Group Texts and Mass Tragedy
If you don't live under a rock, you know that a lot of chaos has been happening in our world lately. School shootings, neighborhood shootings, political nonsense, you name it. And as things normally go when mass atrocities take place, people have flocked to social media. As a quick side note, I have an equal hatred/guilt for social media debates on hot topics. I believe they accomplish absolutely nothing. People's emotions are heightened and there is a propensity to believe you can say whatever you want over the internet. I also have guilt, because it is so difficult for me to stay out of these debates.
Anyways, I could go on and on about my hatred for starting fights on Facebook that solve nothing and how I believe Christians need to stay the heck out of judgmental social media, but I'll hop off my soap box. Because as tragedy ensues and tough conversations need to be had, I've realized how truly blessed I am.
I'm in a group text. I know, "blessed" and "group text" usually don't walk together. In fact, group texts usually get lumped in with "obnoxious," "unwanted," and "PLEASE LORD MAKE IT STOP." But I'm in a group text with four other individuals I greatly respect and admire. Not one of us has an identical worldview or perspective. Some are Christians, some are not. A few liberal, a few conservative. A large percentage of our conversations consist of ruthless sarcasm and gentle bullying. However, when it comes to difficult and vulnerable issues, we come together and have meaningful conversation. We discuss our viewpoints, we learn new things from each other, and we don't get rude or offensive. At the end of the day, we have an underlying respect for one another, which sets the tone for dialogue.
One thing I've seen in scrolling through Facebook the past week is not everyone has that. Not everyone has a space where they can truthfully discuss their point of view with those who don't agree and come out of the conversation loving each other. Not everyone keeps people in their lives who challenge their perspective. Not everyone takes a step back to critically analyze their own beliefs before jumping forward into something. In fact, not everyone has people who will respectfully disagree.
You guys, this is so important. It is crucial to have these people and have these discussions. If we can't come together as humanity (preferably somewhere other than Facebook), put down our pitchforks, and vulnerably discuss hard things without spewing hate, we are in dangerous territory. We have to start seeing the other side of the coin. Even if we don't agree with someone else, we must try to muster up the empathy to see where they are coming from.
So be that person. Find those people. Collect your tribe. Make sure they aren't all just like you. And have meaningful conversation. I am so beyond grateful for my people. And if you need somewhere to start, I'll even join your group text.
Anyways, I could go on and on about my hatred for starting fights on Facebook that solve nothing and how I believe Christians need to stay the heck out of judgmental social media, but I'll hop off my soap box. Because as tragedy ensues and tough conversations need to be had, I've realized how truly blessed I am.
I'm in a group text. I know, "blessed" and "group text" usually don't walk together. In fact, group texts usually get lumped in with "obnoxious," "unwanted," and "PLEASE LORD MAKE IT STOP." But I'm in a group text with four other individuals I greatly respect and admire. Not one of us has an identical worldview or perspective. Some are Christians, some are not. A few liberal, a few conservative. A large percentage of our conversations consist of ruthless sarcasm and gentle bullying. However, when it comes to difficult and vulnerable issues, we come together and have meaningful conversation. We discuss our viewpoints, we learn new things from each other, and we don't get rude or offensive. At the end of the day, we have an underlying respect for one another, which sets the tone for dialogue.
One thing I've seen in scrolling through Facebook the past week is not everyone has that. Not everyone has a space where they can truthfully discuss their point of view with those who don't agree and come out of the conversation loving each other. Not everyone keeps people in their lives who challenge their perspective. Not everyone takes a step back to critically analyze their own beliefs before jumping forward into something. In fact, not everyone has people who will respectfully disagree.
You guys, this is so important. It is crucial to have these people and have these discussions. If we can't come together as humanity (preferably somewhere other than Facebook), put down our pitchforks, and vulnerably discuss hard things without spewing hate, we are in dangerous territory. We have to start seeing the other side of the coin. Even if we don't agree with someone else, we must try to muster up the empathy to see where they are coming from.
So be that person. Find those people. Collect your tribe. Make sure they aren't all just like you. And have meaningful conversation. I am so beyond grateful for my people. And if you need somewhere to start, I'll even join your group text.
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