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We live in a “Jump on the
bandwagon” culture of distraction. I’m sorry, but the truth is it doesn't
matter what race, color, religion, lifestyle or gender we are....we are all
just one mistake away from becoming just another infamous hashtag. I scroll through my news feeds on Twitter or Facebook
and have to admit, I get a little cranky sometimes. I’m not refering the
cute or funny images intended to brighten your day or make us laugh. I love to
see videos of people making positive changes, photos of family and friends, and
the inspiring post to that may help to lighten the load of a burdened friend in
need of an uplifting message. I’m talking about the violent videos, the one
sided news flashes, or the messages that convey hatred, anger or just plain
lies. Too many of us are manipulated by the latest hashtag campaigns and flashy
pictures that deliver a false sense of camaraderie. Seriously folks!! Posting random videos, caricatures, or
statements you just happen to run across on your social media site because it
looks good and initially may seem like you agree doesn’t change anything
really, and it doesn’t truly help anyone! Change won't come with anger and hate or posting
commentaries aimed at misleading
individuals. There are always two sides to every story, whether you are willing
to admit that or not. Hate only breeds
more hate. Love and concern for all humanity can make the changes necessary
to turn things around. People need to
educate themselves and do the real work of starting in their own communities
and working to change things and inspire people in their own backyards.
I see so many people complaining about the issues of the day
and not really doing anything about it. I witness every day well intentioned individuals
unknowingly promoting racism, hatred and ignorance. I have a news flash for
some of you. All white people aren’t
racist, all black people aren’t thugs, all the poor aren’t lazy and uneducated,
all Christians aren’t fanatical loons and just because someone is wealthy doesn’t
mean they are evil or greedy!!
Where is the real revolution? I can promise you won’t find it on your
computer screen following the mindless dribble put out there by small-minded
people with a hidden agenda. Don’t’ get me wrong, social media can be a good
thing…..and raises awareness on a number of social issues; it can bring about a fast and powerful movement. But
the dark side of those movements is that too much background is ignored,
hidden, misrepresented and limits any real action. We have
all fallen victim at times to the latest frenzy of information overload at one
time or another. NO one is immune. But we
all have the ability to step back from the hype and think for ourselves,
examine the facts and then act in a way that inspires others to join us in a
movement towards a rebirth of the Spirit. It feels like we are living in the days of Judges again where so many do what they think is right in their own eyes. We tend to reflect our own righteousness and not the righteousness of Jesus.
What is the change that really needs to happen? Where are
the stories of people actually making a difference for the good of all mankind?
Do you want to spark a change in society? Do you want your voice to be heard
and respected and to be the movement for real transformation? Or do you just want to be another annoying
voice among the crowd of sheep being lead to the slaughter?
If you want to make a
change, then do the real work my friend. Talk to your elders, listen to the
voice of those who are peaceful, spirit-filled and have proven themselves to be
real leaders. Study the politicians, look at both sides, write your
congressmen, (do you know who they are?)
speak at your church or community centers. Find out the truth for yourself!! Come on folks……there are plenty of us however too many aren’t’
really doing anything but staring at computer screens or phones, looking to sharing the
latest diversion. Get out and interact,
be creative, pray for a spirit of understanding and compassion, connect with
people instead of provoking them into mindless drama-queen blither, disguised
as real dialogue about the important issues of the day.
There’s a lot of hard work out there to be done.but I have faith in My Father in Heaven and, in the goodness that lies within each of us. I truly believe we need to focus on the bigger picture, and remember that
the greatest gift we can bestow upon our children for the future is the ability
to be mindful – to pay attention to the things and to the people that are
actually around us. Volunteer at a shelter, talk with a troubled teen, host meetings
to discuss the needs of your community
and putting a plan into action or organize a fund raising for those less fortunate both in and out of our communities. There
are a multitude of things we can do that actually CAN make a difference.
So what are you going to do? There is a quote from a favorite movie of mine
that says, “Get busy living or get busy dying”.
Let me change that a little and set a new challenge before you : “Get
busy living or stay busy distracted-- dying---in front of your computer---while the world
falls apart around you”. Which will you do?
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