LisaJo.org

It is hard to get past the influence of social media, whether we engage ourselves, or hear from others about what they have seen or feel compelled to share. I’m on the fence with this one, because for now, I depend on Facebook and Instagram to share this website, honestly, because they are free. With that, it’s fair to say that I am an active participant.

I enjoy staying connected with friends, seeing what they’re up to and how their families are doing. That is definitely a plus side to social media. I love some of the funny posts, and even if I don’t choose to share a post, I’m happy to show support with a click on the little ‘thumbs up’ or ‘heart’. And who doesn’t love emojis. I LOVE emojis. They add special meaning to your message when mere words aren’t enough.

Probably not so new, but new to me are the videos and clips that show up on Facebook Reels or TikTok. It is so easy to get lost in those silly things. Some videos are over the top in bad taste or are just vulgar. I try to click on past those, but it’s very easy to find yourself clicking and watching more clips, only to realize you’ve just wasted two hours.

I have come across a few short videos that were full of wisdom and insight. These are the gems I enjoy and want to share with loved ones, or friends who need an encouraging word. Recently there were two that resonated with me personally. I am sharing these two stories from memory, so I am not quoting the speakers.

Sir Anthony Hopkins was being interviewed and was asked if he could give his secret to finding contentment in his long life. He responded by reminding us that we all have that moment when we were young, when we were awkward and felt so out of place from the other kids. He said he carries a boyhood photo of himself from that awkward time. When he is feeling a little low or needs some kind of encouragement, he said he pulls out that picture and says, “Well, kid, we didn’t turn out so bad after all.” I’ve also heard him say there is no time for regrets. We have done the best we can with what we have been given. Wise words.

I know, we may not be able to compare ourselves to the success of Sir Anthony, but we have our own victories and accomplishments by which we can measure our own successes. I certainly can look at my childhood photo and see how far I’ve come from where I was during that time, and it’s a good feeling.

The second story was from Betty White. It’s hard not to smile when you think of this dear lady. We were blessed to enjoy her performances in movies and television for decades. The short clip shows Betty telling us that no matter what situation we may find ourselves, we should always look for the good in it. I know that sounds hard to do if dealing with a terminal disease or the loss of a loved one, but she said you can still find something good in it, and it will teach us to become happier, positive people.

I personally hope to do better with this. No matter the circumstance, there is something good and something to be thankful for. I don’t know how people get by without faith. It is very hard to find the good in circumstances without it. It’s hard to overcome past hurts and hard to forgive others without faith.

I know people get lost in the social media trap of trying to prove to others that we have it all together, but I’m all about being real. One day all is well, and the next day I might share that I’m totally falling apart and need prayer. For this, I am thankful for social media.

Blessings,

Lisa Jo