Glorious Mud

Almost everyone I know has experienced post-regret, the feeling you get after you post something on social media and then wish you hadn't. I know a few people who haven't. Actually, I don't. Who hasn't jumped into the black hole of a Facebook argument or posted something personal in a moment of frustration only have the wrong people see it (and comment on it) or impulsively hit share on a witty-but-cutting meme or tweet? Social media is a great way to connect with others, but it is full of potential hazards and hassles. And, as a Christ-follower, this can be particularly dangerous, since what I say, post, repost, or share, reflects not just on me, but on my savior. So, how can I make wise social media decisions? In the hope of helping us all use our social media more responsibly and effectively, I thought through five questions that we should ask before we hit that "share" button: Is it true? As people of the Bible, this should be a no-brainer, but i...

This headline came across Twitter today from The Onion: Child Slavery Gives Area Activist Something To Do With Her Evenings It made me laugh and grimace at the same time.  I guess that is the point of The Onion's sarcastic pseudo-journalism.  It makes us laugh at ourselves and wince at the same time. So - let's put this on the table.  Some people (myself included) have at times used other people's suffering as a way to add meaning to our boring lives.  Activism can be a wonderful distraction from our meaningless and painfully boring lives.  Who hasn't felt the siren call - You can be important!  You can make a difference!  You can win friends and influence people! Of course it doesn't have to be child slavery - though that is obviously a hot topic these days.  It could be anything we think is important, something that can bring positive social change: abortion, christian education, urban renewal, urban education, renewable energy, AIDS or de...