Ive struggled with whether to post this, for reasons that will become obvious, but I hope this message is taken in the spirit it is intended, so here goes: Ive been contemplating this morning the phrases You cant put the genie back in the bottle, and You cant unring a bell. Words matter. They can encourage. They can help. They can also hurt and destroy. They can rile people to unintended responses and action. They can cause bias. They can cause regret and division. The wrong words can spread like wildfire. This is why James 1:19 instructs Be quick to hear (a ready listener) slow to speak, slow to take offense and to get angry. In todays world, I take that to mean we should think before we speak, act, email, tweet or post. Today, words and images can go viral (a rather negative phrase, come to think of it). This is a powerful medium. I prefer to use its power for good, not harm. I have received such beautiful words of faith, prayer, support and praise through electronic media over the past year while recovering - I know Facebook can be good. Ive seen FB posts result in lost animals being found, homeless animals being adopted and funds raised for worthy causes. Ive seen beautiful, touching, and even hysterical videos. Stunning photos. Great articles. But because I strive daily to be a positive person and to guard my tongue - whether it be my words used in person or by keyboard - I avoid temptation. I do not engage in group FB discussions of intentionally hurtful or clearly controversial subjects or comment on photos or jokes that may even potentially be deemed inappropriate by others. At times, I -and others I know- have had to sign off Facebook for a period. Surely, I am not perfect, yet I try. I do share my personal testimony and inspiration, but I do not post judgments on others belief systems. I do post general grammar pet peeves, but I do not post correcting or calling out anyone individually. If I have ever inadvertently broken one of these self-imposed rules, I apologize. I invite you to address me privately if you believe so. If I fail to respond to a social media tag or post, or I say little in response, please know that I am trying to appeal to my better angels and follow my beliefs. I trust that my family, friends or colleagues who truly need my personal response on any post or other issue know how to contact me privately. Thanks for understanding.
Posted on: Thu, 11 Sep 2014 12:16:29 +0000