Gossip

[AreYouReady?]

Originally Posted by The Matt

Ugh...I'm going to vent. Forgive me. I'm really hurt right now. Someone in church came to me, during PRAYER MEETING, while I was praying, taps me on the shoulder, and says, "Matt. Are you on any medication?" This stunned me, but really I should have known what was to follow. I couldn't exactly lie about it, and I guess I could have said "That's none of your business" but I'm not a rude person. So I says, "Yes brother, I'm on an antipsychotic called Geodon." He says "What's that for?" I says "Mostly for depression, it levels me out". He says (Wait for it) "Oh cause I HEARD FROM SOMEONE you were on Xanax and... I cut him off right there. I says "Brother, at the beginning of January God delivered me of all the narcotics I was on. And don't let anyone tell you any different. And you can tell whoever told you that, I praise God for my deliverance every single day." Well, it shut him up, but I'm still hurt. Whoever I told I was on those medications I'm sure I made clear I was on for valid psychiatric reasons. AND whoever I told that to should have well known I was telling them so in a state of desperation and I was admitting sins to a BROTHER who should have practiced a little self restraint and dare I say pity for someone who was addicted to substances. AND that brother should have known not to use my personal problems as a way to have the latest and greatest bit of GOSSIP on ole Brother Matt. Gossip is a sin people. I very hurtful sin that does nothing but harm. It doesn't help the kingdom of God. God knows all, he doesn't need your prophecy to another brother. So this leads me to wonder, just how many other people think I'm a strung out dopehead? Ugh. I'm proud of myself that I was able to refrain from typing this without cursing, because trust me, I wanted to. Again, please forgive me, I just needed a place to vent. I'm so angry and frustrated right now. I seriously doubt he was asking to know what to pray for me about. No, he was asking for confirmation for his juicy piece of gossip. I'm now going to forget there's an edit button.

Ok Matt. I am going to say what you are too polite to say.

It really is not anybody's business what medications you are taking. That is between God, you and your physician. That brother should be ashamed of himself for meddling in your life. And shame on the other one who told something that was told in confidence to him.

There are plenty of Christians....yes, even Spirit-filled believers that take medication although many will not reveal that. It is easier for some to take the focus off themselves and what they are doing by finding a patsy to demonize.

Even if you were a strung-out dope head, are they not spiritual enough to see you crying out to God for His will in your life?

Working in the medical community and seeing all sorts of illnesses, I can pretty much assure anybody that depression is a real illness and should be treated as such. It is unfortunate that many times it is not treated with a well-rounded therapy such as proper diet, exercise, therapy sessions and medications. I've seen too many people who did not feel that they had a shred of hope and sought to take their own life. It is a cry for help, not vain attention as some people assume.

I have been through this scenario before and was rejected by many UPC people because of their ignorance about the subject. In fact, their reaction contributed to my depression because few were willing to show love and mercy towards me while I had this terrible feeling that had come upon me. Depression not only affects the brain, it affects the physical body as well.

After many tears shed and pleas for God to help me, I held my head high regardless and just prayed to God for His solution to my dilemma. It was a time of learning for me. I learned to understand human emotions, the psyche as to why some people do some things they do, and I learned to recognize that perhaps 85% of all people have some sort of issues themselves and do not actively seek to resolve those issues. I've learned that people will project what they feel onto another person. Once this is understood, nobody can pull your chain to deceive you. Most of all, I've learned that God does not abandon us, nor does he treat us shabbily in our time of need.

God has helped me tremendously. I am off all antidepressants. He is our healer. Sometimes he uses others to help us sort through the problems that muck our way in life.

One thing about depression, stuff like this can suck the energy you have right out of you IF you let it. Focus your energy on looking towards the Light of Christ to help you. Be frank and firm with prying people about your feelings. You will find some who are very understanding and supportive. Stick with those brothers and sisters for God has sent them your way.