I was going to do an instagram post or put this in my stories. But I couldn't put it into words. And then I knew it would be too many words for a short form post. And then I decided not to post. And then I felt a big tug to post. So I'm spilling out my thoughts because this is where I am.
Let me be abundantly clear. What happened last week was an abomination. It was despicable and horrible. Who honestly besides a small group of crazy people did NOT think it was awful??? I can't imagine who. I didn't post about it because first of all - I have made it a policy to not discuss politics or world issues EVER and I've stuck to that for 15 years. And I really didn't think anyone needed ME to tell them it was terrible.
But people take that as silence and indifference.
IT'S NOT.
I care very much actually.
I blog and post about my life and my family. I don't post about politics or current events. No one needs to hear my thoughts. I am so weary of hearing every person on earth voice their thoughts on every subject. I have to turn off social media because it's exhausting. I refuse to even open Twitter anymore. And the very people who get angry at me or others because we aren't posting and want us to post - probably wouldn't agree with what we post (I'm not talking about last week - I'm talking about in general). So all it would accomplish is for them to get angry or for them to want to argue with me. And life is too short to argue with strangers on the internet.
LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO ARGUE WITH STRANGERS ON THE INTERNET.
Can I put that on a t-shirt?
Everyone screams "tolerance" but the minute someone doesn't agree with them - even if they have been long term friends - they "unfollow" or "cancel". People can't separate person from issue. I follow SOOOOOOOOOOO many people that I don't agree with AT ALL. But I like them as human beings. And I listen to their thoughts and take them in. I don't have to agree with people to like them.
Like everyone else - I've been so saddened with all that has happened in the world over the last 12 months. But what I'm more sad about is the hate I see from everyone on both sides of all issues. Everyone says "do better" or "be kind humans" but IT'S NOT WORKING!!!! We clearly aren't.
I love to follow people on social media. I love seeing their homes and lives and families. I don't need to know their thoughts on every issue. I don't understand why people expect that. Some people wouldn't be happy unless I pulled up the news each morning and commented what I think on every story. And guess what? Everyone would be mad.
I'm not worried about popularity or numbers. In fact, if you follow me and think I should make political statements or think me praying or turning to Jesus is WRONG - then please PLEASE unfollow me. That would be best for everyone.
Honestly - the easy and "popular" thing for me to do is just post on everything. To make statements. That's EASY. And it's not really all that brave. I see people constantly making "statements" or posting and I know they aren't living that out in their actual life. They are just posting because everyone is posting. And they feel pressured. Sometimes the brave and hard thing to do is not post. To have the wisdom to keep your mouth shut. To take action where you are and not have to talk about it.
I'm looking to Jesus more than I ever have right now. He is the only thing that is true. He is my only Hope. He is the only "RIGHT answer". I read in Genesis this past week how before Noah built the Ark and God sent the flood that "God regretted He ever made man". I don't know if God feels that way right now but sometimes I do. This non stop fighting and hatred can NOT please Him.
We are living in hard and weird times. There are so many injustices and so many people suffering. I'm going to pray and do what I can privately to make a difference and I'm going to share small and happy things on the internet because that's my lane. And I'm not apologizing for that.
If you think I should talk about current issues more - there are a MILLION people on the internet doing just that! Please go follow them!
Frankly - I think we could all use a little more light and laughter. And if you don't agree with me - I get it! I'm not going to argue with you. I might argue with you that leggings are not pants, Instagram reels are awkward and Sonic has the best diet coke. But that's as far as I can go.
