Spew. Vent. Rant. No matter what you call it, at times we just feel the need to get something off our chests.
You've been there, right? Irritated by the behavior of someone to the point that you have to express it or explode!
Social media seems to be a popular place to blast such thoughts whether it be about friend, family or strangers. Oh my gosh!
Sometimes, I am hard pressed to keep my fingers off the keys. I so want to tell the person that their comment was out of line or TMI or... whatever wisdom I would like to impart pertaining to the ick displayed on my screen.
But I don't.
Out there in comments land anyway. I have felt compelled to send a private message/novel a time or two. Ultimately, though, I believe that old adage that goes if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all.
However... those of you who know me probably see what's coming, don't you?
Will it help to know I have a little grin on my face and not a scowl? Some information needs to be shared and I think this qualifies...
If no one ever broaches the subject, how is one ever able to see things from a different perspective?
In light of that, I'd like to put a couple of things out there.
1. Please, don't air your family differences on social media for all the world to see. The spouse/significant other blasts, whether cryptic or full-blown vicious, are the worst. And, yes, you may have family members or in-laws whose views differ from yours on every topic and their way of handling a situation may clash with yours at every turn.
But, come on now, when it's all said and done, you are family. Odds are things are going to get worked out, but those hurtful, negative words you wrote or spoke to everyone who would listen are out there for good.
2. If you are out in the world and see something someone is doing that is air-headed, rude, shocking, or even downright appalling, I'm curious to know how blasting this stranger is putting a positive spin on things.
Perhaps they are having a horrible day—or decade for all we know. Odds grow higher every day that they didn't have the privilege of being raised in a home that taught respect and values.
Maybe they are just rotten to the core, but, hey, when it gets right down to it, aren't we all? A bunch of broken people muddling about in the dark, most of which don't have a clue about how to truly light up their lives.
If you are a believer, maybe you could pray for the person right then and there... sure beats throwing up in your mouth a little for heaven's sake!
I'm pretty sure I actually rolled my eyes as I typed that phrase.
Not just because it's a super gross moment when it actually happens to me either! It's the context in which people use it when making a slam that I find most distasteful about the phrase.
Blech!
After your public rant, do you really feel better past the rush of "so there!" as you press enter?
Did it make a difference in resolving the situation positively for anyone or did it give others an opportunity to jump on your bandwagon adding a slam or two of their own? Building a sense of camaraderie, but at what cost?
There can be a problem with bandwagons. If the mob mentality (which can spread like wildfire) takes a negative spin, things can get out of control in a hurry!
By the way, I never expected to find a picture of a crashed bandwagon!* It surprised me there amongst all the happy, come along with us and life will be grand type of images.
Something else popped up, too, that wasn't an image at all, but I had the urge to click it.
Personally, I think it was a divine intervention (Yes, it does really happen.). It tied the adverse effect of mob mentality right to this particular bandwagon.
You should click it. It's a good read.
It caused me to think about this topic on a much larger scale.
But let's get back to our own little worlds for just a minute.
If we need to spew stuff, let's make sure we are expelling large quantities of (something) rapidly and forcibly that builds others up rather than tearing them down.
The clock is ticking! Time's going to reach its end. Instead of stirring up strife, let's strive to follow Paul's lead when he said:
And, hey, let's not just think about it. Let's put it out there on social media and beyond!
May we pray?
Father God,
Thank you for loving us so much. I pray that if there is one reading this that is seeking the truth, that they will bask in the glow of Your love this minute and realize it's from You.
And I know basking is good for believers, too, Father!
Fill us up with love so that we can't help but share it with those we meet. Whether they are lost or just beaten down to the point they feel there really is no hope, remind us to use our words in a way that lets a ray of Your light shine in the darkness.
It's because of Your Son, Jesus, that we have this hope. And, it is in His name we pray.
Amen
See you next time!
Love,
C
PS I know sometimes we seriously do need to talk about things that are going on in our lives that aren't pretty. Talking with a trusted friend goes a long way in helping us feel relief and keeps a lid on things.
Pray up about it, too, though. I believe that's truly our best recourse.
*Heroe's Destruction http://bucklesw.blogspot.com/2005/08/orton-bros-circus-1916-wrecked.html
Geyser Picture Courtesy freedigitalphotos.net