Impressive. Twenty-six
“Likes” in the first seven minutes meant that my post was hitting the
mark. I kept clicking the stats and with
each new “like” I experienced a feeling of pleasure. I must admit the satisfaction of success is a
very addictive feeling.
Two years ago I was having
a delightful conversation with my daughter Michelle, and with a sparkle in her
eyes she said: “Mom I not only love you, I really like you.” Those simple words
rocked my world. There is an intrinsic need in all of us to know there is
something within us that is likeable.
Over the past year I have
been inundated with friends, colleagues, companies and people I’ve never even
heard of, asking me to “like” their Facebook page. I am more than happy to
“like them but I plead ignorance with regard
to the value of this new social media trend.
I fully comprehend our
need to know that our written words have an impact. It is a writer’s greatest
passion and fulfillment to know that we are making a concrete difference in
people’s lives, breaking down barriers and leaving a substantial difference in
this present age. But most of it is now done through social media and here is
where my tension lies. “Is our social
media obsession and validation more important than human interaction and
affirmation?” Writers sit behind their most valuable tool-a computer screen.
I am familiar with this occupation. When
I am writing a book or a new Bible Study guide, I become consumed with my
computer and technology. I sheepishly confess that there were weekends when I
got out of bed, turned on my computer to “write just a few words” and found
myself in that same position twelve hours later.
I mentor an outstanding woman
in Virginia who has written the book called THE
DIGITIAL INVASION, How Technology is Shaping You and Your Relationships.[i]
Her words in this book have caused me to examine the amount of time I spend on
my computer, doing research or posting blogs and articles. The author, Sylvia Frejd
makes it clear that we are living in a decade of technology that has the potential
danger of creating isolation and loneliness.
The past year has been a
difficult journey as I struggled to juggle my career, speaking/writing ministry
and care for my mother. When I buried my mother on December 6, 2013, I was made
acutely aware of the importance of sharing our lives with other people. How crucial it is to laugh together, share
deep intimate stories, examine our passions and dreams, pray for one another
and learn to really “like” each other. I
love writing, blogging, sharing posts on Facebook, twitter and LinkedIn. Yet,
at the end of the day it is words that we say to each other that will truly
impact our existence. Words like:
·
You’re a good
mother.
·
I saw what you
did back there…that was awesome.
·
How can I help
you?
·
I hear you’re
going through a hard time. Can I come by and pray with you?
Because of the struggles I
experienced this past year, I deliberately and carefully examine how I balance
my social media time, and the most important connection on this earth. Eyeball
to eyeball human relationships.
I really hope you “like”
this post.
Heidi McLaughlin lives in
the beautiful vineyards of the Okanagan Valley in Kelowna, British Columbia.
She is married to Pastor Jack and they have a wonderful, eclectic blended
family of 5 children and 9 grandchildren. When Heidi is not working, she loves
to curl up with a great book, or golf and laugh with her husband and special
friends. You can reach her at: www.heartconnection.ca
3 comments:
Goodness, Heidi. This is such wonderful food for thought. How easily we can become consumed by the immediate fire of technology and miss the genuine warmth of true relationships. Wonderfully said. Thanks!
I sure do like your post! I love words I get from the internet connections, but having the eye-to-eye contact of a kind remark or affirmation can be so heart-warming and unforgettable!
Heidi, I'm in strong agreement with you, and yes I do like your post! :)
The technology does have its place, and provides useful tools; however,it can be a struggle for many of us to hold back its all-consuming encroachment creep.
Yep! Flesh and blood face-to-face communication and affirmation wins for me. :) ~~+~~
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