Much Needed Vacation

I took a much needed break from social media. No Facebook, no Twitter, no Instagram and no Snapchat. I shut them all down for a season. I never watch the news so I often relied on these sources to keep up with current events. Also, though sad to say, this way my primary way for making contact and connecting with old friends, new friends and my current circle of friends. Social Media had become a one stop shop for politics, sports, relationships, DIY projects and so on. I relied heavily on it to feel connected to the world. I found this troubling because it overstimulated me to the point of exhaustion and it also pulled me into what I call “the spin”.

The spin is the momentum created by the vacuum known as Social Media. These various platforms give all of us the ability to be who we want to be and not who we really are. You can edit and filter your life in an effort to manage the image and narrative that you desire to reflect. I found it overwhelming when trying to research the news content hot off the press. There were always so many versions of one story so I never felt comfortable with accepting anything as the truth. That made me skeptical of our government, our educational system, the food industry, our morals, and our freedoms.

I feel like nothing is real in the spin! I also felt that I was losing my ability to be real and honest about who I was in the spin. When I become passionate about something I feel the need to blog it in a post. I like to be humorous and witty while dropping some knowledge. Honestly, it was just another opinion but it was my platform to share it. So it empowered me to speak my truth. But I found myself hoping that people would like it, share it and engage me. I remember editing things that may offend certain friends and followers. I wanted to seem mutual and diplomatic. I wanted everyone to be happy with me. I’m a 35 year old woman and honestly I just wanted to be liked. How silly but it was true! I’m a fully grown adult and I am seeking validation from people who do not know me and they do not add anything to me. But I was sucked in by the spin and I needed affirmation from its inhabitants. I changed who I was online to fit the idea of who I wanted people to see me as. I was spinning my life and reputation and I am already pretty incredible. 😬

In the word of God, I am affirmed through the cross of Christ and the many powerful promises that were laid out for me. I’m reminded that I am made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26). Not only that, He made me fearfully and wonderfully (Psalm 139:14). I was carefully crafted. I’m instructed to guard my heart because out of flows the issues of life (Psalm 4:23). Unplugging is necessary. For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. (Galatians 5:1 ESV). Slavery for me is being a people pleaser. Attempting to morph into something that makes everyone comfortable and that everyone can like. Social Media aka The Spin is not a bad thing at all, that’s not what I’m saying. I need to see those cute babies and hilarious videos on my feed! But, when I personally begin to compare my life to the filtered life of others and I have to craft an image of myself that makes people like or agree with me then I too deep in it. That is weight and sin that I need to lay aside. (Hebrews 12:1). It can be too much at times so I made the choice to put a pin there to work on relationships, discipleship and community. To focus on Christ and allow him to work out all of insecurities and hang ups. The gospel affirms me and is life giving, I don’t need anything else to make me amazing. Christ died for me and for you!

Father,

I’m prone to wander away from you and your word. I’m easily impressed by this world and I loose sight of eternity. Thank you for being so patient and faithful. I give you my heart, take and seal it. Seal it for thy courts above.

Amen!

#Holidays #Islands #Travel