I just got done writing and deleting a very lengthy blog post/rant that I don’t think I’ll ever publish. Instead I’m going to share this with you:
If you are passionate about something, my pastor said this when I was in like 2nd grade, I will not forget his sermon, that there are three ways to contribute to a cause or your community: time, talent, or money.
Getting all up in someone’s biz-nass on Facebook because of what they do or do not post is not included on that list.
If you are passionate about a cause or a movement, for example Black Lives Matter or the Save the Children movement, ask yourself how you can donate your time, talent, or money.
Please note: getting in comment wars on Facebook are not included on that list.
This is a lesson I am working to learn as well. I’m going to tape it to the top of my computer screen so I remember it every time I’m tempted to say something.
Do you love Donald Trump? Instead of arguing about how great he is and how dumb everyone else is who wants to vote for Biden, go donate to his campaign or volunteer to help coordinate a rally in your community. Then tell me about the positive things he’s doing and why you like him.
Are you absolutely sickened by the pedophilia in this world? How about instead of shaming everyone in your newsfeed for NOT posting about it, sit down with your kids and talk to them about who they can trust when they are in trouble or uncomfortable.
Are you so pissed that 5 year old Cannon Hinnant was murdered in his front yard? I AM TOO! But instead of using his little life as a political pawn to tear down the black lives matter movement, how about you donate to and share the family’s go fund me page?
Turn your passion into progress. Turn your words into action and I promise to do the same.
My sister Kelli has sewn literally a thousand masks. Kelli is a HUGE proponent of wearing masks and thinks it is the right thing to do to help slow the spread of the virus. She is taking her passion about the topic and turning it into action.
When my dad died, I volunteered to speak at an event/banquet called Shine a Light to promote early lung cancer screenings. I turned my passion in action by sharing my time and talent and raising awareness.
My mom has spent an incredible amount of money on generators and chainsaws and other supplies to send to my brother to distribute to friends and family in Cedar Rapids, a town that was recently devastated here in Iowa by a freak storm called a derecho. Does she hop online and start shaming and blaming everyone who isn’t contributing the same way she is? That wouldn’t help much.
I have a dear friend who is a big Bernie supporter. I learned so much about him and his candidacy for president from her. She has met him and even volunteered with his campaign going door to door! She knew that I wasn’t a huge Bernie fan and she never once made me feel less than because of it. Seeing how passionate she was about the cause made me curious and ask questions! She wouldn’t have sparked that curiosity if she would have started with “here’s why your candidate is dumb.”
So guys, we are all learning. I’m not saying I don’t fire off in the comment sections, I’m not saying I don’t post political content on my personal page, I’m saying that I’m gonna start looking at things differently before I share. I’m going to ask myself these questions and I encourage you to do the same:
If I’m passionate about this topic, how are my actions backing up my words?
If I’m passionate about this topic, how can I contribute my time, talent, or money to this cause?
Will this post turn people on or off to my cause? Will it put someone down or make them feel less than? How can I put a positive spin on this post?
Is the person I’m responding to open to hearing different points of view or am I wasting my energy?
Has this person invited my opinion to the conversation?
Is there a chance this information isn’t accurate?
Would I say this to their face?
That’s all I have for today folks. This is the most politically charged or controversial post I’ve written so I expect some backlash but before you comment, ask yourself the above questions.
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Good for you!
This is a wonderful post. I have always said actions speak louder than words. You described it very well. Thank you.
Would I say it to their face? I think this is a big one. So many people hide behind their computers with their nasty comments, but would probably never say it to someone’s face. These are all good points, and great food for thought! Thanks for sharing!
This! Love this!
Great post Kalissa! I don’t “do” politics on my FB page. If I find an untruth, I will however, provide an article of facts from a nonpartisan source.
Congrats on using your Blog in a positive manner. And I surely hope nastiness does not occur. You’ve posted nothing controversial here!
Wishing you a wonderful weekend 🙂
A great post! Hope your influence goes a long way!
Great post! I don’t do politics or religion on my Facebook page, as I am a very private person and don’t feel I need to share my beliefs with others. I snooze or unfollow people when I get tired of their rants and actually blocked one after she attacked me for sharing articles that appeared in our local newspaper months before. I like to stay drama-free. I try to refrain from commenting on anything other than birthdays, anniversaries or congratulations.
My main pet peeve with Facebook is when someone shares an article (usually political) without reading it first. Three different times in the past week, articles were shared that were from a satirical web site. So In essence it’s fake news. I also know there’s many missing children out there, but take a few minutes to click on the original post and see if the child has been found. In so many posts, the child was found within a few days or even a few years ago. I know we all want to these children found, but sharing posts about children who have already been found kind of takes attention away from those who are still missing.
Well said, Kalissa!
Great points! 🙂
If you have an opinion…ask yourself what you are willing to do about it. My favorite coach once said “talk doesn’t cook rice”
Excellent post! I think that the question of “would I say this to their face” is so important. That and doing your research. I have a FB friend who sets off a rant on every rumor she sees. She is especially liable to share old news of child abductions, even though it’s been proved false.
Amen!
Thank you for this post. That is the very reason I deleted Facebook a while ago. Too many people don’t do these things. I would get very frustrated with things I read. I decided the time I was wasting on Facebook could be better used to help my family, my friends, my community and most of all to better myself!