Hi Parents:
Advances in technology have made is possible to connect in seconds with people around the globe ("service that never sleeps") to learn and share information! Too often, I find myself using my smartphone as a way to distract myself, obeying the urge to play just one more game. Sometimes, connecting through technology can be easier than communicating in person; but it lacks authentic emotion, sincerity, and our full attention. Suffering relationships, and dwindling spiritual time are often the result.
Take time this week to consider you and your teen's use of social media. Does your online presence accurately reflect your personality and beliefs? Use your social networks honestly to express who and whose you are.
Using Media for Good...
Brainstorm with your family and friends who share your faith. See how may ideas you can list for using social networks as venues for sharing your faith story and encouraging others in their faith journey.
Prayer...
God, give me guidance and discernment in my use of social media. Let it be a source of encouragement to others and a medium for proclaiming the gospel. Amen.
Advances in technology have made is possible to connect in seconds with people around the globe ("service that never sleeps") to learn and share information! Too often, I find myself using my smartphone as a way to distract myself, obeying the urge to play just one more game. Sometimes, connecting through technology can be easier than communicating in person; but it lacks authentic emotion, sincerity, and our full attention. Suffering relationships, and dwindling spiritual time are often the result.
Take time this week to consider you and your teen's use of social media. Does your online presence accurately reflect your personality and beliefs? Use your social networks honestly to express who and whose you are.
Using Media for Good...
- Pray for your social media friends as you scroll through Facebook or Twitter at the end of the day. Take the time to write a brief message to those that have faced a challenge.
- Use technology to lift your spirit. Create (or find) a screensaver with a verse that is close to your heart.
- Encourage others by posting positive messages. We don't always know who is touched by our words, but we can be confident that God is able to use our words to speak hope into someone else's discouraging moments.
- Help those in need.
- Get to know your friends. You may have many online friends if all you do is follow or like their posts, but it can't replace talking face-to-face. Connection still requires a human element.
Brainstorm with your family and friends who share your faith. See how may ideas you can list for using social networks as venues for sharing your faith story and encouraging others in their faith journey.
Prayer...
God, give me guidance and discernment in my use of social media. Let it be a source of encouragement to others and a medium for proclaiming the gospel. Amen.
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