Kim Wilbanks

Remember when Facebook was fun?

My favorite thing about it was connecting and re-connecting with family and friends. I also enjoyed collecting the pieces of flair – I miss that!

It is a great way to communicate with friends and family near and far and international friends I have met over the years. I look forward to seeing the latest photographs of nature my good friends post.  I enjoy experiencing people’s travels through their photos.  It is a great tool for communicating with various groups in which I am involved.  The inspirational memes do much to brighten my day.   And of course, there are all of the corgi posts. 

What I do not enjoy is the increasing negativity, and we are all guilty – black, white, blue, Republican, Democrat, believer, non-believer, liberal, conservative, gay, straight.  Everyone has an opinion about everything and all are anxious to spew thoughts out, often with little regard for whose feelings fall under the verbal steamroller.  Seriously, do we really need to share every single thought that pops into our brains?

I was especially discouraged yesterday.  I was ready to throw in the towel on this whole social media thing.  I was longing for the days BI (before internet).  But then I realized that was not practical.  As a communicator, I need this tool. 

My day unfolded in an interesting way which led me to come up with a list of things to do when social media gets you down.

1. Turn off the words and get into The Word.  The first thing I did was remove Facebook from my iPhone.  I have been in the habit of mindlessly scrolling through while waiting.  I have a Bible app on my phone.  I’m going to make a good effort to turn to that instead.
2. Fellowship with others.  It’s great to connect with friends and family on Facebook but so much better to connect in person when possible.  I spent a lovely couple of hours at a luncheon with fellow MOPS Mentor Moms and young mothers.  My spirits were lifting.
3. Honor someone.  After the luncheon, I attended the memorial service for the husband of one of my Bible study teachers.  It was heartwarming to hear the eulogies from family and friends.  He was a godly man, so while it is sad that he is gone, there is rejoicing because we know he is with the Lord.  Take advantage of opportunities to honor others.
4. Be kind to yourself.  Take a walk or a nap.  Get a manicure.  Read a book.  I happened to have a hair appointment.  It was nice to simply relax for an hour.
5. Be of service to someone.  Find something to do for someone else.  Volunteer in a ministry.  My church prepares and serves a meal two nights a week for anyone who is hungry.  My husband and I ended our day sharing a meal with a table full of appreciative people.

It is a turbulent time in our country and excessive media attention can be overwhelming.  Sometimes you need to step back and re-evaluate your social media involvement.  I know I did.