My husband made a post on Facebook that simply said he was home sick from work with our 9 year old daughter, who was also sick, and that they watched the inauguration together. He said it was great to witness history happening with her, and that he would be praying for our new President. And then a "friend" of his started attacking him. We still are scratching our heads as to why he was attacking. Nothing my husband said was particularly stating that he was either pro-Trump or anti-Trump. It was history. Period. And we were both happy that our daughter got to witness it live!
Not only did the attack on my husband start (including saying there was no way he was a man of God), but the "friend" also attacked our friends! One of which is a woman in her 70s, he said her Mother must have not raised her right. (Her Mother is dead, not really a classy thing to do.) Of course he had no idea who he was talking to. And usually that is the case when friends attack their friend's friends on Facebook. You don't know their background! You don't have a clue who you are attacking! And usually, you just sound plain foolish in the end.
After the inauguration there was a Woman's March all across the US. Women stated why they marched, others stated why they didn't. Then things got ugly on one of my own posts between some of my friends! It is such a horrifying thing to be the hostess of such an ugly conversation. I bemoaned how I wish I could state my views without being attacked, or in the midst of a debate. But then, yes, this is what happens on social media. Every post opens yourself up to an opposing opinion, as much garnering a "like." And I have to come to terms with that reality. Not everyone is going to just scroll by and ignore it if they don't like what they read. (And I don't mind a statement of opinion that is different than mine, it's about the delivery more than the fact that we believe differently that bothers me. And cussing at my friends isn't something that makes me very happy either. You can keep that language and behavior on your own wall, thank you.)
As Trump started sending out executive orders and making changes, the posts kept getting more and more heated. It became "unsafe" to make any political statement, or to post something that had anything to do with politics in any shape or form. Unsafe, meaning you couldn't make any statement without opening yourself up to criticism or debate.
This past week I had to log off of Facebook a couple times. I left, came back, left again. I was trying to figure out how to navigate all of this negativity and how to combat it. In the end I decided to choose joy.
This is how I choose joy:
#1 Don't post politically charged posts. I chose to take a break from 1/28-2/28 in order to make my page focused on more positive topics.
#2 When I do start to post anything politically related again, after 2/28, be prepared for the negative comments and choose to not respond. Just let it go. Or opt to not post, if I am not in the mood for it.
FYI... The Bible gives us clear direction on this (bottom line, it's best not to engage):
Proverbs 9:7-8 "Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse. Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you; rebuke the wise and they will love you."
Proverbs 18:2 "A fool does not delight in understanding, but only in revealing his own mind."
Proverbs 29:9 "When a wise man has a controversy with a foolish man, the foolish man either rages or laughs, and there is no rest."
1 Corinthians 3:19 "For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight."
#3 Focus on the joy I have in my faith in Jesus and share that with my friends! I like to encourage my friends. My faith brings me joy and hope! And I want that for you!
#5 Instead of focusing on the things I can't control in life, focus on what I can. And that is my reaction to them.
In the Bible we are given guidelines to find joy, Philipians 4:4-9:
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be obvious to everyone. The Lord is near.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things. Whatever you have learned and received and heard from me, and seen in me, put these things into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
I like how the Bible says to rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS, to pray, and provides a list of what to think about. And then the Bible promises peace in return!
And bottom line, let us remember this:
I choose joy! I choose peace! and I choose love!
God bless,
Anna
