When you are walking through grief, divorce, or a hard season, people talk.

Some mean well and still hurt you. Others do not mean well at all. Rumors, opinions, and half-truths start flying, and suddenly it’s not just your circumstances that hurt — it’s the words surrounding them.

In this episode of Silver Lining with Luke & Monica, we talk honestly about how to handle hurtful words, gossip, and assumptions while you’re “in the fire,” and how to respond without losing your peace.

Luke shares about navigating comments and misunderstandings after Alicia’s death, and Monica opens up about the stigma and opinions that came with divorce. Together, they walk through how Philippians 4:8 can become a filter for your mind, not just a “positive thinking” verse, and why you don’t have to internalize everything people say.

We also tell the lighthearted Toys for Tots matchmaking story that accidentally exposed Monica’s first “I think I like Luke” moment… and yes, the infamous Awana tunic night. Humor, grief, awkwardness, and Scripture all show up in this one.

If you’ve ever wrestled with what people say about you, this conversation is for you.

🎵 Song referenced in this episode:
“You Say” by Lauren Daigle
https://youtu.be/sIaT8Jl2zpI?si=QBmkEVkwPDhEr7Ez

In This Episode, We Talk About:

• Why hard seasons attract rumors and opinions
• A funny Toys for Tots story that revealed Monica’s feelings for Luke
• How grief and remarriage intersect with others’ assumptions
• Why talking about a loved one who passed can bring healing
• Hearing things about you instead of to you
• Using Philippians 4:8 as a filter for your mind
• Setting boundaries with people who keep you stuck in negativity
• Divorce, taking sides, and the pain of misrepresentation
• Reacting vs responding when words sting
• Dr. Jim Rushing’s “three days with the Trinity” rule
• Internal vs external processors in marriage
• Not internalizing what isn’t true
• Anchoring your identity in Christ instead of opinions
• Praying for those who hurt you
• Becoming an encourager in a world with very little encouragement

Scripture References

• Philippians 4:8
• Proverbs 4:23
• Proverbs 13:10
• Matthew 5:44
• Lamentations 3:22–23
• John 10:10

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