I have gone back and forth on what I share on Facebook. Day to day activities, happy and sad moments in my life, pictures and stories about my adorable children. I’ve been at both extremes – sharing nothing and sharing everything. I tend to stick closer to the everything these days.
Since I became a parent, phone calls became not so much of a thing. Many times it seems that the second I get on a call, something happens, somebody needs me, etc. I’m also terrible about doing more than saying ‘we should get together sometime’. So Facebook helps me keep up with everyone in my life and I’ve even made new friends from shared interests. But most of all, it has been an instant source of prayers.
Big or small, I know that my Facebook friends list is full of people willing and happy to say a prayer for any need. I have seen prayer change things amazingly. That’s what has led me to being so comfortable with sharing my needs. I’ve asked for and received prayers for things such as a sick child, medical tests, safety in traveling… and getting through my divorce.
When the news of my divorce was fresh and raw, I went to Facebook. I was a pregnant, stay at home mom, with no income, and no vehicle. My life flipped upside down one day and Facebook was the best resource to get help with my most immediate needs. I found help getting baby’s supplies, finding work opportunities, got advice from others who had been divorced, and received so many prayers. When I had trouble sleeping the first couple of months, I was able to go to Facebook and instantly had someone to talk to and at least one person saying a prayer for me. When my kids were struggling with the changes, all I had to do was share it with my friends and they were covered in prayers and invited to spend time with others to get their mind off things.
I hear so many people complain about what people share on Facebook. I admit there are times that I think something shouldn’t be share in that way. But I’ve learned to realize that it’s all in your personal preferences and it can be very helpful. Not just for the person posting, but for those reading it as well. Sometimes social media is a person’s therapy and we need to just let it be.
More than a few people have come to me over the past few years saying that I helped them by posting about my own personal struggles. It helped them to not feel alone. It helped them to know that they could get through their own difficulties. It helped them to realize that sharing is helpful in so many ways.
I still go back and forth from time to time on what I want to share. But I continue on as much as I can both on my personal Facebook as well as here on my blog. I do this because helping even just ONE person would make 100 posts completely worth my time and vulnerability. I hope that through my blog you continue to learn new things, be encouraged to get through difficult moments, and inspired to try new things.
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