If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.

Isaiah 58:9-10

I give up the kind of speaking that separates and disconnects me from others. I give up the kind of speaking that divides. I give up the kind of talk that I regret. I give up speaking ill of others. I give up gossip. I give up the desire to know the inside scoop so it gives me a feeling of belonging, even though I know it’s only poison for true connection. I give up speaking from a place of resentment and bitterness. Oh, God, I ask for a breath and a moment before I stick my foot in my mouth. I forgive myself for all the times I have not lived with this kind of integrity and value. I forgive myself for not doing this perfectly. I give into doing better with my mouth, which means cultivating a healthier and more open heart within.