Well, hey there. It's been a while. I have so much to write about, but currently, I'll just go with what's on my mind at this very moment. Today in my P course discussion class (life after Bethel sortsa stuff) we started talking about facebook- how people only post the "good" things and then how some people only post "complainy" things. I was reminded of family gatherings where I've felt ashamed for posting so much on facebook because my family generally does not. I don't feel that so much anymore, but it still brings up a really good question. What do we post on facebook? What is ok? What isn't? I do think there is a right and wrong answer. But the question requires more than just the usual dose of thought. It really requires some extra, additional, supplementary kind of thought. So, I've been pondering. As I divulge my opinions- just know they are my pondering opinions and that's ok. Anyways, what I've come to the conclusion of is this: When you're my friend on facebook (entire other discussion on what that even means) I take that to mean that you care what happens to me (whether in a negative or positive way) - that you just care. If you don't care to know anymore, unfriending is always an option- as I'm sure all of us have done. And because I feel that you care, I want to show you an accurate picture of me, my life, what's happening, and what's happened. I don't believe that posting frequently is bad. In the past I've had some guilt about this from differing opinions that think divulging all of my life on facebook is... well- just that. So I thought: Am I doing that? Should I hold more back? Well, I don't know about high school Erin anymore, maybe there were things I should've held back. But, I know that I've come to decide that no. It doesn't matter. I WANT you to know the things I post. I WANT you to know about me because you've already shown you care- well, at least to some extent. That leads me to another conclusion: I also don't think it's ok to post only happy I'm doing wonderfully sorts of things. Sure, that's great. But also to post my insecurities, my failures, my downfalls, and everything that makes us human. That's a part of the story too. I feel guilt about sounding like I'm complaining. I feel guilt about sounding like I'm overly happy and faking it even though I feel totally genuine. Because of all these judgements and stereotypes, it makes facebook an almost underlayingly (i'm aware that's not a word- ha! it is now! it's my blog!) hostile place. Why is there so much judgement? Why is there no love? We should start actually caring about people instead of judging what they post- there's a REASON they post that. There is deep hurt in the world. And when people are happy or experiencing the amazing parts of life, why do we feel jealousy?? Why are we not happy for their success!!! It is success in humanity! It is their success which is OUR success! It doesn't decrease OUR value any! Why this game of cheap comparison??? God loves us SO MUCH MORE than all of that! It's disgusting! The amazing love he shows should infiltrate more into the psychology of facebook. I WILL post the times when I feel discouraged. I WILL post the times when I feel God move and I have something to share. I WILL post the simple joys in life, the stupid things I do, the fun I have, and also when I feel like I can't go on. The important things, and the things that are not deemed as important. And am I posting AAAALLLL my life and divulging it all? Nope. I don't think so. Not even close. When we meet, you'll just have a little something to go off of- to ask about. What I and people in general- post on facebook is NOT the entirety of life. People are worth getting to know more deeply than just what they post. So: this is two fold (well, more like 20 fold but you know...) on the side of the person posting- be real. If people want to know about you, why feed them garbage? The only thing that facebook should not be used for is cutting people down. If your rant about life turns into making someone else feel bad, decreasing THEIR value, no matter what they've done to you or how they've made you feel. That's not ok. You are just sinking into the same type of thing. But, post the good, the bad, the ugly, the serious, and the trivial. Its part of life. I don't think we should feel like we necessarily need to "have something to say" -people care about you. Not just the "important" stuff. But YOU. Just you. And we need to start believing it and living like it. We also need to start caring about people- in order to make this true- and living like it. When you feel jealousy for someone's instagram pic, STOP yourself. Redirect your jealousy. There is no reason to feel inadequate because of someone else's success or joy. That is a lie we all too often believe. Likewise, when you read a dramatic woe is me post- I challenge you NOT to roll your eyes and scroll on- there is a reason they posted that. People do not cry out publicly unless they need something. Reach out, pray for them, or just take a moment to give validity to what they are experiencing. We are all a part of the human existence and God has made us to be relational people. Live like it. Love like it. Imitate Christ on facebook. That is all :)
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AuthorI'm a junior at Bethel U writing thoughts, ponderings, revelations, and little God sightings that I come upon. Yup! :) ArchivesCategories |