We have been told that rumors are ugly and we shouldn't listen to them. But, there's something in the human psyche that believes that maybe this isn't a rumor. We think "Maybe I need to know so I can protect myself." This fear-based thinking is why rumors are so effective in destroying good people.

Who starts rumors anyway? Jealousy starts rumors. People, who tried and failed and don't want to see another succeed. Why would they want to keep another from succeeding? Because it's sure proof that they were a failure. That kind of shame is hard to take. It's painful to face failure. But, we all fail. To fail is human. Your character is not defined in your failure, it's defined in what you do AFTER your failure. To spread lies about your competition defines your character. To look for ways to impede another's progress defines your character. To get behind those with better ideas and help them succeed where you did not defines your character as well.

One thing is for sure: it's a character flaw to try to prevent another from succeeding just because you didn't. Jealousy is ugly and it makes people do ugly things.

When I was appointed Archpriestess, and I heard the absolute lies being spread about me I asked, "Pete, are they really just going to make up lies about me?" He said, "Yes, that's exactly what they will do. Just ignore it. Stay focused on the work." I was aghast, but he was right. Jealousy makes people do horrible things.

When you hear unkind things about others in the community, think about the character of the person telling the story. Why would they share unkindness? Think about the character of the person being talked about. How must they feel? Do not participate in hurting someone else because you heard "a rumor." If you're truly concerned, do some research and find out for yourself. Ask the person directly. But don't allow your character to become tarnished over someone else's jealous lies.

Whenever you see people hating on others, ask yourself why they are putting their energy into that hate, and then get the hell away from it. Don't take it as true. This is the way good people are destroyed, and our community suffers from it. Pagan leaders are under a microscope everyday. Remember, good people are the target of hate. Remember, they killed Kennedy, they killed MLK. Those who do not want change try to hurt people who are actively making a change towards the positive. Jealous people do horrible things, and lies are easily told, and spread quickly among people that have nothing better to do.