Friends are made by spending real live time with each other. Together you consistently dig past the small talk and into how real life feels and affects each person. You test loyalty, generosity and either agree on life’s issues, or respect each other for why you don’t. Friendship does not involve passive-aggressive memes or little, blue thumbs up cartoons. It takes consistent time to find out who each person really is. Friends are not made with little, blue buttons and digital hugs. Social media may be a gateway, but it is not a true test. Our ability to love and honor is not validated by how many people are on our social media list. Our value is not determined by the reactions we get from posting our looks, opinions or activities.
This is my kid. I do not use stock photography. See more of my own images in my portfolio.
“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:18 KJV
In other words, if you’ve ever used social media to bash anyone, to validate or sell yourself or to make a passive-aggressive post, as I’ve regretfully done, that gives you and I an opportunity. We can do ourselves a favor and read that screen like a mirror before we click send. There is still, and will always be value in being wrong. The moment we use social media for education, love and respectful conversation, we go against the world and join something bigger and far beyond.