A Form Of Bullying: Gossip, Inuendo, And Group Participants In A Church

by Gracia
(CA)

This situation involves a church and a few of its members who are part of a community project that does a lot for needy people by their various talents.

I believe I have been a target of their gossip. Since I don't know what the gossip is, I have no way to stop it, however the gossip is affecting my professional life and my new life in retirement in the community. To say I am shattered is an understatement. I had confided to some in the group (since it is a church) to pray for me as the medication I am on makes me very ill and it has other horrible side effects which have not been noted as warnings to those taking it because the drug is too new on the market and has no "studies."

I'm not quite sure, but I believe the gossip is because I am not my usual happy self; I have difficulties in speech now and what I say or do not say to others. I believe this group of ladies has determined as a group that I have mental issues or that I am on "drugs." This is very hurtful to me since I am a very good person, have always been pleasant, and have always helped as much as I can by contributing to their group with my time and talents.

When I asked them to pray for me, once, they looked at me as though I had a lot of audacity to ask them. It is difficult for me to believe that the pastor at this church would condone such behavior, but I have been warned by a few that do know me quite well in the community that this church has had past issues of such behavior and they cannot be changed, and therefore I must be quiet and just endure whatever it is that they are saying or that they believe about me.