As an author/speaker I spend hours each day in front of my computer screen, researching, reading, praying and writing. I love it, knowing it’s the foundation of my life’s work. At the same time, it’s an isolated and non-affirming existence. Unless someone takes the time to contact me to share a thought, I work all alone–even though my work is intended to reach countless numbers of people. In the workplace with peer interaction, there’s opportunity for feedback, appreciation, recognition, and yes politics–there’s always that. While I don’t miss the politics, I do miss personal interaction.
Others share they feel isolated and marginalized because of our cultural consumption in the internet world of social media, which is woefully impersonal. Worse, without a healthy self-identity, social media can have tremendously adverse impact on us through the deceptive trend to compare ourselves with one another. Comparisons played out in the isolated “theater of our mind” are always detrimental. I have an entire message on the topic, “Thou Shall Not Compare.” Scroll down the page to located the MP3 to listen. It’s an excellent reminder of how God made you.
Today more than ever we need to seek in-person interaction and I’m following my own advise today. I will be meeting with the daughters and grand-daughters of one of the most remarkable godly women I’ve been privileged to know, Frances “Penny” Olivierie, who graduated to heaven earlier this year. We’re meeting at the same restaurant we always celebrated her birthday, in honor of her and enjoyment of one another.
Since internet interactions are here to stay, let’s intentionally develop new ways to genuinely connect. Don’t read, lurk, and move on. When something or someone positively influences you, send some sort of message to share your reaction. If someone needs encouragement, send a brief note or message. AND make a point of reaching out to your “real-world” of friends and family to regularly connect in person. Let’s be less “internet takers and more internet givers.” When you make someone else smile, your heart is warmed.
PS. I love hearing from you. Why not enter your comments here and let me know what you plan on doing to personally connect with people today.
My favorite part of my ministry work is traveling and speaking to groups where invited. I have experience and messages to speak to small, intimate groups, and auditorium size audiences, always bringing a message that reach hidden matters of the heart. Whether it be a Church/Corporate event, conference, retreat, panel discussion, or workshop, let me encourage you and your group. Learn more here and download resources here.
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