Tag Archives: Social Media

Please Take Care

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It’s election day. A day of democracy, a day of anxiety, and unfortunately a day filled with fear and hurtful if not hateful rhetoric.

I voted today. I posted a picture on Instagram and Facebook. I had funny tweets about my time standing in line at the polls. I used hashtags.

I took seriously my civic duty, my right as an American citizen of age, I voted. More importantly I took time to read and to prayerfully discern candidates and their platforms, the ballot initiatives for my state and city. As an active, involved Catholic, I formed my conscience. And regardless of the outcome of this day, I find comfort in my faith and knowledge that I did not go against my conscience.

I am sitting here now re-watching for the millionth, okay that’s an exaggeration it’s only my fourth, time the first season of The West Wing, I find myself wrapped up in the world of Aaron Sorkin’s mind trying to find just the right balance of wit, charm, and snark to draft a tweet about Sam Seaborn and Ainsley Hayes, and their fictional (and I believe winnable) presidential campaign. Alas I know that this is not reality, because I keep checking my social media and I am yet again reminded that the rose-colored glasses of good television writing can only be my escape for so long.

So far social media has been overwhelmingly positive, an out pouring of encouragement for people to get to the polls, to go and vote, to exercise their rights and freedoms. I love this. Because I love humanity, granted I can be as cynical as the next person, but at the end of the day I can see the hope and the possibilities that humanity can accomplish. At the end of most days I am optimistic.

My faith gives me that optimism. My faith reminds me that I am a part of this creation, that I am created with and for dignity and that it is my job to make sure that others know that they are loved and created for more. I try to do that everyday, though I know I don’t always succeed. That’s okay I keep trying. On a day like today nothing is more important to me than that.

…and everything was going so well, that is until a little while ago. I’ve started to see the ugly permeate my newsfeed, some of it I can shake off because (unfortunately) it is a part of the news cycle. Some of it however, hurts me deeply. Why? Because it is judgement masked as truth.

I believe in sharing the truth and I honor other’s opinions, it the beauty of our God given free will. What I don’t believe in is using truth to shame others or belittle their thoughts and opinions.

So to my Catholic and Christian friends please don’t tell people that they are not Catholic or Christian if they vote for “so and so,” you do not know their hearts, minds, or consciences, and it is not your job to know. That’s between them and God. I am not suggesting you agree with them, that’s far from the point. I appreciate your voice, I appreciate that you are on fire for Christ and want to share the Gospel. But please take care to not belittle the teachings of Christ by telling others what does and does not make them followers of Him.

Choose to love them. Not in spite of their beliefs and choices, but simply because they are created by God. They are valued by Him and as such should be valued by you.

I don’t need to know who you voted for and why, because it’s none of my business, and more importantly it won’t make me treat you any differently.

I respect and love you too, and ask for your forgiveness on the days when I forget to value and respect you as you should be treated, as a child of God.

Take care of each other today and everyday.

Positively Powerful

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YOU! Yeah you! STOP right there. I see that status update you’re preparing. You’re about ready to tell the world you’re giving up Facebook for Lent. That’d be cool if it wasn’t the 5th straight year you’ve done it. I have a challenge for you. Come closer dear reader and let’s see if I can’t help you out.

Lent starts tomorrow. Try to keep your audible groaning to yourself. I like Lent. I know what you’re thinking, “What? Who in their right mind likes fasting, and no meat on Fridays and the overall somber-ness of Lent?!” I would argue two things: first, since when have I ever been in the “right mind” by most people’s standards? Two, Lent is what you make of it.

Lent is what you make of it. It really is that simple. You want it to be somber? Great, be somber, there’s a time for that in everyone’s life. I’m currently in a place where I like my Lent to be joy-filled. So I’ll tell you what, I let you in on one key way my Lent is happy (and even a little easy). Here’s what I won’t do, give you a lecture on the meaning of Lent. For that you have to attend my high school faith formation gatherings.

I’ve been a member of the Facebook community for a little over 10 years. What? Was Facebook even around ten years ago? Does the “You have memories from this day,” feature even go back that far? Yes, Facebook has been around that long, and no the memory feature did not go back that far, until about December of 2015. But those are worries and questions for another time, we are here to talk about Lent. In my time on Facebook I have discovered something so simple and yet mighty, the power of positive posting. You want people to “Like” and Comment on your posts? Try being positive, try saying something nice. Try moving the focus away from yourself. Stop the emotional word vomit that ends up on your status when you’re having a bad day. Be intentional, be thoughtful, be kind, add pictures and quotes and prayers. Trust me, it works. The pen of positivity can be mightier than the sword.

I have taken it upon myself, over the last couple of months, to dive back into my Facebook history. You’re welcome. It wasn’t super pleasant, bad jokes were made, pictures appeared, it’s like a middle school year book all over again. It was a rabbit hole I went down in search of an answer to the question, “what have I put into the world that was the most well received?” The answer, positivity. My most liked, shared, and commented on posts are the ones where I tell a story about the kid using the baptismal font to wash off his Ash Wednesday ashes, or when I post a picture of my parents on their anniversary wishing them another 36 years of marriage, when I post pictures and compliment my friends on the fantastic humans that they are for their birthdays, or better yet, just because I feel like it. And even when I post a picture of myself with 13 less inches of hair, and explain my choice to donate to those in need, positivity reigns supreme.

So here it is, my Lenten social media secret. Don’t fast from social media be intentional on social media, be positive on social media…

Here I made you a list of Lenten Challenges:

            • Limit your time on social media (1 hour a day)
            • Be intentional about your time, only read articles or posts that will lead you toward holiness.
            • Be a social media evangelist. Post one scripture verse, or spiritual reflection a day.
            • Don’t be a troll or engage in arguments. Positive comments only.
            • Post at least one compliment a day. Tag a friend.
            • Positive Posts Only!
            • Only post about other people (positive).
            • It’s okay to be funny, funny draws people in, but be kind and be genuine.
            • Ask for prayer intentions (and then pray with them). Seriously, you never know who will reach out because they need prayers, it’s beautiful and amazing.
            • DON’T GIVE UP! Sometimes we mess up. That’s cool. Shake it off. Keep going.

I hope this challenges and inspires you at least to be more aware of your own presence on social media. Even if you’re not religious and don’t acknowledge Lent, I hope you take some of these to heart, spread love, joy, and happiness, and watch your newsfeed become a more positive place. Happy Lent and good luck!