They Said

To me, the phrase “they said” is one of the most diabolical and spiritually damaging statements ever conceived. It ranks right up there with “put your phone on mute.” When I hear it, I immediately recognize it as a signal: someone is spreading misinformation about a person or situation—often a troublemaker. It’s almost laughable how such individuals will go to great lengths, through metaphorical heaven and hell, to prevent the truth from surfacing or to sustain the lies embedded in their “they said” narratives. These people, in my view, are among the most psychologically twisted, demonically influenced individuals on this earth. They use “they said” as a sugar-coated bait to lure in and excite the gullible who eagerly lap up their poison.

As I’ve grown older and deepened my relationship with God, I’ve developed a sharper awareness of mistakes, overlooked truths, and patterns of behavior in people who frequently use “they said” as their weapon of choice. These words often accompany destructive actions and conversations, typically over a cup of coffee and cigarettes.

As an artist, I pour time and effort into creating characters behind my portraits, imagining the traits and emotions that inhabit my designs. Through my art, I explore how to convey emotional depth and responsive dialogue using visual elements like color palettes, lines, and shadows. Often, I leave space for the audience to interpret the story themselves, finding their own meaning in the imagery. In many ways, this practice mirrors my approach to life.

I’ve always believed that the intentionality behind design—the care I put into creating something clean, crisp, and meaningful—would lead to positive outcomes for its viewers. But I’ve come to understand that some people, driven by negativity, will project their own distorted perspectives onto even the clearest message. For instance, I’ve been jokingly accused of working for the FBI or CIA simply because I am selective about the personal information I share. These same people, even when holding the truth in their hands, will overlook it in favor of what is comfortable for their own narratives.

The phrase “they said” epitomizes this cognitive dissonance. To me, it stems from incomprehensible reasoning, jealousy, insecurity, and sometimes even willful ignorance. It’s a tool used to manipulate, to bolster lies with a false sense of credibility. At its core, it’s a declaration designed to control a narrative, a weapon for personal glory at the expense of truth.

I’ve encountered this behavior countless times from weak-minded individuals. But as I grow in spiritual maturity, I’ve learned to disassociate from people who rely on “they said” to perpetuate gossip and discord. The power of words is immense—life and death rest in the tongue. If someone is more inclined to gossip than to glorify God, I know our interactions will be limited.

Scripture calls us to a higher standard. As 2 Corinthians 6:17 (KJV) says:
“Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.”
This principle, which echoes Old Testament teachings (e.g., Isaiah 52:11), reminds us to avoid relationships and activities that compromise our values or hinder our spiritual growth. Instead, we are called to live according to God’s standards, not the world’s.

In my art, I see parallels to this practice. Withholding certain information in my designs invites self-exploration but also opens the door for misinterpretation. It challenges the audience to grapple with what’s presented—whether their response is positive or tainted by preconceived notions. Unfortunately, when “they said” enters the equation, it feeds the beast of deception, creating an illusion that is demonic in nature.

In conclusion, I strive to separate myself from those who cling to “they said.” My work and my life are grounded in truth, not the noise of unfounded gossip or manipulation. The goal is always to reflect light, meaning, and integrity, even when faced with the dark illusions others create.