Truth
Since I rather enjoyed writing to a single prompt word, I thought I would create my own relating to a current situation.
I have always tried very hard to think about other’s feelings before I speak. There are times when I, shall we say, avoid speaking the truth. I am struggling with this as I am in a situation where I must respond to someone. My dilemma is whether or not I should truly speak my mind. Being that this is public forum, I can’t really share what the situation is with all of you.
Let me explain it like this. Let’s say you go to a job interview that you really want. You meet the people there and they are very nice. You get a tour of the facilities and an explanation of the responsibilities. You immediately see a red flag that lets you know that you could never take this job. Now I could just say the I am not interested. However, I could give an explanation that may help them see where something is seriously wrong that could easily be fixed to make things much better. However, in doing that I would probably hurt the feelings of some people there. Not everyone can take criticism. Many people take things very personally. This is where I am fighting with myself on what to do.
I have run into situations like this before and I have always taken the easy way out by making up some simple excuse or some such thing like that. But over the summer, I was witness to a situation where a person was told by many of their friends that there were very good at something and in reality they were not. Because this person was not told the truth, they put themselves in a situation where they were humiliated.
So I ask, is it always the best thing to save someone’s feelings by hiding the truth or is it better to just let it all out?
Repeat
I have been accused of having an adulterous affair. The person that accused me is a repeat offender. There is absolutely NO truth to their accusations, but that does not stop them from believing the lies they fabricate in their own mind.
I was contacted by this person two years ago via text messages, which I still have saved, by the way. There was no truth to her allegations at that time, nor is there any truth at this time either. But it does not stop her mind from running wild with thoughts nor her mouth from spouting untruths.
I just felt I needed to put that out there, since I know she reads this page. ~Hi there, welcome back~
The person I’m accused of having an adulterous affair with is someone that has been depressed. Since my sister committed suicide 17 years ago, I am not going to let ANY ONE go around feeling depressed if I know about it. I will try to help in some way. That is just my nature. NO, that does not make me an adulterer, and I do NOT need to wear the scarlet letter A across my chest!
If I can be a bright spot in their day and just listen … I will do that. And that is all I have done. I’ve encouraged and supported. I’ve been a friend when they’ve needed one the most.
That is the extend of it.
AND my husband knows ALL about it. I have not kept this a secret, as he knows I help in any way I can when someone is hurting.
I realize that despite me putting it out there, it won’t matter. Therefore, all I can do is release you to God. I am lifting this entire situation up to Him so He can handle it and work it out.
Believe whatever has been fabricated in your mind. I cannot change that, I realize.
Despite what you have said to others or what you believe, I AM an honorable woman who refuses to be bullied, harassed, or my name slandered just because you’re upset with the direction things have taken with your marriage. Honestly, I feel sorry for you. If he’s done things in the past that you continuously bring up, that’s on yall. NOT ME. I have done NOTHING but try to help you both. I realize that is hard for you to believe. There have been times that I’ve “counseled” on your behalf! And there have been times I have taken up for you in the past and tried to get him to see things from your perspective. That’s something you did not know, did you? When you’re accusing me of having an affair with your husband, I’ve actually been over here offering suggestions to HELP YOU and YOUR MARRIAGE.
Yet, I’m the bad guy?
I’m the one you texted two years ago, and I was really nice to you despite what you were saying back then. Now I’m the one you ask others about referring to me as “that woman Shirley” and then you call me up on the job while I’m trying to work? That is harassment. Perhaps I was mistaken in the past about being told by the sheriff’s deputy that it was unlawful use of a telephone (which he stated while I was in his office concerning three individuals harassing my daughter by phone/text), but he clarified it this week and said it’s actually worse now because what you’re doing is harassment. Do not try to contact me ever again – you have been put on notice that it is harassment by the sheriff, by me, and my employer. My employer nor I will tolerate it on a professional level or a personal level.
Please know that I wish you well. I hope things work out for you two, I honestly do. But please know that I am NOT THE CAUSE of ANY of the problems you two have had. The person you see every day in the mirror – and he as well – is responsible. Not some innocent person that has only offered support and encouragement.
I will not change myself for you. I will stand firm and not allow my name to be tarnished any further. I will protect myself in any way I need to in order to insure my name is not slandered any further nor am I harassed when I’m trying to do my job or when I get home.
And I hope you get the help you need for whatever is going on inside of you that causes so much hatred and rage toward others.
I wish you well. My heart goes out to you and your family; your children especially. And I hope you can save your marriage. I truly do. You have it inside of you to make every effort to change and become more positive, to show love and affection, to really strive to be your absolute best. And I hope you do, sweetheart.
I am NOT the enemy no matter how you want to paint that picture.
And I am NOT having an adulterous affair with your husband. I have a beautiful family, and I strive every day to be the best mother I can be for my daughters. Please do the same for your children. They are watching you and your behavior. You are their role model. Make sure you’re a good one.
I wish you peace, joy, and love. I release you … I am not harboring any ill feelings toward you. I forgive you for your accusations two years ago and more recently this very week.
And I am praying for you.
May GOD reach down and touch your heart and change your outlook, your actions and reactions … and replace them with LOVE and kindness toward others.
Hate: It has caused a lot of problems in this world,
but it has not solved one yet.
~Maya Angelou
Close
As we close this chapter on the final Write 31 Day Challenge … I have mixed emotions almost like I did when this challenge began at the beginning of October. I am thankful for it, though, as it pulled me out of my writing hibernation and made me really focus on something besides the storms in my life that were raging when it first began.
It has been a sweet relief, in a way. An avenue to get my thoughts out of my head and do something constructive to encourage someone else along the way, perhaps.
Writing allows you to release what you hold bottled up inside. Some things you just don’t want to speak .. and so you write it down, and it takes the burden off of your shoulders. You feel a sense of relief having gotten the words OUT.
Other topics have been so fun to speak of – and my heart dances at the good news that has come into all of our lives.
The storms may rage in your life, too, but please be encouraged knowing that they aren’t here to stay. Things change and improve on a daily basis at times … other times there seems to be days without any end in sight. But know this. God will be right there beside you. When you feel you can’t go on, He will lift you up into His strong arms and CARRY you! This I promise to you! You will not EVER walk alone. EVER
Close the chapter on the bad and usher in the good.
It’s like I told someone close to me recently – life will go on. Whether we stay together or we part ways, my life is improving and good things are happening. There is a little baby I can see on the horizon. And that gives me the joy deep within my heart, right along with my two daughters who are my life, heart, and soul.
Live life to the fullest … despite the trials. You will persevere, too, my darlings … and you will be stronger for everything you have gone through.
Take God’s hand, put your faith and trust in Him … and you will not go wrong in this life!
