Some years ago, I sat in a managers’ meeting along with the company director and my immediate supervisor. As the meeting was coming to an end an employee’s name became the subject of the conversation. At that time our division was numbers and performance driven; quality control was also extremely important. As the conversation dragged on, the employee’s practices and her integrity were being questioned. As I listened, I asked if anyone had spoken to her directly before us having this conversation. No one had spoken to her. I then asked if this was all based on speculations –it was. My stomach churned and I asked to be excused. I explained why I needed to leave. Until we spoke with her, I had nothing to say. I decided that I could no longer be part of that discourse. They noticed that I was visibly upset. I didn’t wait for a response–I just walked out.
That employee could have been me. Some words and thoughts have a way of burrowing holes in your spirit. You hear things and begin to believe them without knowing the complete truth. At points it becomes hard to detoxify our minds from what others say. We create our own version of the truth concerning others all founded on people’s baseless claims. We allow our ears to become junkyards where refuse is disposed of.
In today’s atmosphere, it is becoming increasingly important to set boundaries around our ears. I’ve come to realize that it’s my responsibility to prevent my ears from becoming a garbage dump. Not allowing others to unleash their voices in my ears constantly, especially when they control the narrative. The voices are many and unfortunately, we cannot always escape the chatter. At times we have to hear but not listen. There’s an art to not giving junk permission to take up space in our hearts and minds. Our ears and eyes are major gateways to our hearts and minds – guard them passionately. Somethings will take a yard when we give them an inch. Learn to reject and silence the garbage trucks. Very often they speak from their own insecurities or pain.
That little song we learned as children, ‘ Watch your ears, watch your ears what they hear…’ still rings true today. People need to know that you are not that kind of person. A few days after I had walked out of the meeting, the director called me to apologize. She didn’t want me to think they were targeting the employee and so on. Of course, it was later discovered that nothing they had conjectured was true. We never had another meeting [that I was a part of] with that atmosphere again.
There’s a scripture that encourages us to guard our thought life. Much of that comes from what we listen to. It challenges us to embrace that which will nourish our minds. Let’s not leave our hearts and minds parched and tainted. Set a watch today:
Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart]. (Philippians 4:8 AMP)
****Thanks for stopping by – Set a watch over your ears today.
Restored Hearts 
Yes! I recently had experiences where someone I was friendly with was speaking negatively (repeatedly) about others. I didn’t say anything at first because this person is in a position of leadership. I have since learned to uphold boundaries and let people (whether they are in leadership positions or not) know my ears aren’t garbage dumps.❤️
PS–https://melissalemay.wordpress.com/2023/04/26/grateful/
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Not always easy, but we must guard our peace.
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Amen! I had a recent experience at work where a co-worker told on me just for bringing my daughter to work. I found out it was him through ANOTHER co-workers, and the one who told me – said this guy told the bosses he saw a “young unsupervised child” in the office. When I talked to the bigger boss, he said nothing was said by this guy about a young unsupervised child (my daughter is 15), and he said we were now playing a game of “telephone” – where people add whatever they want and take out FACTS! So, I agree with not letting your EARS get the best of you, and finding out facts first, or talking to the person directly. Great post!
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The games people play! And why?? This always puzzles me. Thanks for sharing.
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I agree. Some things are ridiculous. It boggles my mind as well. Have a great day!
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Wow! I feel this is so relevant lately in my life as well. Women in my life tend to do this often towards others. I have walked away from groups of friends for that reason and have desired change. I thank you for sharing and offering that courage and encouragement to others as we are faced with similar challenges. As I continue to unravel my story in my blog “Time Has Taught,” this theme is often one that reveals itself in my life experiences.
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And it is indeed a learning process and a growth process. Sometimes it may require us to stand alone. Happy you shared.
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Amen and amen.
We have this wonderful privelege in that we can hear without listening and we can also listen, yet not hear. Let us excercise both wisdom and caution in using both
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Well said my sister.
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My Pastor once said this,” when people come to you talking about someone else, say to them before you say anything negatively, I am going to go and let him or her know that you have something you want to say to them.
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Words of wisdom.
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This is so relevant, I work with a team and meetings sometimes turn into chit chats. I notice that they use a lot of cuss words, when this happens I politely excuse myself. It has now gotten to the point where I am excluded from their little gatherings.
As Christians we need to let people know we are different
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At all cost, we guard what has been given to us for our peace. Sometimes that means we go alone.
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