Dear Friends,
Hurt, disappointed, heart-broken, betrayed, all these words apply to what I’m feeling today. I don’t want to name-names but please know that some of those I’ve promoted on Talk-a-Latte, in my ezines, and on my websites have decided that it’s time we part company. Not because this is what my heart desires. We have explored all possible remedies including personal interaction to no avail.
It’s hard to send this to all of you, my dear friends. I cherish and work hard to be worthy of your confidence and the trust you give me with your relationship. We have committed to come alongside of you during your life journey. We work hard to bring you the very best websites, articles, audios, books, seminars, and personal mom-to-mom time. You have probably noticed my commitment to bring you the best guest writers and speakers. Many of you will not know what I’m talking about, but for those of you who do, I am asking for your prayers right now.
Without taking any more of your time away, I am writing this email to apologize to those who have been affected by this situation. I will not speak ill of anyone or wish them harm. I only want you, my treasured friends, to understand how hard it has been for me to be made aware of the actions of some I have called friend. I was completely unaware of the actions and plans going on behind my back. I will never be forced or manipulated, even by threats to go elsewhere, to ban our supporters from certain speaker workshops. Our commitment to all of you comes before anything or anyone else. We demand that those who step behind MY mic be honorable and trustworthy. You place great trust in us. We will never betray that trust, regardless of the cost.
My business has been built on integrity and the Lord’s leading. Please know that some I have sponsored and promoted are now going off on their own, using the exact same software and ad copy and using my name. If what you hear is not found in Talk-A-Latte, Mom-to-Mom Radio Show, our ezines, in our books and audios OR on my websites then please know it is not from me. Just because someone uses the same software, same ad copy in an email or talks kindly about me does not mean that I endorse that person or the use of my client list.
I would never sell or exploit my mailing list, but that is what has happened. Not from me but those who were my guests.
Know that a new season is coming to Rushton Family Ministries and Talk-A-Latte. We have an amazing year ahead. Get ready for the abundant overflow!
With much love,
Cindy
See Us Online!
May the Lord bless you in your faithfulness Cindy!
Cindy I have been thinking a lot about this. I know you and I don’t know each other very well, but from what I read on your blog, you are a very kind hearted person who invests in our online community to help us become better wives and mothers, as well as friends and writers.
I have seen a lot over the years since I got my first internet connection about 8 years ago. From message boards, to groups, and blogs. It’s difficult sometimes to have clear communication through letters, chat rooms, and comment boxes. We can’t see the expression on each other’s faces or tone of their voices in order to have proper discernment of a situation. Misunderstandings can occur more frequently online than in person.
By the time we realize someone has been dishonest, so much more damage has been done and making an honest attempt of communication to rectify something is so much harder. Even so much more when so many people are involved.
You are wise to not drag out names of people, yet at the same time we are admonished in God’s Word to make people aware.
Proverbs 19:25, “Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge.”
Proverbs 11:33, “A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter. ”
Sometimes it’s hard to discern which verse to apply to a situation. Yet these two certainly do apply. You have made the situation public and apologized, yet you have also made aware that an offense was committed. You have made your apology and still kept your readers privacy intact.
Those who are aware of what has happened will be wiser now and those who have wronged you will know that you are speaking of them, without dragging their name into it.
Prayerfully they will see the truth in your application of the previous verses. We are also instructed by God to handle matters more directly if need be:
Matthew 18:15-17,
“15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.
16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.
17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. ”
Prayerfully, those who have wronged you and your friends will heed God’s command to repent and make the relationship to be at peace. Parting isn’t always easy, but at least they can be respectful about the parting.
Proverbs 22: 24-25, “24 Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go: 25 Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul. ”
Bless you dear lady!