Last night, my Bible study group went over Titus 2, where Paul instructs older women to encourage and teach the younger women, and not to be slanderers. One of my friends in the group said that she can't imagine if an older woman she respected and looked up to, like her mom, just bashed her and slandered her. She said that is something that would hurt so deeply and take forever to heal from.
I spoke up briefly and said, "That happened to me last summer. You're right, it was really painful." It wasn't with my mom. It was with another older, Christian woman. I knew this woman could be a bit...sharp with her words and...bold in her actions, based on previous experiences that summer. But when she totally unleashed on me...it just shattered all trust and respect. I understand messing up; I get slipping up. But there's a line between accidents that happen and purposefully being very hurtful. She leaped over the line without looking back and without knowing the damage it did to me. Even I am surprised at the damage it did.
Our words can be so very powerful. It's so important that we use them in a godly manner and constantly be keeping our hearts, minds, and bodies in check to align with Christ, because when it's not, it hurts more than just yourself.
ETA: Sorry my post isn't encouraging, Jullianna. That's just my experience. But I did want to edit my post to say that I am praying for you. I totally understand the disappointment that comes with that. I also realized I didn't say how I handle it. I don't usually handle it well, I'll put it that way. I get even more closed off, though singing and writing and talking with God or a godly friend helps.