Hate Mail

Nothing says "Christ-like love" like hate mail from someone at church, right? Well, it has been one week since the letter arrived in my mailbox. It arrived in a white security envelope with my name and address pasted on the front, so as not to have any handwriting. The sender certainly did not want to expose themselves up front! By the way, they spelled my name with a "y" instead of an "i" which is what I changed it to in 8th grade for some reason and I've just never gone back. My mom still writes it with a "y" and I really don't care how people spell it - it still means "me."

The letter starts out "Dear Jenny," and ends, "A Disheartened member." The author is redundant, repeating herself (I'm sure it's a her) over and over, saying the same thing multiple times. (Yes, that was intentional) The gist of the letter is that, according to "everyone" the author has talked to, I gossip. Hypocritical? I have no "caring or sympathy in my heart for others who are less fortunate" and I "think I am better than they." I am teaching our Young Women to back stab and everyone in the stake hates our spoiled brats. It goes on for an entire page.

Really.

I have many feelings on this. I have talked with a lot of people and shown many people the letter and even made copies. If you would like one, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to... I really am not intimidated by one who would not put their name to their words. It is very cowardly and immature. The author states multiple time how "everyone" they talk to says the same thing. The pot doth call the kettle black. I wish I could say that I NEVER talk about anyone, but I think most of us can attest to the crime of gossip. However, I can state that I do not say mean, ugly things. I may think them on occasion, but I don't generally talk it up! I am grateful for a ward FULL of friends who have been supportive of me through this. I can honestly say that I feel pretty good about myself after talking with my friends. They have said really nice things about me and the most common thought is, "this person does not know you."

I have not lost any sleep over this letter. I thought I might, but last Tuesday, I feel right asleep. I have not shed one tear over this letter. A few years ago I might have, but I feel that I am too old for this kind of nonsense and unless they can say it to my face, it is not worth feeling bad about. The author stated, "This is not a personal attack on you..." But it was. Clearly. I just can't imagine that someone is sitting at home worrying this much about me. I certainly am not worrying about anyone else this much. I have spent this entire year doing school work, trying to find time for my family, and fulfilling my church callings. Notice the plural on calling"S". I hardly have time fro friends, much less enemies. I don't even feel like I really have enemies, I thought I got along with people just fine. Who in their right mind considers me enough to write a full page letter?

So there you have it. I hope your week was wonderful. For all my friends and family out there, know that I truly do love you and appreciate you. Thank you for making me feel loved and appreciated, too! Next time you get mad at someone and are considering "What Would Jesus Do?," the answer is not anonymous hate mail.