Feathers In the Wind

There is a 19th century folktale about a young fellow who went about town slandering the town’s wise man. One day, he went to the wise man’s home and asked for forgiveness. The wise man, realizing that this man had not internalized the gravity of his transgressions, told him that he would forgive him on one condition: that he go home, take a feather pillow from his house, cut it up, and scatter the feathers to the wind. After he had done so, he should then return to the wise man’s house. Though puzzled by this strange request, the young man was happy to be let off with so easy a penance. He quickly cut up the pillow, scattered the feathers, and returned to the house. “Am I now forgiven?” he asked. “Just one more thing,” the wise man said. “Go now and gather up all the feathers.” “But that’s impossible. The wind has already scattered them.” “Precisely,” he answered. “And though you may truly wish to correct the evil you have done, it is as impossible to repair the damage done by your words as it is to recover the feathers. Your words are out there in the marketplace, spreading hate, even as we speak.” I've also heard it compared to firing a gun....once you hear the sound of the bullet firing, you cannot take it back!

In an article on the WebMD website the question is asked about how Rumors, Gossip, and Fake News can influence your health. While most consider them harmless, they can affect your health. Learning to tell the difference between fact and fiction can be a real boost -- both mentally and physically!
Quoting from WebMD, "Rumors are defined as widely spread talk with no reliable source to back it up. They aren't always bad. Some rumors can even seem positive, like promotions, engagements, or awards. But until proven otherwise, they are just that -- rumors.
Gossip is when you take rumors -- those unconfirmed pieces of information -- and pass them along, spreading what may be “fake news.”
What may be surprising is how difficult it can be to tell rumor and gossip from truth. Even people who are Internet-savvy can have trouble telling what's real and what's not. It can also be tough to tell the difference between news and advertisement. As a result, people sometimes give more weight to what they see in their social media feed than what they get from more credible news sources."

As we have seen playing out even today, when it comes to "fake news," the effects can be both immediate and long-lasting. In most cases, a "fake news" story can rile up your emotions and change your mood. Depending on the strength of your feelings, the story, and the reaction it gave you, can stick in your head, even after you find out it's false.

While so many folks consider rumors and gossip as harmless and perhaps even a fun pastime, it is far from an innocent, simple comment. Some of the actual results of rumors and gossip may include....
Bullying
Damaged reputation
Employment challenges
Depression
even Suicide!
....the list is too long to cover here!

It’s time to realize the reality of Rumors, Gossip, and Fake News and to decide you don’t want to have any part of it.

Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee.
Proverbs 4:24