[two-thousand and seventeen]

2017.

It's so weird to think we're almost at 2020. I saw this meme that said, when I think of 30 years ago, I still think of the 70's! So true.

What an interesting day & age we live in. Our society is immersed with politics, human rights, social justice, social media, and within all of those things, major hot button issues that are consistently the topic of heated discussions and debates. To exacerbate the subjects more---enter stage right, Facebook: the platform where people will say practically anything to prove their point, regardless of how cruel, inhumane or calloused their statements may be.

Sometimes I feel legitimately ill when I feel the need (for whatever reason) to read through streams and streams of peoples comments. The crazy thing is, remarks that are hurtful and hateful don't even have to be exclusively for political or hot button issues! It's appalling. Comments could be about a company advertising a product, and leave it to someone... you will hear of a person (or 50!) filled with bitterness and resentment if their order wasn't taken care of in a timely fashion or it took too long to ship to them.

My point?

Decency, decorum and civility towards the general public and in relationships in general, has completely gone out the window. The human condition has worsened and the plight our world finds itself immersed in now, is a population of painfully selfish, unloving and hardened people.

I've heard it said, "Oh, Facebook isn't real life. It doesn't really matter what's happening on there, or what's being said..." etc. etc. And, while I see where they're coming from with that statement, since I grew up without FB and in SUCH a different society, still, the sad truth is that this "social media life" is VERY real to the generation being raised now. They're learning from a young age the degrading of others publically who disagree with their viewpoints, or putting people down for not being the same as them; and they are seeing that this behavior is widely accepted and even okay.

We applaud young people who take a stand for their rights or causes, while they relentlessly defend their viewpoints till verbal bloodshed. Our tongues have become swords which cut and tear people to the heart, only, it's on FB, so it's not real. But, that simply isn't the truth. The rubble we're left with after each online altercation, are people who are cut down internally, and turn around and do the exact same thing to the next person who comes along to rectify their hurt feelings.

We can't ignore how prominent this social media world has become in our society. We can't ignore the repercussions of the ways people choose to implement their arguments and needs through this medium.

Any maybe you're not one of the people who I'm talking about. Certainly I know that not each and every person on FB acts this way. But, when I see the numbers of those who do act indecently, it tells me there is a true epidemic. And it is daunting to think of how to protect my heart and the hearts of my future children against this. I don't want to become this zoned out shell of a person, and I certainly would never want that for any of my loved ones.

Maybe it's time to stand up and say it's time to unplug. We, as a society, need to make real connections with friends we see in the physical form, with our eyes. Friends we can reach out and hug after a meaningful conversation. Hell, even just talking to someone at the grocery store!! Look into someone's eyes! Just CONNECT. Make a real, human connection with another person in our human race. And be genuine.

Be better. Rise above what and who society wants us to be. Rise above trends, comparing, judging.

I'm preaching to myself on levels here too. But in my heart of hearts, I know this is a real issue in our society these days, and I want to be a champion for changing that. I want to be different. It doesn't mean FB is inherently evil, or it's wrong to be on there, that's ignorant and untrue. But, if it's not making me a better person, what is it doing? Making me more judgey? Maybe a little less satisfied with who I am because I don't always measure up? Maybe it makes me sad because I constantly see the devastation we cause ourselves in this world?

It could be all of those things. But, for me. I know I can't be caught up in it any longer.

I am aware that this is just one of those really big personal revelation moments, and most people won't feel as strongly or as passionate as I do on the topic! So please forgive me if you feel like I am putting anything on you personally that isn't true of you! That's not my intention!

I just need to renew the culture of my heart within. Connect to Jesus. Connect to His people. And those who aren't His yet. Rant over.