the running reverend

Being a prude is something that I have never been accused of.

Nor had it been suggested that I have an aversion to technology, social media and the like.

I share those two bits of information only because they provide much-needed perspective for what I am about to say.

A little less than two weeks ago I posted a response to what I believed to be a sincere question inviting honest responses. The question was posed in a Facebook group that I was part of. (Please allow me to stress that I was, but no longer am part of this group. So, if you are my friend on Facebook, or are thinking about trying to become my friend, so that you can find out what groups I belong to and other juicy details – forget about it.) Within two hours of posting my response, that spoke from the perspective of my experiences regarding the particular subject, I received a few tweets and Facebook messages that were rather unsavory (yeah, that’s probably the best way to put it).

I wish I could say that my comments were outlandish and pertained to a hot-button issue. But, my comments weren’t outlandish or off base. They reflected my experience as a pastor, both in a medium church in a suburban environment and in a small church in a rural context.

So, I removed my response to the question. I left the group, which has been founded to serve as a sounding board for those who seek change at a grassroots level.

The response to my comment made it clear that any thoughts that did not provide support (artificial or otherwise) would be met with resistance and anger, which is a sad thing, especially when my comments were merely pertaining to why stories of success in the small church aren’t often heard.

Yet, even after removing my comment, I continued to receive emails and Facebook messages. So, I unplugged. I disconnected. Those who have tried to reach me via Facebook have likely found that they have not received a response. (Something for which I apologize and ask your forgiveness if you have tried to reach me. Likewise, if you have attempted to email me, you will notice that my response time has been sorely lagging – this is intentional and is the result of increased email filtering.)

For a little over a week, I’ve taken step back from my online activity (Twitter and this blog being the only exceptions). I can honestly say that I feel less anxious about things. I no longer approach my computer or phone with fear of what messages might await. I no longer sit, with head shaking in disapproval, and heart grieved as people argue about trivial issues while the rest of the world debates issues that are far more pressing.

So, do yourself a favor and unplug. Take a week or so and get some perspective. What you’ll likely discover is that the relationships and conversations taking place in close proximity to you are probably far more important than the relationships and conversations that are taking place online.

(And just in case you didn’t make the connection between my two initial statements a d the rest of the post, here it is: I’m the last person you would expect to hear say, “Unplug. Facebook and social media are toxic and are damaging your life and your relationships.” Yet, here I am and that is what I’m saying. Lay off Facebook. Quit exploring Second Life, instead go and live your first life.)