We are in the middle of some of the hardest times we have seen since 9/11. It’s truly scary what we are witnessing. I myself know that I have spent way too much time alone with my thoughts. I fear that the longer this goes on the crazier I will feel.
One thing I have witnessed over the course of the past few weeks is how divided we are in comparison to what we became after the terroristic attack on that early September morning. Is social media the reason?
Social media rants and attacks on one another’s political views or religious beliefs is just the beginning of it. I would be lying if I said Ashley and I haven’t found ourselves in the middle of a Facebook debacle with people we barely know, but even good intentions are being twisted into malicious words and that is something neither one of us want to be a part of.
It wasn’t until a recent post that I created was taken into the wrong context, that’s when I realized just how bad things were getting. Most of my friends know me as the girl who shares daily devotionals, inspiring quotes, and the ridiculously funny quotes and jokes we post through the blog.
What made it even harder to handle was that an average girl like me suddenly felt anxious for bringing awareness to a situation. I don’t get involved in Facebook fights; ask Ash she will tell you. I will literally cry at the drop of a hat– one of the many downfalls of wearing my heart on my sleeve.
idk… maybe God makes me vulnerable to those types of feelings and situations, but when arguing begins or someone could potentially be affected by the words, I bow out.
Why can’t we all start being sensitive to each other’s feelings? Social media is great for a lot of things; for instance, it is how thousands and thousands of churches are staying connected to their congregations right now. Better yet, now I get to attend a lot more churches because I can go back and play other pastor’s sermons once mine is done. I also regularly throw a heart emoji on every engagement and pregnancy announcement. I was able to follow LH Basketball when they became the WIPAL champs this year. I have witnessed rekindling of relationships and marriages blossom.
But between every positive post, I see people fighting, purposely posting things that you know without a doubt will cause pain and an argument will begin. What is worse is people actually live for this stuff. They sit back and they watch and they start a group chat about the drama that is being publicly plastered all over the internet. People take sides and cause more drama. I don’t know about you but to me, this has to stop. We need to be the change.
Have your fruits gone rotten? By fruits I mean Fruits of the Spirit– love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Are they sour fruits or are they sweetened with the love of Christ? I know myself, that I have learned a valuable lesson recently: If my words and actions aren’t reflecting the Fruits, then I’m going to need to take a step back.
Will you allow the Gardener, Jesus Christ, to help your fruits grow into a sweet, savory ministry? You can be the change. Think before you post, read all of the facts, and keep an open mind and heart.
Be kind, mankind. We are in this together.
xo,
Er
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