We all know that Facebook can be the source of drama. Being an adult, I usually don't have that problem but this week Facebook's dark side reared its ugly head. And the thing is...I was minding my own business. I made the mistake of sharing something that I thought was interesting and thought-provoking. Not overly religious or political, just...interesting. And it blew up in my face.
It's been bothering me for several days now. This is due to my obsessive personality, no doubt. But I just don't get it. In the last couple of months I've had three separate occasions when I completely innocently and appropriately tried to share with my little corner of the world what I believe, and I've been told that I'm wrong. I don't mind being *proven* wrong but when we're talking about beliefs, deeply personal ones, there's definitely a line that shouldn't be crossed. Especially on Facebook or other social media outlets. It's just not the time or the place, in my humble opinion.
And what gets me...is that in all three occasions, I never once insulted the other person. I never told them they were wrong. I simply stated what I believe. I asked a few questions (received no answers). And I told the other parties that I felt that they were out of line in making fun of my beliefs publicly.
This last time, what I was told is that I should expect to be made fun of for having those beliefs. That I used to be a beautiful soul (but I'm apparently not anymore). That I believe in mythology or fairytales (i.e. The Bible, Jesus' resurrection, etc). I was called a bigot despite the fact that I did no name calling, no slandering of other peoples' views/beliefs, or derogatory comments. I was informed that my son is only a fetus who isn't done 'baking' yet and that I shouldn't use him as a shield (a shield against what? I have no idea). That last part is probably what bothers me the most. Don't drag my child into this, unborn or not. He certainly didn't do anything to anyone.
And then I was un-friended and blocked so I couldn't even reply. I couldn't defend myself. I couldn't even tell this person that what went from a misunderstanding crossed all sensible boundaries into an unwarranted verbal attack. This person even insulted my friends.
I thought only teenagers or very juvenile adults had these issues on Facebook. I thought that those of us that just use it as a way to stay in touch and express ourselves in some small way could avoid this insane drama. But it's true that it's easy to 'confront' people when you don't have to see them face to face, and know that you never will again if you don't want to. It's easy to blast people that are different than you, to degenerate into name-calling and insults when there aren't any real world consequences. Even for adults, I guess.
But the thing is...I am a real person. With real beliefs and real convictions. I have every right to express them (appropriately, of course). And I have real feelings. Those feelings were completely disregarded and trampled on by someone I haven't actually been friends with in 10 years. And I'm just wondering...what happened? All of this drama because I believe life begins at conception and this other person doesn't? And I'm the one who is close-minded?
Now...all this being said...the entire time this has been going on...and in the other two instances...I can only think of one thing. I was promised this. Jesus Himself promised that we would be hated, called names, persecuted and made fun of for Him. He warned the disciples on several occasions and every time, He was right. Why should I think that I wouldn't have to deal with some drama? And at the end of the day, some Facebook drama that disappears in a few days isn't so bad. It's nothing compared to real religious persecution. It's just annoying. But it always takes me by surprise and it always just bothers me. I don't do this to other people. Why is it okay to do it to me?
And what really gets me is that today is Good Friday. One of my favorite days of the year because of what happened 2000+ years ago. The sacrifice for me. The sacrifice for everyone, including this former real-world and facebook friend. Whether they like it or believe it, Jesus died for this person. The blood that poured out on Calvary was as much for the unbelievers as the believers. But because of what just happened, I find myself hesitating to share any thought-provoking images or words. And it's not because I'm suddenly ashamed of Jesus, it's just that I don't want to deal with any more drama. Which is ridiculous. It's Facebook, people...
I mean...I was just sharing my point of view. I wasn't forcing it on anyone...If you don't like it, don't read it. If I really bother you that much, just quietly delete me. Because debate and the sharing of different ideas is one thing, but insults and slandering and judgment calls...I don't have time for.
