Troubled Teens and Gossip

Craig Rogers, CEO of Abundant Life Academy, author, speaker, and a former troubled teen discusses various topics about troubled teens, parents of troubled teens, and the value of Christian boarding schools designed to restore troubled teens.

Many years ago I stumbled upon a situation where there was a devastating outcome and many people were hurt, and a few were destroyed.  Their reputations and careers were beyond repair.  What happened?  What event or incident caused this horrible mess?  The truth is that nothing happened.  Nothing at all.  But there were firsthand witnesses who claim certain incidents happened, and they actually described details about an event that never happened.  In the end, after all the dust settled, the truth came out.  The absolute truth was that those who were accused of doing something that was unacceptable were found to be completely innocent and none of the accusations ever happened.  It is sad to say that I was involved.

I walked into a room where my colleagues were discussing a serious incident.  I can remember saying, “No way! I can’t believe it!”  I walked out of there and within a few minutes I was retelling the story to another staff member as if it was absolute truth.  The story spread through the campus (150 students and 75 staff).  There was a hasty decision and swift actions were made.  The unfortunate thing was we found out later there was no incident, the parties were innocent, and it all started as a rumor.  I was embarassed when I found out that I took part in the destruction of others live’s by passing on a rumor (gossip).  I felt so bad that I had made a judgment of someone else (as judge, jury, and executioner) with no facts or evidence other than someone’s “story”.

At Abundant Life Academy there are a few horrible stories being told, shared back and forth, by people who present the incidents as if they were firsthand witnesses. These incidents, if true, would be bad and the people involved would be in prison right now.  Each of these incidents are shared by people that were not even enrolled at the academy when the supposed incidents occurred.  However, they make these horrid accusations as if they personally witnessed them.  Thank God that these rumors are absolutely false. Thank God that two accusations were incidents that were thoroughly investigated.  The incidents were brought to our attention through rumors that kids were spreading.  The good news is that there are camera’s everywhere in the school, in every room.  The good news is that the incidents never happened and we know for certain because the investigation was thorough, and the proof was on tape. The proof was that nothing happened.

So, the rumors and statements that are repeated over and over again are simply gossip.  Those stating these incidents know that they didn’t witness anything.  They know that they have no idea of whether or not these incidents happened, and their only knowledge is from what someone said, or wrote, and then they used that information to attempt to hurt me and ALA.  I am so glad that I stand on the rock, Jesus Christ.  I am so glad that the accusers would be found to be frauds and cowards when anyone were to look to the facts.  I am so glad that we recorded and reported these incidents.  We are clean.  But, we will allow Jesus to be our defender.

Moreover, if any potential parent wanted to know for certain that Abundant Life Academy is not about earns or financial gain for the owners it is easily proven.  The school is financially stable and is financially healthy.  However, it is very clear through our Tax Returns that we are not in it for the money.  My salary, and any financial benefits are recorded for the world to see.  If anyone came to my home they would quickly see that my wife and I have a very modest home.  We own absolutely no toys.  We don’t have four wheelers, boats, RV’s, or anything else of value.  God has blessed us many times and everything has gone into the school.  It is all documented, and some of it is public.  Although ALA is healthy financially, we have never had a profit of any significance.  We keep everything in the school so that we have the ability to weather storms and provide good services.

The moral of the story is that I am guilty of gossiping and forwarding rumors.  I have done it thousand times.  One particular time I was a part of the destruction of people’s lives and careers.  I didn’t do it intentionally, but it does not matter.  I was a part of something that hurt people, and whether it is intentional or not it still caused a great deal of pain to many people. I regret what I did and I can’t do anything to fix it.  But the former students who are making claims and accusing me (ALA) of horrible things KNOW FOR CERTAIN that they are lying, and they are using stories to hurt me (ALA).  Here is what I have to say about that… Father, forgive them as you have forgiven me… Forgive them, for they know not what the do… and, prompt me by your spirit if I am ever caught up in the same behavior so that I may immediately stop.

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