Gossip

"A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much." (Proverbs 20:19 NIV)

"He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets; therefore, do not associate with on who flatters with his lips." (Proverbs 20:19 NKJV)

A gossip is an idle talk or rumor, especially about the personal or private affairs of others (definition from dictionary.com). A gossip includes telling others what someone has told you in private (revealing secrets) and making statements that defame someone's character and reputation (slandering/backbiting). A gossip betrays trust and destroys friendship. Listening to gossip is just as bad as spreading gossip. "Anyone who will gossip to you, will gossip about you." (Unknown) Gossip is sin; it's unkind and unloving. We are to avoid anyone who talks too much, flatters with his/her lips, and/or cannot keep secrets because they are insincere and not trustworthy. We are not to mingle with talebearers, babblers, and flatterers. They are a danger to us. "A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin." (Proverbs 26:28) "Those who flatter their neighbors are spreading nets for their feet." (Proverbs 29:5) Let's also make sure that we ourselves guard our tongue and don't become talebearers, babblers, and flatterers. Let's make it a habit to walk away from gossip and from conversations that aim to tear others down. 
"Gossip is saying behind their back what you would not say to their face. Flattery is saying to their face what you would not say behind their back." (Unknown)
 
Prayer: Abba Father, please help me not to gossip and not to listen to gossip. I want to be a trustworthy person whom others can confide in and feel safe. Please enable me to guard my tongue. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.

Review and Giveaway: The Shunning DVD

The Shunning is the Hallmark Channel Original Movie starring Danielle Panabaker & Sherry Stringfield. The DVD was released on 9/13/2011.

Beverly Lewis' The Shunning - About the Movie
Before she succumbs to cancer, the dying wish of Laura Mayfield-Bennett is to be reunited with the daughter she never knew. Unfortunately, that daughter, Katie Lapp, is a member of the Amish order. Katie is about to be married, but uneasy about the path ahead. Now she discovers the secret her parents have kept from her: she's adopted.

The film is based on the celebrated first novel of the best-selling "The Heritage of Lancaster County" book series from author Beverly Lewis. Stars Danielle Panabaker & Sherry Stringfield.

BEVERLY LEWIS - Author of "The Shunning"
Beverly Lewis, born in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, is The New York Times bestselling author of more than eighty books. Her stories have been published in eleven languages worldwide. A keen interest in her mother's Plain heritage has inspired Lewis to write many Amish-related novels, beginning with "The Shunning," which has sold more than one million copies. In 2007, Lewis' "The Brethren" was honored with a Christy Award.

Lewis has been interviewed by both national and international media, including Time magazine, the Associated Press, and the BBC. Lewis lives with her husband, David, in Colorado.

Website: http://hallmarkchannel.com/theshunning
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheShunningMovie
You can watch the trailer and the interviews with the cast and the director/executive producer (Michael Landon, Jr.) here.

My Thoughts and Review:
Raised in an Amish community in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Katie Lapp struggles being an Amish. To conform to their beliefs, she has to constantly fight against her passion for music (guitar playing and singing) and confess as if it was sin. She's about to be married to the Bishop, yet she can't shake off the love and fond memories she still has for her deceased boyfriend. One name, Laura Mayfield, changes everything. The long-kept secrets of the past are threatened. The promise is broken. The family love is tested. The true identity is discovered.

I have never read the book but I was totally captivated by the movie :)! I've always been intrigued by the way the Amish live. I love their simple living but I don't agree with some of their beliefs/rules. I've heard of "shunning" before but the movie really made me feel so sad for those who have been shunned. It's a very cruel way of punishment. It's not a way to show the love of Christ for sure. The unconditional love of Christ leads to forgiveness, healing, and restoration. I had sympathy for both birth mother and adoptive mother in the movie. I cried and I did not want the movie to end. I wish it would continue; I wanted to know what happened next :). This is a touching movie of love, forgiveness, and family. It's a story of two worlds (the Amish and the English) colliding in a tangle of adoption, deception, and emotions.

GIVEAWAY: You can win a copy of The Shunning DVD.
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