Get your facts straight.

I was listening to the radio yesterday.  I don't normally do this because I enjoy the peace and quiet but my kids wanted it on so I turned it on.  A person was on there talking about something that he had overheard.  Now, he fully admitted that his radio was on and that he wasn't completely paying attention but he repeated what he thought he heard.  What he thought he heard was completely inflammatory and most certainly would send listeners into a tailspin of "How dare they!" combined with a whole lot of "Who do they think they are!!??".

Maybe it happened, maybe it didn't.  He admitted he wasn't sure so here is my point to my rant this morning.  WHY EVEN SAY ANYTHING ABOUT IT?  Why is it that the stories that we want to share with the world are the ones that are ridiculous and anger provoking?  Why is it that we share things that we didn't see first hand especially if they are inflammatory?

I will return to my mother's advice.  If you don't have anything nice to say, then just say nothing at all.

I am in the middle of an inflammatory situation.  I did not do the things that I am being accused of and yet to some that don't even know me at all I am guilty as charged.  I am more than positive that if anyone else had been put in the same position they would have reacted exactly as I did and if they knew the facts would thank me but they don't know the facts and so life goes on.

This world has got enough bad, enough horrific, enough injustices.  If those are  the types of stories that you want to see then by all means watch the news.   However, might I challenge you this morning?

2 things.  1.  Don't repeat sensational stories.  As hard as that might be just don't.   2. If you hear a sensational story go to the person that it is about and say I heard this about you is it true.  My guess is the sensational story will change drastically.

Shut down the rumor mills people, because when they are up and running they get off track quickly.

Spread joy.  Spread love.  Spread kindness.  If you can't then take a moment to make the world a better place and duct tape your lips shut.