So the pope has decided that his old age is now becoming detrimental to his job as head of the Catholic church - brave call indeed. And as his papal highness steps down, many of my Christian friends decide to give up their social networks for Lent (a period in the church calender for giving up stuff - Google it for more correct info). It seemed (to me at least) that Lent is slowly becoming the new New Years resolutions, something many have given up as previous (unsuccessful) attempts have taught them not to try that again. But over the past few years, I have seen friends giving up stuff for Lent in a habit close to the aforementioned resolution attempts.
My tone of writing might give you the idea that I do not endorse this, and you would be right. Not that I am against people giving up stuff, making them stronger in the process (although they seem to pick it up 40 days later at the same speed and time-intensity as they left it). I am not against it - how could I be in this tolerant society of ours and as a 'good Christian', valuing others. Maybe I am just a little jealous of their resolve, their temperament, their strength, their ability to stick to something like that, no the real reason I am somewhat perturbed (such a nice word - perturbed) about this is the reduced presence of Christian witness on Social media during, what I call (to use a Miranda-ism) a Christian festival, isn't it ironic. Of course some do have to let everyone know first, what's that all about. Making a really big song and dance of the fact that they are signing off for 40 days (but do ask me for my phone number / email address so we can stay in touch -REALLY !?!) Wouldn't it be better to quietly just leave it for 40 days (or however long you might survive without) and see if people miss our online presence - that would truly be a measurement of the impact upon onlookers and social network visitors (ranty bit over).
My lovely wife has a different approach (but then, she is not a great social media user). During this season of heightening our Spiritual awareness, re-addressing our relationship with the loving Father (not the one in Rome who stepped down), my wife decides to ADD something during the time of Lent. In previous years it took the shape of learning a whole Psalm of by heart. Last night she shared however that last year wasn't as successful as the year before - but as in all these attempts - it's the thought that counts. Now THAT I could subscribe to during Lent - the thought that counts. Making it a time to think more upon that which is holding me back, that which is aiding me in my growth, that which is making me feel His pleasure, that which saddens Him that loves me.
So there you have it, make of it what you want - and however you decide to celebrate Lent, be Blessed as to enable you to be a blessing to others.
some interesting thoughts Erik :) can see where you're coming from. however, after umming and ahhing over our convo last night, I've decided to stick to my original plan of giving up facebook... this is because I know, without it, I will spend more time focusing on God and other things that are important instead of scrolling down ny newsfeed (a habit that to my shame has taken over my morning quiet times and is the last thing I do before I go to sleep, often keeping me up later than ny body wants me to be up).
ReplyDeleteyes, social networks are a great way to witness to others, but unless we have that intimate relationship with God, which for ne is sadly is being lost due to social networks, we can not be the whole hearted, enthusiastic witnesses that we should be.
And yes, I will be back on facebook after lent, but having spent that time rebuilding my relationship to a stronger one again, I will be able to come back and witness in a newway that night have more of an impact to someone than if I'd stayed online the whole time, writing about God every now and again...
and asking for people's emails... there are a lot of people, dancers for exanple, who I only keep in touch will over facebook, and don't necessarily want to give my mobile number to them. We still need to have some form of contact, to be able to arrange where, when and how we're getting to a dance, and doing it over email will mean I get the basic info and say in what's going on, without having the temptation of just scrolling down ny newsfeed and reading rubbish...
hope that makes some sort of sense. just lent from another point if view :)
Have a blessed lent, however you chose to spend it, and I shall see you Sunday :)
thanks for the open and honest reply Hannah, appreciated, looking forward to you coming back stronger.
ReplyDeleteGood thoughts, but if I may capriciously pursue a complete tangent, the white on black theme made my eyes go a bit funny. I think I would have preferred your article in friendlier hues. That's all! Good to read it though, keep going!
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