Redeeming Social Media

One of my very first friends in blog world was JoAnn at Ostriches Look Funny.  She was one of the few brave souls who read my early posts and took time to leave kind comments for me. She’s also very, very funny so I started stalking her following her blog. Because I considered her a blogging diva, I soon began bothering her with technical questions like, “What is a McWidget Linky Thingy? Where do I get one, and How does it work?” JoAnn has always been patient and helpful. Not once has she said to me, “Good grief woman! Don’t you know how to Google anything?”

                                                            

(Truth is, I know how to Google.  It’s just easier and a lot more fun asking JoAnn.)

JoAnn got me started on the Twitter (@nancyfranson). When I questioned the value of yet another social networking tool (#whining), one seemingly intended solely for self-promotion, JoAnn said, “It's not about self-promotion, it’s about the Great Commission.” JoAnn uses social media—Twitter, Facebook, her blog, to tell funny stories and post goofy pictures of her kids, but she also uses them to bear witness to the love of Christ. She tweeted me this:

My Bible study leader always says that if you are going to use FB, that you are called to redeem Facebook.

Last week I received a phone call from my sister asking me to round up my prayer warriors; her daughter was at the hospital and in need of an emergency C-section. I prayed and then sent out prayer requests via text, Facebook, and Twitter. My phone started buzzing immediately. I had messages from friends, family, and folks I’ve never met saying, “Praying.” “I’m on it.” “Joining with you.”  One friend (who has done this for me on several occasions) texted to share with me the words she was offering in prayer.

If that’s not a picture of redeeming social media, I’m not sure what is. But maybe that's a question I should Google.

Using social media to count blessings (and saying nice things about JoAnn on the internet because she just had a baby and can't stop me. Congratulations, friend!):

951. My sweet baby niece, all grown up and becoming a mama!

952. Answered prayer and a healthy baby girl. Welcome to the world Carly Nicole!

953. My big sister becoming a grandma.

954. My mom becoming a great-grandma.

955. Becoming a great aunt.

956. Seeing pictures online within hours.

957. God uses all things to glorify Himself. Even Twitter.

958. Friends who join in prayer, even via text.

959. Heavy, deep, and real conversations in the pool.

960. Daughter’s friends who stop by, grab a raft, and float with me.

961. Hard, physical work and the satisfaction it brings.

962. Opportunity to interview a friend.
963. Feeling brave enough to take some risks.

964. Memories that spark more memories.

965. Another year, another graduation, another celebration of God’s faithfulness in the lives of some quality young men and women.

966. Daughter and husband blessing my mom by spending their Saturday with her at the local Strawberry Festival.