She was a professor of surgery and he was one of her residents in the surgical training program. They shared many professional and personal interests. I often joined both of them in group outings with the other surgical residents and faculty. In the last month of his training, they both invited me to lunch, which I eagerly accepted. I assumed it was to discuss his plans after residency and I was correct.
“Hey thanks for meeting us for lunch!”
“Of course, Jake! Love seeing the both of you. So, all set for the move to St. Louis and your fellowship?”
“Oh yes.” He smiled and gently grasped the hand of Sally, the professor, seated next to him. “Listen, you have been a good friend to us so we wanted to share the news. We’re getting married!”
A multitude of thoughts rushed through my mind but I managed to compose myself and blurt out, “Oh wow! Congratulations! Um…I didn’t even know you were together.”
They both smiled and Sally spoke. “Obviously we had to keep this quiet but now that Jake is leaving, we thought we could share this news with our closest friends.”
“Well, I’m glad you did! So, a long distance relationship for a year when Jake is in St. Louis? You guys going to be okay?”
They both smiled and looked at each other. “Yeah, but it’s only for a year and then he’ll be back.”
“Great! I am so happy for both of you!”
We hugged at the conclusion of the lunch and I watched them leave the restaurant, holding hands, an unfamiliar sight. A year later, Sally abruptly resigned her position in the surgery department. There were rumors of professional misconduct even sexual harassment. One of my colleagues, who knew that I was close to both of them, called me aside one day and asked, “So what’s the deal with Sally? I heard she even knew Jake before he was a surgical resident and was the one who pushed to get him accepted into the residency.”
I had not heard that rumor but then, there were so many rumors that were swirling around her high profile resignation. I shook my head and said, “I don’t know and I don’t want to know. The less I know, the better.”
I meant it. Both of them were my friends and I was sincerely happy for their relationship and their professional and personal successes. If I learned any additional information about their relationship, it could potentially poison my impression of either of them. Worse, I may accidently divulge this information in an unguarded moment, becoming guilty of spreading more gossip.
God has much to say about the danger of gossiping. It harms the person divulging it as well as the listener.
Rumors are dainty morsels that sink deep into one’s heart.
Proverbs 18:8 (NLT)
What is so enticing about gossip? It starts with our tongue, that literally ignites our passions.
And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself.
James 3:6 (NLT)
It is a slippery slope that we can all descend when we succumb to the temptation of listening to gossip or contributing to it. I am still very close to Jake and Sally and I still do not know all the details that led to their relationship.
And I am glad I don’t.
Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.
Complete Blogs Indexed by Bible Verses
Discover more from The Bereans Blog
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.