There’s a lot of controversy today about social media and how it’s being used. Facebook, for example, is not perfect, far from it in many ways, yet we spend a lot of time on it. As with most anything in today’s world, Facebook can be used for good or for bad. It’s our choice. I try to keep my page positive and as uplifting as possible, so I delete or hide the things I don’t want to see. Here is sampling of what I saw on my news feed page one day this week…
First I saw a post informing me that my sister-in-law in Oklahoma was on her way to visit her family in Texas, so I wished her a safe trip. Always nice to hear what family members are up to.
Next were two posts by Pastor Dewey from FGGAM. His posts are always inspirational and well worth reading. One was about his parents and the brace he had to wear for a while as a child. I thanked God for his healing and the ministry of FGGAM.
Next, my daughter had posted a pic of her kids (2 of my 6 grand kids) from a few years ago. This made me smile. I said a quick prayer for them.
A friend I worked with several years ago shared a picture of the beach in Florida where she is on vacation this week. Glad to see she is where her heart is and having a great time.
Another old friend shared a pic of the cutest baby girl that is alive and healthy after the doctors said she needed to be aborted because of health issues they expected her to be born with. I thanked God for her and said a silent prayer for all who ponder the possibilities of abortion. So glad this baby is doing well.
Next was a picture of kids in the back of an old pickup truck. It was captioned: Share if you ever rode in the back of a truck and lived to tell about it. I smiled again, remembering the many times I did this. Memories are so much fun.
Someone shared a video of a retired veteran who offers free mechanical services to people who need their vehicles fixed but can’t afford it. He also sells t-shirts made by a friend in order to help pay for surgery for a young man with health issues. I said a prayer for them and continued to scroll.
My daughter-in-law shared a post that said: My dad told me, only those who truly care about you can hear you when you’re quiet. This brought memories of my Mama who always seemed to know if I was bothered about something, or needed to talk. What I’d give to talk to her again. I left a comment, and wiped the tears from my eyes.
Next was a selection of corny jokes guaranteed to make you laugh out loud. I passed on them and smiled. Probably heard them all a hundred times.
Then there was a birthday announcement for Senator, Lindsey Graham. I took a minute to add my wishes and thanked him for backing the President when every one else seem only to find fault.
Country Music Nation added an old song by Waylon Jennings. I sometimes save these to my timeline so I can listen later.
After an ad about how to get rid of bugs in your house, was an inspiring story of a man who really loved his wife. It bought more tears, so I scrolled on…
A recipe for chocolate brownie cookies looked delicious, but I don’t need the sugar so quickly moved on again.
My chat box popped up then , so I spent a few minutes talking to my friend, Brenda. It’s always nice to hear from her and catch up on her day. Then back to my scrolling…
My niece in Texas shared some pics from her family’s Fourth of July celebration, then I watched a video of college students answering the question: Are you proud to be an American? Most of them found fault with our country and blamed the President, but some were really glad to be living here in the land of the free.
Realizing how much time had passed and reminding myself that I should get busy, I clicked out of Facebook and glanced at my watch… I’ve wasted enough time, I thought, closing my laptop. But then, I realized: it wasn’t all wasted. I had spent some time in prayer, heard from my family, chatted with a friend, enjoyed some memories and connected with the outside world. I learned that there are still a lot of good people in the world and God’s love is being shared often.
Facebook, like everything else in life, is as good as we make it be. We are told to do all things in moderation. Too much of a good thing can be bad, too much sugar, too much free time, etc. Too much Facebook, time on our phones…or anything else that takes the place of real time with our Lord, families and friends, is not good. Chatting on social media is nice, but can’t compare to looking into someones eyes while they talk. Virtual hugs are cute, but real hugs bring us joy, strength and connects us with real people. Emojis can’t replace the look of a genuine smile on the face of someone we love. Prayers can be said any time and any where, but intimate time in prayer, reading and reflecting on God’s word is nourishment to our soul and uplifts our spirits.
The internet can be the devil’s playground, but it doesn’t have to be. Let’s pray for those in charge of social media and those fighting to insure that Christian and conservative views are being shared as well. Censorship and restrictions are needed in many areas as to what should be allowed, but positive messages of hope and love for God and country are not among them.
What’s On Your Page?
