On Friday’s I stay off social
media to connect with God. I began doing this a few weeks ago and noticed that
when I wasn't checking my phone or concerned with what anyone else was doing, God
continually dropped things in my spirit and spoke to me in ways He's likely
been waiting to do without the interference of social media in my life. God may
be trying to get through to you too. Can you hear Him? I enjoy social media but
I want all of my readers to know that while you’re scrolling through social media
and see really great photos and different milestones in other peoples’ lives,
understand there are always things happening that you cannot see. The people
you think or perceive to have wonderful lives also have battles, challenges,
and struggles that don’t always make it (and truthfully shouldn’t) to their
social media accounts. The couple who are new homeowners could be struggling
with their mortgage payments, the woman posting cute pictures of her newborn
baby could be up all night, every night, trying to adjust to life with a baby
who has a demanding eating and sleeping schedule, the recent college graduate
could be anxious about finding employment in an economy that has little to no
job openings in sight, the friend that just went on a vacation might be
struggling financially, the co-worker who got a new promotion could have
anxiety so intense they can barely sleep through the night, the couple that
just got engaged might be questioning if they’re really in love or about to ruin
their life, the girl who takes stunning photos may struggle with constant
doubts and insecurities, the couple who takes cute selfies may fight and argue
a lot and be on the verge of a split, and the person you think “has it all” may
very well have every material item and opportunity you could imagine, but is so
miserable, empty, and unhappy you’d never know they’re truly lonely and chasing the wind -- see Ecclesiastes
2:11. There’s always something
happening behind closed doors that you cannot see. Consider limiting the amount
of time you spend on social media and instead, spend that time with the Lord. Disconnect
to Connect with Him. He’s worth it.
I’m a Black educator in my fifth year of teaching middle school English, and in my third as the 8th Grade English PLC (Professional Learning Community) Lead. And while I genuinely enjoy the purposeful work I get to do, seeing the growth of my scholars, and continuing to hone my skills in a content area I’ve loved since I was a little girl, I’ve had to confront some unpleasant experiences in this space. I’d been through much worse when I was an academic advisor at a Christian university. Racism, sexism, harassment, and workplace bullying were sadly norms in that environment. However, some of what I’ve experienced as a Black educator hasn’t been normal … It doesn’t seem normal to be the only Black educator in my department – in a predominantly Black school. One of my Black colleagues once said, “It should look like a Tyler Perry movie in here.” But it doesn’t. It didn’t feel normal being reprimanded in a meeting (during my second year of teaching) by an administrator who went in on...