If you’ve been here a while, then you know the struggle I’ve had with social media.
I find it to be so overwhelming and draining!
Yet, I recently returned to instagram after a year-long break. And also to Facebook, after four years. I certainly had no plans to return but felt so led. I did it uncomfortably, and it took a few months before I started sharing again.
My initial reason for returning was to stay up to date on the technologies because I’m serving on the Communications Team at my church. But I kept seeking the lord on why – what He intends for me to do in these online places. He answered with many reasons over a period of time.
We don’t need Him to reveal the full plan before we take that first step of obedience.
as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
2 Corinthians 4:18
I am now on these platforms as myself, not as Hey Sister as I did before, but I don’t use them for personal content. I use Facebook to access groups, in particular the homeschool co-op our family joined when we moved. On Instagram, I’m sharing similar content as on here. I also share a bit about homeschooling, which I’ve been meaning to do more of on here as well. My purpose is to be a person, not a ministry or brand. And, in doing so, to show a life of faith lived out practically. Every post serves a purpose and that is to ultimately point to and glorify God so that others may come to know Him. And those who already know Him may be encouraged in their faith.
When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
Matthew 9:36
I have to say I’m really enjoying myself this time around. I don’t have any ambitions to succeed, grow a following, create a brand, etc. The pressure is off and there’s so much more freedom to just be myself, without it being about myself. I do, however, still take it very seriously because it’s something I’m called to do. So, I do what I can to create quality content and help it to be seen because the message comes from Him and is important.
We had a missionary speaker at our church in February. He shared three verses which influenced his decision to go on missions. One of them is my focus verse for the year, so his sermon really encouraged me and I wanted to document that in my faith journal.
Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4
As a homeschool mom, the main mission is very clear. God has already placed us where He wants us. And He will call us to follow Him to other places as we journey with Him – into new communities, workplaces, friendships, and even online spaces. We follow Him, even in the discomfort, because where He is there is also much joy.
What if the social platforms you’re on are your mission field? Where He’s placed you to be a beacon of hope. Where you serve Him by serving others. How might that change your usage?
