Calumny is a broad term for a malicious lie
intended to harm someone's reputation. Libel is calumny that’s written
or published. Slander is spoken calumny.
Detraction is the unjust violation
of another’s good name by revealing something that’s true. Demonization is describing someone as dangerous, wicked or evil.
There's so much of all of this, Lord
- and it's everywhere!
In the headlines, online
and on every screen!
In pressers and news items,
rallies and speeches!
It fuels our anger,
distorts our reality,
splits our nation
and does all harm...
And it spills from the news
right into my thoughts,
into my words and my attitudes,
into my conversations...
And it's sin, Lord - all of it's sin!
It's the absence of truth and kindness.
It's a failure in goodness and justice.
It's a lack of integrity, virtue and honor.
It's a character fault, a bad habit.
It's the speech of name-calling,
put-downs and insults,
the bluster of bulllies
afraid of the truth...
Fill me, Lord,
with a thirst for wisdom
and a hunger for honesty,
candid and frank...
May the words on my lips
be the words of my heart
and the words of my heart
be the words your truth...
May the words of my mouth
be forgiving and patient,
a healing and mending
for all who hear me...
The truth, Lord - the truth!
Help me seek it and find,
treasure and keep it
and share it as food
to nourish us all...
Amen.
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