Chaplain's Message

I found the following in a little book I have called “Bits and Pieces” – made up of other peoples thoughts and sayings gleaned from life's experiences. This struck me as something worth thinking about!

Who Am I??

I am more deadly that the screaming shells from the howitzer.

I win without killing.

I tear down homes, break hearts and wreck lives.

I travel on the wings of the wind.

No innocence is strong enough to intimidate me, no purity pure enough to daunt me.

I have no regard for truth, no respect for justice, no mercy for the defenceless.

My victims are as numerous as the sand of the sea, and often as innocent.

I never forget and seldom forgive.

My name is Gossip.                                                                                       (Morgan Blake)

Sometimes we are perpetrators and sometimes we are willing bi-standers, participating through omission to call to account the carrier of the “whispered suggestion”, the passing of information or the funny joke at someone else’s expense. 

I am forcibly reminded of the verse from Ephesians 4:29

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 

Mother Teresa’s comment “Love is a fruit in season at all times and within reach of every hand” challenges us to pick wisely and kindly. May we be quick to seek forgiveness for the times we have failed to love and forgive, as we are loved and forgiven by the sacrifice and grace of Jesus.

May our names remain safe in each other’s mouths. 

Keep safe and God bless.

~ Pastor Sarah Pollitt

College Chaplain