Compassionate Love: Displaying compassion for those who struggle with mental illness   (c) 2018  Nancy Virden, Always The Fight Ministries

Jarrell drove safely over several months for a national share-a-ride service. It was working out so well he planned to do it as a flexible means of income while traveling the United States.

One evening, he received surprise news. He was fired. Answers to his plea for an explanation were simple and direct.  A rider had claimed Jarrell was driving recklessly. 

Life unravels

That was all it took – one false report from a self-absorbed liar vying for a free ride.  The growing company could afford to throw away employees, so there was no investigation. Jobless and with sinking dreams, Jarrell began a feverish search for work.

This triggered his anxiety disorder. Occasionally he was unable to function. Nearly losing his car and car insurance, the companies agreed to work with him.  Unable to pay his rent, the landlord took a financial hit as well.  Four months later, Jarrell landed a part-time job that barely pays his bills.

All this because someone casually lied.

Seeking truth

There was another player in this story besides Jarrell and the passenger. The company’s representative chose not to listen. 

Reputations are fragile. Loss of a good one can be devastating. We have all witnessed social media rip apart people’s lives while disinterestedly ignoring facts. Too often, careless rumors and assumptions are greeted with “I knew it!” instead of “let’s check the truth.”  I too have been falsely accused of behaviors out of my character. It is too bad, and sad, that some people have nothing better to do than destroy.

The best weapon

Honest and open communication is the only weapon I have found that works to restore a damaged reputation.  Jarrell’s boss shut down communication. This is the style of trolls, gossips, slanderers, and bullies as well.  

There is not much one can do when another is unwilling to hear. However,  there are those who will listen and encourage restoration.  You and I pursue justice when we refuse to sink into the ugly mire with liars. People will notice, eventually, that we are made of better stuff than false accusers imply. 

**********COMMENTS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME.

*car by ANA_KOLL and beach by WINCHILD on rgbstock.com