There’s a lot about social media nobody told us.
For example, telling somebody Happy Birthday online is quick and easy.
Until you find yourself hovering over the Post or Send key.
Wondering if that person’s still alive or not.
And you’re engulfed in a tsunami of feelings and questions.
My hope and prayer is that moments like that will drive us to be more intentional about living into Romans 12:5 —
Though we are many,
we are one body in Christ,
and we are all joined to each other.
— Social media makes it easier than ever to do what a commercial from 1987 advised —
— Take time today to do that with at least one person you care about today.
And then reach out to someone else tomorrow.
And then another on the next day.
Repeat.
And spend less time wondering about the people you care about.
Because you’ll know about them.
“Do you believe in the afterlife, Audrey?”
“I think so.”
“Well, you know what? I’ve had to learn the scientific explanation for just about everything: evolution, and genetics, and —”
[interrupting] “So you don’t believe?”
“No, I do. I really, really do.”
“What? Because of science?”
“No, because of what science can’t explain. It’s like our brain is just meat and electricity, but where does the consciousness come from? I mean, we’re so much more than that! I really think there is so much more for us after we’re gone.”
— Haven, S4E13
Jason Henry wrote this —
Whatever you believe about returning to in-person activities, always post with love, patience, and compassion. Remember that you have dear brothers and sisters in Christ who are afraid for their lives, their finances, their freedoms, and their family members. Don’t compare the other side to Hitler or imply that they are murderers, cowards, or mindless sheeple.
Remember that as Christians, we are called to lay down our pride, our rights, and even our lives for the good of others.
“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.
”Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
”Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another.
”Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:10-21
—- Joe here. With the prevalent and often vehement diversity of opinion about when churches should “open up again” I am grateful for the wisdom of our Bishop in this.
Furthermore, the connectional nature of our denomination mandates that we follow that guidance.
With grace.
H.A.L.T. if you’re Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or
Tired.
These four basic states affect life in a big way. They can be particularly challenging in combination. We’ve all been the “hangry version” of ourselves and it isn’t pleasant for anyone. Checking in with yourself using HALT can be good preventative medicine. Do you really need to tell that person what you think? Right now?
These tips are the foundation of self-care. For those in recovery, paying attention to HALT can prevent dips in mood that prompt returns to drug use. For those weathering a pandemic, they’ll help us keep it together so that we can be there for our friends and family. You can’t pour from an empty cup, so take care of your own needs first.
“Love your neighbor as yourself,” says Christ Jesus in Mark 12:30.
The assumption is that you love yourself.
Enough to take care of yourself today?
Normal is just a setting on the dryer.
Provided you’re following CDC guidelines, there’s no “right” way to do a pandemic. This is a totally new scenario for almost all of us. It’s okay to be very anxious, or not anxious at all. It’s okay to wear pajamas all day, do yoga at midnight, and eat pancakes for dinner. If you’re keeping yourself and others safe and working (at any pace) toward your own wellbeing, you’re doing great.
“Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” — Philippians 2:12
What’s that mean for you today?
Gratitude is an action word.
Remembering what we still have and the ways in which we’re fortunate can be a great buffer against hardship. Those early in recovery sometimes struggle to break free of the assumption that “everything is awful.” Listing things to be grateful for challenges that assumption and encourages perseverance.
Gratitude is an open-hearted, feel-good emotion that can supersede fear and prevent catastrophizing. When we are grateful for what we have, it inspires us to pass it on. Want to get started? Write a letter to someone you appreciate. Send it. Try listing out what you are grateful for. The benefits of gratitude accumulate over time, so try making it a regular practice!
“In everything give thanks.” — 1st Thessalonians 5:18
That word “everything” means “everything.”
And for you today, it means….?
“In God and science we trust.”
— Rev. Sarah Lund, friend and Senior Pastor of the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Indianapolis
