Status Update

By: Payton M. Ishmael

It was the year 2004 nestled in Cambridge, Massachussetts that social networking would forever change communication for people of all generations. It was here that Mark Zuckerberg launched Facebook, what is now a daily experience for most users.

I recruited a couple of my closest friends this week to conduct a little experiment. I asked them to send me some of the most haunting status updates they saw on Facebook in a given day. For those of you who do not make up one of over 6 million users, status updates take place when someone posts an announcement on their own page, which then filters into a newsfeed that becomes available for all of their “Facebook friends” to see. For the purpose of this article, names have been omitted to protect the innocent. Here’s what we found;

· “Having the worst week EVER!”

· “I think I’ve aged five years this week, ridiculously stressed.”

· “Now add that to a badly compressed disc in my back.”

· “Just can’t do enough :(”

I admit it was extremely difficult to narrow down all the burdens bared and openly shared on Facebook. It seems as if they only got worse as the week progressed. Now, I’m not criticizing these people. We all have our bad days, but there’s a better solution than airing out your laundry or troubles on the Internet.

“Cast your burden on the Lord, and he shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.” – Psalm 55:22.

Believe it or not, God likes hearing from us. I remember as a child being told to talk to Him, just like I talk to my best friend. He knows our triumphs and troubles before we even face them, but He still delights in our communication with Him. Only He has the answers and the power to bring us through our storms. He is responsible for all the success and joy in our lives. Perhaps it’s time we update our status with the one who really matters, the one who truly cares.

“…casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” – I Peter 5:7