I was a Facebook drama queen. I loved
my Facebook groups. Responding to all the bickering about marriage,
kids, broken washers, lost puppies, spouses and jobs felt purposeful.
I liked polling the masses through a well-worded Facebook status when
I had conflict. I even enjoyed giving and receiving likes. Is what
you said witty or thought provoking? Like.
I felt good about myself when I
received likes on my status too. And comments. I checked my
notifications like it was part of my religion.
In short, I created on Facebook a whole
little world just about me and what I like and my opinions, complete
with pictures.
I am sure there are people out there
who use Facebook with boundaries in place and update their status
intentionally. I was not one of those people. I know most people
who use Facebook are not those people. Or Facebook would not
be the gossip-centered cesspool that it is.
Here is what I have learned. Instead of
posting in my Facebook mommy group about how upset I am about my
husband doing X Y or Z, I should instead talk to my husband. Venting
about whatever my husband did that infuriated me with a bunch of
strangers on the internet won't solve or defuse the situation. So why
did I participate in this style of gossip?
I have realized that the reason I make
those types of posts is because I enjoy simmering in injustice
against my husband and having people tell me I am “so right” to
feel that way and “they completely understand” my anger. I have
found it's easier to feel justified about how hurt I am than it is to
actually talk to my husband about the problem.
Today I was reading my bible (you
should try it sometime) when I was hit by a bombshell revelation. No,
not the biblical kind (I mean, I am not adding to the word) but a
personal growth kind of revelation. All this time I have been going
to Facebook like it's the source of wisdom. Do I have a problem? Make
a post about it. Receive feedback. Am I bored? Check my
notifications, groups and messages. Am I angry? Happy? Sad? Update my
status with the appropriate emoji and wait for people to comment. Do I
need to vent? There is a group for that. And I am in it.
Instead my process should look like
this: Do I have a problem? Pray about it. Communicate with the people
that the problem actually pertains to. Am I bored? Seek out God and
his purpose for me. Am I angry? Happy? Sad? Read my bible and thank
God for my blessings. Do I need to vent? Pray. My prayers should be
that I don't speak in anger.
Now I am not saying that Facebook is
the cause of my problems. Clearly that is my heart. But it has
provided people with an easy way to indulge in gossip and selfish
behavior.
I could pray and make an edifying post
that glorifies God, for sure. But do I? Has that been my track
record? Maybe 2% out of 98%. Honestly, it is so much easier to
vindictively type away on my computer than it is to go to God with my
problems! Facebook allows me the ease of throwing God to the side and
gratifying my flesh in the comment section.
Well, I am done with allowing this idol
in my life.
Take a good look at your own Facebook
habits. And the types of comments you see on your feed. And perhaps
log out and see how you feel.
I'm not going back.
