Sharing Instead of Scrolling

Maybe it’s because I’m just getting older, but I feel like more and more people feel alone.

I think one of the big reasons is that we are constantly scrolling through other’s lives, and not taking the time to INVEST in relationships. We see what we aren’t, what we wish we were, and leave depleted, deflated, and our self-worth plummeting. And ultimately, ALONE.

What if instead of constantly scrolling through other’s lives via Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Pinterest, etc., we took the time for more face-to-face connections? I get it, screens are safe. We can talk to each other via social media, but we don’t really connect. We can stay safe, only share what we want, and do it with anger on our face because no one will see. We feel free to say something on social media, but not in person, and that’s deemed as okay by our culture. Really though, that is testing the Biblical waters. I know the Bible says to go to the person first, which in a sense that is, but I’m pretty certain Christ was meaning to go TO the ACTUAL person. I know, it’s vulnerable. It can be messy and ugly. But we need to step past the safe point and step out. We were designed for face-to-face and heart-to-heart.

My friend, we need each other. Our hearts crave connection – that is how God wired us. Look at Jesus! He had his inner circle, his disciples, and those he served. Christ modeled this idea for us. But we need to be willing to allow people into our lives. To open up about our struggles. To ask the hard questions. To silence the world around us and invest in the real relationships that God has given us.

Now let me say this too. If someone connects with me via Facebook messenger for example, I’m not saying don’t say “hi”! I have connections with friends both near and far, and can keep in touch with them, thanks to social media. I’m not saying shut them out. In fact, I am friends with a dear mentor of mine who lives on the other side of the country, and she is one of the biggest cheerleaders in my life! And I have never officially met her. Which I pray happens one day, but until then, we will invest via Facebook Messenger!

What I’m trying to get at, is reach out to those lasting and investing relationships that have a lasting impact. Not just the friends you scroll through everyday. Yes, you know them, but do they really know your heart? What makes you tick? What fills you with joy? What tugs at your heart strings? THOSE relationships are worth investing in. Reach out to someone. Let them into your life.

Take the time to SHARE and not just SCROLL.