will not repeat it here or anywhere else. But the comment reminded me of how destructive a few toxic words can be, especially in a small community.

None of us are immune to bad times of one sort or another. Tragedies such as death, illness, family squabbles and financial difficultyare as certain as rain and taxes. When these things happen they often become a topic of conversation around town, and such discussions are to be expected. Well-meaning people who hear the news offer prayers, gifts, or other help that enable the afflicted to recover more rapidly. However, there is another group who builds on the bad news by spreading rumor and gossip.

Why they take such a course I cannot know, but the damage they do is dreadful.

Perhaps they want to build their own reputations as "someone in the know." Or they may not understand the effects of their actions. Whatever their reasons, they should understand that hurtful words can destroy reputations and cause irreparable harm in an instant.

The Bible tells us, "... the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fireby a small spark. The tongue is also a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body ..."

I am not a member of the clergy and don't mean to preach (except perhaps as a reminder to myself.) But I would ask everyone to carefully consider what we say about our friends and neighbors in time of need. We would want no less if we were in their shoes.
Mike Harison
COL(RET), USA