Redheaded Jill

Many years ago I heard a preacher say, “Don’t do things that make you hate people. If the news is filling you with animosity towards your neighbor, quit watching it.” So I did.

It has been a more peaceful few years than I could have imagined. Despite bad news, despite politics, despite everything. When someone major happens that I need to know I find out. Social media shares all. However, I no longer listen to news anchors tell me who I should despise and why. I am filled with less fear and more peace. It’s lovely.

I had to remind myself the other day, “Stop doing things that make you hate people.” So I turned off facebook notifications. I am part of several facebook groups for info. Work info, health info, local info… There is a facebook page for the citizens of our town. Sometimes the stuff shared is great! “Has anyone got a mini fridge for sale? There is a loose dog on the highway at X and X place… Are schools closed tomorrow for the storm?” So helpful.

Unfortunately, MOST of the info shared, is people being horrid. I don’t understand why these people can become keyboard warriors and say the nastiest stuff to their neighbors. “You voted for Trump? You are literally Hitler!” “The people running X restaurant are so horrible, I am reporting them to corporate!” “The Mayor is such a corrupt little gremlin, guess what he’s done now!”

Ok… that last example is kind of funny. Because we do have a little gremlin of a mayor, and he is extremely corrupt. My friend calls him lovably corrupt. You know he’s a complete crook, but he’s so friendly! There is a lot of that in our town. Definitely cattle baron buying up all the property like in an old western vibes. But I digress…

While the info is important to know (usually) it is said with such animosity. I think there should be a reality show like Dr. Phil where people who have been SO MEAN online have to face the people they fought with.

There are legit people in town who I will always avoid like the plague because I’ve seen how mean they are on the facebook page. I wouldn’t let my kids go to their house for a playdate, nor would I invite them over for tea. I guess I SHOULD be inviting them all to church… but they aren’t the kind of people who seem like a joy to be around.

Social media… it can be a blessing but it can definitely be a curse.