A Social Media Story.

“I want to live my Life, not Record it.” -Jacqueline Kennedy

Let’s talk about Social Media! I know it’s a loaded topic with so many layers to it and I could probably do ten posts:) But, one will do for now especially when it comes to Faith and Social Media.

It starts for me with this quote by Jacqueline Kennedy above. It lives inside the cover of my planner as a reminder to choose living over documenting my every day. And the above photo of her stays in my iPhones favorite photo section as another reminder if I am on social media to remain playful, gracious and light most days.

Jackie herself definitely knew a thing or two about Social Media even before it existed. As Being one of the original “Influencers” of her day. Where everything she did, said and wore was plastered in magazines, books and news columns. She knew a Documented Life had a legacy especially after the tragic event in Dallas, November 22, 1963 that changed her world and even ours as a Nation. But, she never let it define her.

That's where Faith and Social Media is starting to come together for me in a new way.

Living vs. Recording.

Recently, case in point:) I always in a New Year make a intention to be more active on Social Media particularly Instagram. It's no secret I have little time for the other platforms:) I just love creating new IG content and challenging myself to be more active. It always seems to go well at first and then something happens… I get a bad case of cold feet. But, this month it has been whole another beast.

I allowed my feelings to get hurt and took a unfollow way too personal. It was someone I truly admired, I had even invested in her courses and read her books recently. She was a huge influence on my Faith reconversion Journey last year and actually inspired me to be more Brave in sharing my story online with others this year.

When I happened to notice her unfollow, I felt like I was in 2nd Grader again and never being asked to the most popular girl in classes birthday. I instantly went to What had I done? Am I not interesting enough anymore or did I offend her in some way? I know what your thinking?!? Why cares? It’s not someone you know in person and people unfollow people all the time.

I get it. I thought the same things. But, I did care and to actually understand why this was bothering me so much. I dug deep even prayed about it and poured my heart out in my Morning Pages.

It came down to this…

Virtual Life is not Real Life.

Ironically, I just finished a lovely book by another Catholic writer Emily Stimpson Chapman, Letters to Myself: from the End of the World. Where Emily writes to her 25 year old self during the beginnings of the Pandemic. It contained 45 beautiful letters including 5 on social media.

The First Letter in the section was titled, Virtual Life in not Real Life. I went back and read it again. It definitely spoke to me in whole new way.

Online is Not Real Life and I often try to make it that way, out of my own lack for what I want real life to be. beautifully curated. I've honestly been ashamed to show my life in so many ways. It hasn't ever turned out how I expected it too. Growing up I had so many big dreams and ambitions that I still carry with me and as time slips by I get frustrated with myself even more.

Then even a virtual world that seems perfect makes me feel that I don't measure up either. Yuck. Yuck. Yuck. Right?

Then God swooped in to remind me that I was made for more than this… My life is precious and so is the story he gave me. That my dreams and ambitions are gifts not curses and the timing I've placed does not matter at all to Him. It’s Timeless work rooted in his love. And this virtual world that many of us invest so much energy in is fleeting and fruitless without His Redemptive message not being involved.

So, I go forward now knowing I solely belong to Him. My middle name I was even given, Christianna- Belonging to Christ. Tells that True Story Narrative.

And that's all of our Stories. So, when Social media permeates your purpose in a negative way. Know you are much more then the follows, filters,reels and algorithm too.

You and I have a REAL LIFE WAITING TO BE DISCOVERED in HIM outside of all that.

Peace be to you.

Love, Cynthia 🫀.

PS I still will be hanging out on occasion.