For God so "Liked" the world that he gave is one and only son... (John 3:16) as many of you may know that is not exactly the way that verse starts, but it seems as though our new social media centered society has found a way to replace LOVE with LIKE's. We recently have seen a boom in donations to the ALS Association due to their genius Ice Bucket Challenge that is taking social media by storm. If you have no idea what that is, I applaud you for being able to stay off social media and the internet. People all across the country are dousing themselves and each other with buckets of ice water to raise awareness for ALS (Lou Gehirg's Disease). You take the challenge and donate an amount of money of your choosing or deny the challenge and donate $100. Simple and plain fun. As of August 22 Ice Bucket donations have reached 53.3 million according to the ALS Association web site. That is amazing and wonderful news, with those numbers rising I couldn't understand why I was bothered by the entire thing. I knew I didn't like it because it became a fad, but I just couldn't put my finger as to why I it bothered me so much. Why? Shouldn't it be a happy thing? Then I read a blog that managed to put into words what I couldn't, and made me realize the actual reason why the ice bucket news on my feed was becoming annoying. He states it perfectly:
Why a Bucket of Ice Isn't Making A Difference by Kevin Garcia.
"Personally, I feel like we simply are reinforcing the stereotypical behavior of passive activism in our generation.
Sounds like an oxymoron, right? What I mean by that is that our social media savvy culture thinks that if they click “Like”, retweet, or hashtag something that it is equivalent of actually making a difference. We are so quick to retweet our political opinions or our thoughts on current events or even tape ourselves getting ice water poured on us, but when it comes to donating money to a cause, or going door to door to promote a political candidate, volunteering at local charities, or even just changing our everyday behavior, how many of us are willing to get our hands dirty?
What we value, what we are passionate about, we give our time and attention to."
So, I do think it's making a difference but this whole ice bucket thing brings up a couple of entirely different topics. Where are our hearts when we give? Where do we find self acceptance? Are we taking the challenge because we are more sensitive to people and these diseases? Or are we just doing it for affirmation found through social media? Aka getting "LIKE's".
Reading this blog has helped me realize that it's not about how they're raising money. It bothers me because that much money can't be raised for organizations out of love or passion for people. It has to be raised by hooking people in to something that makes us feel like we fit in. Turning the act of giving into something about ourselves.
Find Your Passion
It is great that the money is going to a good cause and that some people are learning about an illness that most of us have never heard of. Yes awareness is great, but constant support does not lie with the people whom are just aware. It is with the people who are passionate about the cause.
After this Ice Bucket Challenge cools off (pun intended), and the money is all used up, will another challenge work? What happens if it doesn't? The people who have a connection, a love and a passion for the cause will be the ones who will still be there supporting. The idea is don't just do it for the likes on your social media. Do it because it is something you really feel strongly about. Something you have a connection with something you feel that you can directly stand for. Go out and get your hands dirty and find ways to actively help along with donating money. Don't just give money and be satisfied by feeling like you "did your part".
Whether it is serving the homeless, fundraising for an organization close to your heart, collecting canned goods for your local soup kitchen or hanging out with seniors on your days off. Find your passion. Find a way to use your God given talents to help/love people. Be active in the area you are most passionate about. I have found that I get more satisfaction through serving others (Acts 20:35) than ANY "LIKE" on social media can ever give me.
Don't be defined by what you post
We are not what people think we are. What the people on social media think is not what matters. What you do for someone other than yourself does. It shows character, it helps us grow. Be defined by the good you DO in the world.
Social media is a great outlet to raise awareness. I challenge you to use it to raise awareness about whatever cause you are passionate about. An Ice Bucket is pretty "cool", but nothing is cooler than a person who can give of themselves without expecting anything in return. So stop LIKEing so much, and go out and start LOVING!
After all, God so LOVED the world....
John 3:16 - For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not parish but have eternal life.
Acts 20:35 - In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said:"It is more blessed to give than to receive"
Galatians 5:13 -You my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature, rather, serve one another in love.
Ephesians 4:28 - He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands,that he may have something useful to share with those in need.
Matthew 25:37-40 - Then the righteous will answer him, "Lord when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and cloth you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you? The King will reply "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me."
