I have a couple thoughts on my heart that I really have to get out today. It has a lot to do with how we handle ourselves when there is a screen between us and the person we are talking to.

Years ago when people used to talk about how horrible social media was, and how it was like delving into a cess pool or third grade recess all over again I used to just shake my head and wonder where they got that idea. After all, we are all adults, so why cant we just act like some?

However, the longer I am on places like Facebook, with all the good things about it, the more that I see.

People are short tempered, forceful, arrogant, argumentative, hateful, judgemental, rude, uncaring, and intentionally offensive without thinking about the ramifications of how it affects the people they are interacting with, or the atmosphere of the page we are all on for our enjoyment.

Social media can either be a force for powerfully good things, or a source for pain and emotional distress for another human being.

What choice are you making?

I say this because, in all honesty, I have been guilty of the same thing. While I try to always set my goal at speaking with grace and love, sometimes people get so far under your skin that you say things you regret later….and it is waiting there with a blinking cursor to remind you of what you have done every time you go back to it.

What if we all just decided that third grade was past and it was time to move on?

What if we all decided that what people wanted to think, or do, or say, or pursue, within reason, was their business? Does this mean we have to agree or celebrate it with them?

Absolutely not.

In fact, I have been blessed over the years to have some fabulous conversations with people who are intellectually and politically diametrically opposed to my own viewpoint. We are still friends.

I guess I am just saying all of this because it is time we decided to stop the nonsense. We need to act like adults and choose to set an example. If you see someone speaking in hatred or without grace towards someone else, show them love and firmness. Name calling, etc should never be tolerated.

And if you find yourself in the position that YOU are the one being maligned, attacked or hurt, respond as much as you can with grace. The words you say in anger can not only burn bridges, but destroy life long relationships.

I know because I have been there. Lived it. Just take the high road, even if it costs you.

Choose grace.

Choose to agree to disagree.

Choose strength through mercy.

Blessings to you and yours,

~Heather <3