Being one of the oldest social media networking services, Facebook is the only platform I utilize. I don’t tweet, tik tok, or post on instagram. Actually, I would like to completely extricate myself from Facebook, partly because of what motivated me to write this post. However, it has afforded a way to find and connect with many contacts from my past, including girlfriends from school days, college friends and former co-workers.

I believe “Facebook friends” is a misnomer. “Media contacts” or “FB acquaintances” might more accurately depict the connections established on this platform. While I do have a handful of true friends in my FB friend list and am happy to keep up with a few relatives online, the vast majority of my “FB friends” are simply folks with whom I have a loose association through some past common activity or location.

Because of the various connections I have with my “FB friend” group, I am continually amazed at what people feel is note-worthy enough in their lives to post. Some document every extra-curricular activity in which their children engage, some focus on posting photos of their meals in local restaurants or share recipes, while many photo dump every picture taken on vacations or during family celebrations. It is easy to gauge the moods or life struggles by motivational quotes and scriptures that often appear in daily threads of some FB users. Often it seems as if they are either asking for support or offering genuine hope to others with problems in their lives.

Then there are the political or inflammatory news stories that individuals post that are obviously shared to inject a strong, one-way viewpoint on issues that often are divisive, damaging, and hurtful. I honestly believe that people are entitled to their own opinions about ANYTHING. But why even post something that is incendiary or even potentially contentious? Isn’t there enough of this in the news? A volatile post appeared happened today in my FB feed. It was a news article that a “FB friend” posted, someone who I have known for over 40 years. The individual also commented on it, disparaging an entire group of people who are routinely caught up (by no choice of their own) in violent political, religious, and educational conflicts across all aspects of the media.

I felt strongly to post something to stimulate the conversation about this piece….something that would encourage those reading both the article and negative comments to THINK before writing. Yesterday I saw the following quote and saved it, not knowing I would need it to respond to the emotionally charged post.

“WHEN YOU DIE, GOD ISN’T GOING TO ASK YOU ABOUT SOMEONE ELSE. HE WON’T ASK YOU ABOUT THE TWO MEN DOWN THE STREET WHO GOT MARRIED. HE WON’T ASK YOU ABOUT THE GIRL WHO HAD AN ABORTION. HE WON’T ASK YOU ABOUT THE ATHEIST THAT LIVES ON THE CORNER. HE WON’T ASK YOU ABOUT THE WOMAN WHO FEELS MORE COMFORTABLE AS A MAN.

HE WILL ASK YOU HOW YOU LOVED THOSE PEOPLE AS HE CALLED YOU TO DO.

AND SOME OF YOU DIDN’T.”

The fact that the article was posted and commented upon was distressing enough. As stated earlier, I believe people are entitled to post and draw their own conclusions about any issue. It would be refreshing if those expressing strong viewpoints welcomed and appreciated other views and comments, even if they differed from theirs.

I used a button I rarely use today….unfriend. I deleted the FB “friend” who I’d known for over half my life. It’s not because he posted something that I took issue with. It’s that, when I commented with the quote above, he deleted it. My opinion or viewpoint didn’t count. I have no time for people who don’t equally respect me or my thoughts.

Always, always be kind to people and accept their differences….in looks, views, race, religion, status, gender, and individual choice. If your life is an ocean, what others truly know about you is one drop of water. Don’t judge. Accept. The world is getting far too contentious. And one FB friend who silenced my thoughts is not worth keeping.