12 “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. ~ John 15:12 NKJV
By Bro. John L. Cash
After a three-year hiatus, I’ve entered the world of Facebook again. Back in 2015, the negative political stuff on social media was making me depressed and anxious. So I set it down for awhile. But in 2019, even if you’re not on Facebook, the political climate makes sure you still get a daily dose of mean-spirited political banter. It’s sad to say, but I guess I’ve grown used to it. I’m learning to overlook it.
Why did I decide to get back on Facebook? It all started with my friends from high school. We had a 40th-year class reunion approaching, and I had kind of lost touch with everybody. My classmates formed an Internet search expedition to track me down. It’s one of the nicest things anyone’s ever done.
I think the word-on-the-street was that I was some sort of antisocial hermit or had dropped off the grid or something. But really, I’ve just been kind of tied down. My weekly schedule was pretty much always the same. Monday through Friday, I taught school. On Saturdays, I wrote sermons and ran the church bulletins. On the Lord’s Day, I preached twice and taught Sunday school at the country church — and took an afternoon nap. It’s been a happy life for my family and me. And it’s kept me out of the pool hall and out of trouble….
What are my initial thoughts about Facebook? It’s been wonderful getting caught up with all my friends from grade school. I’ve always reserved the warmest corner of my heart for them. I’ve always said, if the house catches on fire, the first thing I’m grabbing is the box of Valentines I got at Buerkle Street Elementary.
But, sadly, on Facebook there’s more angry, hateful stuff than ever. I’ve seen the vitriol coming from both side— and much of it is posted by Christians. I think I know part of the solution, and I’ll tell you more about it next week. But until then, a Bible verse to think about: “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35)
That looks like a good thing to post on Facebook.
Dr. John L. Cash is the “Country Preacher Dad.” He was raised in Stuttgart, Arkansas, and has spent the last 33 years being a country preacher in the piney woods five miles south of the little town of Hickory, Mississippi. He’s a retired Mississippi public schoolteacher with grown sons, and is now a stay-at-home-grandpa with his grandson, Landon Cash. He and his lovely wife, Susan, live in a brick house in town. You can send him a note at brotherjohn@ilovechurchcamp.com.
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I’m so glad to see the “hermit” John back on Facebook. The political postings and absolute meaness is hard to take. When folks share terrible things I block anymore content from that site. Not the person. Yet. We enjoy Facebook so we can keep up with friends and family. I don’t read the other stuff.
I do not comment on any political posts even if I agree, which I do not agree with the “mean” posts. I do not want to give any room for arguments. I do not think Facebook was designed for this or to settle scores or complaints. Most personal issues are not appropriate or public posts. With that being said, I do enjoy looking at friends posts and especially their family pictures. By the way that grandson sure is cute. I know you Susan are very proud of him!