I read something interesting a while ago about the things that get shared publicly. While I don’t recall where exactly I read it, or for that matter how exactly it was said, it has stuck with me.
The things girls once wrote in their diaries they now write on Facebook.
I am a Facebook user because I enjoy keeping up to date with those I know. However, since pondering this idea, I’ve constantly been filtering exactly what to share or not to share. Not infrequently I have written a status update, one of those brilliant things that comes to mind, and then I rewrite it a couple more times to make it just right; but I don’t post most of these thoughts. Instead of hitting “share”, I open my desk drawer, remove my journal from its place on the right side, take up a pen, and then proceed to carefully copy this idea off of my computer screen onto the pages open before me.
Journaling is an integral part of my daily life. Since eight years of age I’ve been writing things down. For over six years I’ve daily written in my journals. There is nothing like pulling out an old diary, leafing through the pages, smiling at humorous events and silently reading how my life has grown from my past. Each entry is a landmark in my life— a visible token of handwritten memories that I will never forget; precious object lessons; my life.
Social networking, while nifty for life in the present and possibly the future, will never hold the old charm of a well-worn page, speckled with tears or marks of happiness. Some positive memories can be made, perhaps through a shared photo or sisterly message. However, I’m continually disheartened to see countless young girls naively flaunting their sacred hopes and dreams for all. Sharing ones heart is becoming all too easy – is it any wonder that we, the generation of the post-modern world, live in so much strife, discord, and heartache? Sharing our personal aspirations can be wholesome and positive –something the world can cheer us on for. Even disclosing certain burdens or struggles can result in encouragement from friends. However, take care, take care.
Guard that which was once cherished by our society, protected by families, and kept sacred for those closest to ones own heart. Filter your thoughts, feelings, and emotions. Do this for yourself, to protect yourself. Do this for other, to protect our eyes, ears, thoughts, feelings, and emotions. Do not think that everyone wants to read your personal journal. What is sacred and honored for an individual is not something everyone else wants to be immersed with. With this concept of protecting one another, the Golden Rule may be applied. Shrugging this idea off isn’t going to change our generation. Be accountable, be responsible, be an encouragement. You are your brother’s keeper. You are your sister’s keeper.
If you struggle with sharing things that you believe might be best kept as personal aspirations, hopes, dreams, struggles, and so forth, I encourage you to start a journal. Filling pages with your life is very rewarding. You don’t have to be as dedicated as I try to be, but I believe you will be just as happy as I am when you go over the things you’ve written in the past and see how you have changed. I challenge you, my friends: Let’s write in our journal the things we once wrote on Facebook.
I heartily agree with everything you've said. :)
ReplyDeleteWonderfully put! :)
ReplyDeleteSo true, Cami. I don't have fb for various reasons, but I think the thought goes across all social network sites including chat status and google+. As I read your observations I was impressed with how the sacredness of the inner soul has been sacrificed in this generation. Something that was entirely impossible for as recent as our parents generation we are now exponentially capable of - being friends with more than 30 people. Hmm I want to take you up on your challenege. And I'd like to pass it on. :)
ReplyDeleteIt's so true; everywhere adults that don't have facebook seem to be counseling young people to be careful, for it is a wicked world. They shake their heads as they hear story after story of sacred trusts manipulated and youthful dreams exploited. I see it as a warning. Social networks are dangerous for a score of reasons, but the opening of the mechanism of the heart being a primary example. On short acquaintance we acknowledge a new friendship, thus allowing nearly "just anyone" into the depths of our lives. The more I think of it, the more I know I must be careful and that I know a time will come when I likely will say enough! Yet, I still have things come to mind I want to share- but instead, I write them down safely, securely, and privately in my journal. I love doing this! Pass along and welcome. You write so well; your journals (for surely you must have one, you are the type!) will be treasures forever!
DeleteYes, yes, yes, YES!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteYes.
Here's to the old fashioned journal...
There's absolutely no substitute. None.
Ditto what Sean said.
DeleteI'm more satisfied with my journal every day (my paper journal, that is)....and less and less satisfied with the total imitation of reality internet tries to provide.
I like the way you put that Araya... imitation of reality.
DeleteYeah, journals are great! I have 12(some are short, like one month) journals from the past 2 and a half years. My younger sister started me on devotional journals. :)
DeleteThank you, Cami, for enunciating this so clearly!
ReplyDeleteI think the Holy spirit is doing something special for all of us! My friend and I was talking about social interaction on these types of sites like facebook google plus etc. And we decided to pray as far as what we could do individualy. And over the last few days i have come to some startling realities. For one when I first decided to join google plus it was because those who i knew from buzz 90% of the time either posted devotional thoughts nature scenes or media pertaining to life in general (like videos of a trip or pictures of a family outing) but now some post silly jokes or things like cami was talking about. Another thing i realized that most of our generation dont talk as much as are parents did or even we did say five uears ago and no talking via facebook or text does not count im talking about actual phone conversations that have the occasional pause or anything that goes along with a phone conversation never mind face to face but why is this i see one awnser because online you can edit retouch delete and even photoshop if you will and portray the you that best makes you look good im not saying that connecting through chat or blogs such is this os bad but we could all make an effort to be as real as possible and simply not posting every idea we have or every change that happens in our day and truly making an effort to again be real with one another (btw sorry for kinda rambling i kinda do that sometimes) :)
ReplyDeleteThy brother Luther who ever prays for thee
My sister and I have been thinking some of those same thoughts. We want to write a book called "Real Relationships Vs. Cyberspaceships." I agree that we need to be more real. I also think comminication needs to be less superficial and more deep.
DeleteVery Well Said, Cami
ReplyDeleteYes, and I think we need to be in singleness of heart as unto GOD, and NOT UNTO MEN! We need to be "men of the WORD."
ReplyDeleteWell written, Cami! A subject that I've especially been pondering on lately.
ReplyDelete