Welcome to Week 16 of our 52 Weeks of Chic.

Since we began isolating, social media has been one of our primary forms of communication as we share pictures, thoughts, etc.   

Yet it seems to me that over the past several years social media has become anything but  “Social.”   Would you agree? 

It’s so easy to get sucked into a toxic vortex of misinterpreted facts, opinions and rants that before even realizing it, we read something that angers or frustrates us keeping us in emotional turmoil the remainder of our day.

So this week we commit to posting peace. Even if it’s just for the duration of this season our nation is in. 

Solomon in his vast wisdom lists seven things in Proverbs the Lord frowns upon, one being “a person who stirs up conflict in the community.” (6:16-19)

Why? Because “. . . a whisperer separates close friends.” (16:28) BUT “where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases.” (26:20)

Solomon also remind us our words are to promote healing (12:18); turn away anger (15:1) and give health to the body and soul. (16:24)

David prayed “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer” Ps 19:14

Christ reminds us: “I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified and by your words you will be condemned.” Matt 12:35-37

If a post pops up on our timelines that contains negative or controversial undertones lets graciously continue to scroll even if we fully agree and appreciate the information.

There is no firm rule that we must comment on every post. 

And when we disagree lets not cave to the urge to respond with a hastily written, emotionally charged comment. 

Please understand I’m not opposed to speaking out and standing up for our convictions and I admire the boldness, zeal and passion many have on certain topics. 

But from what I’ve seen lately it seems more than anything else to only create more conflict at a time when we need unity so desperately.

If our convictions on certain topics demand we speak out, perhaps let’s consider creating a separate platform (blog, website) or Facebook Group or Community Page specifically for the purpose of sharing those beliefs and invite others to voluntarily choose to view and respond. 

This week The Chic Creative Ladies commit to putting the “social” back  in social media with every post, comment and share making sure our online conversations are “full of grace” (Col 4:6)

Let’s invite social graces and manners back into social media recalling the words our moms told us as children “If you can’t say anything nice don’t say anything at all.”  

We are all overwhelmed and dealing with enough negativity as it is as we learn to adjust to the times we are in. 

Do you often find it disheartening when you log in to social media hoping to see the smiles of familiar faces only to be involuntarily bombarded with information you didn’t necessarily want to see? 

Scrolling social media shouldn’t feel like we’re picking through someone’s garbage or thumbing through the pages of their journal.  

I would like to believe it was developed so we could communicate with our friends and loved ones regardless of where we live and without geographical limitations. 

As Abraham Lincoln once said “Sometimes not saying anything is the best answer.  You see, Silence can never be misquoted.”   

What I know for sure is this:  “Blessed are the peacemakers . . .” (Matt 5:9) 

Sandra Hubbard