Stop Badgering Me!

Erica here:

This is a post that I've been thinking about for some time.

You see, I have lots of friends on social media, and my Facebook feed and Twitter feed are in constant motion. There are a lot of things I enjoy about social media, but some things, especially lately, I don't enjoy so much.

One of the things that makes me sad, mad, discouraged, disgusted...it varies...is when someone starts promoting their cause...their passion...their mission in such a way that it calls people out and belittles them for not having the same intensity and level of passion about the same cause as the one posting does. I am seeing this tactic with more frequency than ever these days.

The issues are wide ranging...international adoption, the humane society, the sanctity of human life, Calvinism, abolishing racism, clean water, keeping cursive writing in schools, homeless veterans...the list goes on. There are so many causes out there to promote, believe in, support.

And I don't mind people talking about their passions, the issues that they care about, the causes that excite them. I enjoy hearing about the wonderful things that are being done to make this world a better place, the things that still need doing, possible ways I could help. The world is full of interesting people, things, and ideas, and I like to learn about them.

But I don't like to be made to feel guilty if I don't support a cause to the degree someone else does. The posts I am seeing frequently these days aren't trying to raise awareness, they're trying to spread guilt, shame, generalities, and name-calling. They are trying to make me feel 'less' if I don't pursue a given course of action as vigorously as the one who posts.

Less of a mom, less of a woman, less of an American, less of a human, less of a Christian.

Just plain LESS.

It's tantamount to cyber-bullying, and I for one don't respond well to it. The cause might be wonderful, but if I get badgered and called ______________ (Unfeeling, Un-American, Un-Christian) if I don't join in, I'm going to lose respect for that person and that cause.

As humans, and especially as Christians, God has created us each uniquely. We have different gifts and abilities and passions. Different causes and needs awaken sympathy in our hearts and put fire in our bellies. If we all had the same passions and abilities, we would all seek to change or better only one type of cause. Because we are all different, we can see and work and attempt to change a variety of issues.

I would love to hear about the causes, charities, missions you are passionate about. What stirs your soul? Tell me in a way that will educate me, enlighten me, encourage me!

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