I saw a post today on a friends facebook page.
She was upset about something someone else did and shared her thoughts on her page. Soon after there were many comments backing her up. Cheering alongside her. Like an angry mob, they joined in her cause.
But here’s the thing. I didn’t agree with her.
I even started to write out a comment, simply pointing out that there was a different side to the coin…. but then I took a second, thought about it, and deleted it. What did I hope to accomplish? Would I start an ugly debate, and fuel the already angry flames?
And then I got to thinking. Really. Why do we have to be so mean to each other? Why do we come down on other parents when we don’t always know the whole picture? When we don’t fully understand. Sometimes I think we are so wrapped up in our own emotions that we don’t stop to think about how what we say can affect others. How it can hurt them.
The more I think about this, the more I can see past this particular incident and right into my very own heart, where I am mean. And judgmental. And critical. And harsh. Not always out in the open, but in my heart of hearts I can be ugly.
And yet, I feel a shifting. An awareness. A light bulb turning on. He’s revealing the ugly in me. Not to feel bad about it, or like there is no hope for me, but rather to set me free from the bondage of fear. And insecurity. And unforgivness. And judgment. And anger. Because that’s exactly what it is. A bondage. No one can be happy and angry at the same time. Full of joy and full of judgment at the same time. And which would we rather be…..?
This is my prayer today. For me. For you….. May we all be quick to listen. Slow to speak. Slow to become angry. (James 1:19)
Grace.
He’s there to cover all.
xoxo
I love Jesus, my guy Chris + our four. We seek joy. Homeschool. Adventure together. Mess up and start again.
Amen.
So true, Sara. I've always loved your heart but seeing this shift in you is such a beautiful, beautiful thing. Hugs friend!
first, your here. i haven't been here for a while (or on f.b. homepage) so i missed that you're here!
two months ago i was in the same spot as you in regards to a friends f.b. post.
i was so close to serving him a big fat piece of humble pie, but some proverb came to mind and caused me to bite my tongue (fingers). for me the "light bulb" that came on was to be slow to speak.
So, so good, Sara. I often spend a couple days praying before responding to something that touches me off on FB. We do need to speak in kindness and without pride. God is good to give me the words when I am patient to listen.
I feel the same way you do Sara! I am shocked at what so many think is OK to post on facebook. It's so easy to say mean things when we really should be speaking nice things!