You might see this a lot. Depending on the community you surround yourself with, it could be an everyday experience. Someone airing their problems out to dry, soliciting advice from anyone who cares to contribute an answer.
Maybe you were like I once was, scornful of their many inquiries and requests. Doesn’t it seem like the ones who complain the most get the most attention?
A woman at the store demands to talk to the manager, and gets exactly what she wants after speaking with him. Your friend on Facebook asks for a baby sitter every week because she needs a nap, date night, girls night. Maybe it’s that family member who’s asking for hand-outs… again, or the activist who makes such a fuss that they get a new law passed.
We live in a digital world, access to hundreds of people with just a touch of a button, each with their own unique struggles and passions. I felt like there was enough noise out there. I shouldn’t mention my petty grievances.
I was wrong.
Let’s face it, most of us don’t have time to visit or call all our friends and family to solicit advice or ask for prayers. We’re busy tending to our families, trying to make a living, and care for ourselves with the time leftover.
People who share there struggles and reach out online are using their resources wisely and managing their time the best they can. They trust their fellow humans with their hearts and are more honest than most. They feel a sense of community with their friends and followers online that is unique and should be emulated.
What good is an online community if we never utilize it? Why bother having friends or followers online if we don’t feel a connection to them?
Transparency shouldn’t automatically translate to weakness. Instead, when someone talks about a personal struggle or asks for advice on social media, we should be flattered and grateful.
They are trusting us with a piece of their lives.
What a great opportunity to fulfill God’s command to “… pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” Ephesians 6:18
So silent mamas, what about you?
You may have an inclination to keep everything in, guarding your struggles from others, afraid to be vulnerable in front of your community, thinking you’ll bring scoffers out of the woodwork. I think you will find the exact opposite experience.
Letting it out occasionally will feel a whole lot better. Think of them as “your people” and they will encourage you and offer their advice as a show of their care for you.
Silence shouldn’t automatically translate to strength. Suffering internally could be an issue of pride.
You don’t always have to put on a happy face or say you are doing good when you really feel like you are struggling to hold it all together.
Trust in your fellow man and you will be pleasantly surprised.
(I’m not talking about serious or life-threatening issues, but everyday struggles. Please seek professional or family help if you are in danger or are struggling with an addiction.)
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