Behind the Screen

We use social media in hope that it will deepen our lives but what if it really causes it to be more shallow.  This is coming from the guy that was and occassionally battles with a social media addiction.  I mean facebook, instagram, snapchat (at one point) were the very things that seemed to take hours of my day.  Social media in and of itself is not really a bad thing, however I realize that it can sometimes be a facade of our unsatisfiable reality.  

For example, maybe you have been keeping up with my posts on Palau.  Posted throughout my different accounts wether it be facebook or instagram, is not necessarily my full authentic experience.  Now don't get me wrong, I am loving my time here and the ministry taking place, but behind the screen there are tiring nights, frustrating patients, and character building days taking place.  Mission work is not all about scuba diving, and riding on motorcycles.  You learn things about yourself that frustrate you.  Whether it be your lack of organization, irritability towards patients, and the list goes on.  However, you probably won't see that side of me on social media now will ya.  I'm not saying that you should post every single detail about your life on social media (you probably know a person that does this) but don't let social media become a means of putting away reality.  

For some people, life can really kick you to the curb, and the only thing we have to make it seem like everything is ok is our accounts.  But deep inside maybe you're struggling, and that's okay.  Recognize that and find rest in the Lord.  I've seen patients with anxiety who refuse to allow anyone to know the things that they are dealing with.  They fear that if anybody has the slightest idea that they are not okay, they will literally shut down.  However, part of recovery is recognition.  Once again, I'm not saying that everyone on social media is struggling, however if it is becoming a false reality, covering all the struggles in life, I encourage you to find it in the one who really is the healer.  Better then the amount of likes and comments a post gets, is the satisfaction found in Jesus.  I'll be the first to testify. Blessup!

“Humble thyself in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up. James 4:12”