Perspective. I’ve heard people say God gives them a word
before, but I never really understood what that meant. Well, now I do. I’ve
been grappling with the word perspective for a couple months and I thought I’d
share where it led me.
When the word perspective first hit me it was because I had
such a great feeling about my own life and I was reflecting on how that wasn’t
always the case. I couldn’t help but notice that physically I was in the exact
same place I had always been, but somehow things seemed better. I realized that
my perspective had changed; simple as that. Now, that I put my trust and
self-worth in Jesus all of the other chatter was washed to the background. It’s
amazing how something so small was so impactful.
“Simple as that,” I can almost hear people scoffing at that.
I know because I’ve been there too. After my initial “wow look at me, I’m so
happy now” moment I started to wonder about the people who haven’t changed
their perspective or who haven’t looked at themselves through the lens of our
Lord. And then I felt guilty. Our society calls for constant happiness so in
response most of us fake it. We feel bad that everyone else seems happy and
we’re not which leaves us depressed. Then when we are truly happy we feel bad
because we know others could be struggling so then we feel guilty. What?! Then
it really crippled me once I understood that this is the roller coaster of emotions
we all go through almost daily when scrolling through our various social media
feeds.
Be honest, how many of you have rage liked something? You know,
you’re scrolling through Facebook and you see someone just got a new job while
you’ve been searching for one for quite a while, or they are on vacation and
you don’t have the time or funds to go on one, or any other thing that someone
else is doing that you aren’t and you’re envious of. We have to be aware that
almost no one is telling the whole truth online. So many of us, though showing
happiness and having it all together, are grieving, depressed, anxious,
suffering from illness, or struggling financially.
We find ourselves at a mass inflection point where we have
to decide, are we going to keep faking it or are we going to begin living full
authentic lives? I’ve heard many frightening stories and statistics about the
younger generations who are growing up in this digital world. They haven’t been
taught how to communicate properly and they allow the currency of social media
notifications to determine their self-worth. And I thought my childhood was
rough! How can we change this and make an actual difference? First, we need to
start with ourselves by taking control of our own perspectives. You know the
saying, “you have to take care of yourself before you can take care of others.”
The thing about perception is that it is reality. How we see
something becomes our truth and that truth can be self-limiting. The most
important thing we can do for ourselves and for others is to remember that we
are all beautifully crafted by God. Keeping our focus on the Father and his
opinion of us will change our perspective and hopefully we won’t feel the need
for validation from others. I realize it’s not just a walk in the park. You
have to continuously choose to give yourself to God, dig into the scriptures
and remain in community with other strong believers, but it is where you find
true love and self-worth
.
Outside of your own value, there are a few others things to
remember. When you feel envious of something you see someone else doing or
accomplishing keep in mind that their win is not your loss. Be proud that you
are friends with the kind of people who are doing such great things. You may
also look at what about the post is making you react with envy and turn it into
action. Ask yourself why you are feeling that way and what you want and how do
you make it happen.
I know this looks like a “down with social media” message,
but it’s not. Social media is an invaluable tool and almost impossible to avoid
in today’s world. I just think it can all be overwhelming in times of struggle
and it would be good to establish some coping strategies. Begin to recognize
what triggers you, and create a better online experience by unfollowing
whatever content or people are affecting you. Then fill your feeds with
inspirational content; start following more positive influences. And remember,
it’s ok that things are not perfect. Embrace your path and know your worth in
God. You are amazing, friend.
**Insider note**
In my couple of month struggle through this idea of
perspective I was referring to my job. I used to hate what I did and didn’t
feel accomplished. Now, in a similar line of work I feel great because I have
spent a lot of time working through my worth being in God and not in my
education level or my career path. Also, just because I feel so great and fulfilled
in my work does not mean that I don’t regularly struggle with whether or not I
am a good enough wife, mother, friend, Christian… fill in the blank. I don’t
have it all figured out. No one does.
I don’t know who this was for, but I hope
it brings you comfort.
Stay hungry, friends!
