What’s the best way to spread news in the Christian community?
That’s easy. Before you share news, just say it’s a prayer request.
(No one likes to feel left out. And for most people knowing and sharing news feels empowering. Cloaked with the term “prayer request” spreading news verges darn near to righteous.)
Even if it’s something horrible, you can say something like, “I probably shouldn’t say this, but, you know Peggy? She’s going through a lot right now. Her teen flipped out and hit her in the face yesterday. It gave her a bloody nose. It’s so sad. Really pray for her. They’re really struggling. Oh, and don’t tell anyone I told you, okay?”
What will happen is that everyone will know, but no one will admit to anything. It will like like the Spirit told them, and suddenly everyone will know everything, but, miraculously, nobody has betrayed any trust.
Peggy? She’ll get weird and awkward glances, and a few close friends will ninja hug her because they’re not sure what else to do, but want to do something overt to show they support her. Peggy will wonder who knows, and how it got out and about. Smilers and huggers will relieve their guilt from spreading around her business behind her back.
(Yes. This was not a “how-to”…just a bit sarcastic.)
Does this ring true?
Share your input: If someone says, “I probably shouldn’t say this…” what are some good ways to respond?