My First Thoughts

Many times I will open my eyes seemingly instantly each morning with a thought in my head as if I have been mulling it over all night. Considering what "they" say about the short span in which dreams take place, this isn't likely, but still, it feels this way. I usually blog or write about those things or people who are my first thought of the day. This morning my first thought was more of a question followed with a barrage of answers.

Why aren't you on Facebook? 

Many of you have asked me this question and even rolled your eyes either to my face or behind my face at my answer. To be honest, you eyerollers come off as one convicted over my beliefs on something. You may want to look into that. I do not judge others for being a part of what usually seems like a pretty good time. But I stand by my belief that NOTHING (except God) is right for everyone. Here is what I know to be true:

• I threw out a quick prayer over joining Facebook and felt God oh so clearly say to me that I am not to be a part of it. The reasons have zilch to do with some evil powers lurking on the site; I simply have issues in my past that have the potential to be given leeway in this arena, and I am not in the business of giving potential issues leeway. It's not them; it's me. 
• I have heard several (and growing) pastors give sermons full of confessions and touching on addiction to Facebook. Really? Addiction? Maybe boundaries and self-control are difficult to maintain in the virtual world, but I assure you God would insist upon them.
• I have seen people return home, walk past loved ones, and check their Facebook page. Um.. 
• I have had a grown woman say, "I know we are sitting down to eat dinner, but I just need to check on my animals on Farmville real quick."
• I have stood in front of a grown woman attempting to have a conversation SHE began only to have her look at her phone and Facebook page the entire time. She made eye contact at the end to say, "talk to you later." To which I silently said, "I sort of hope not."
• I know a woman who made some seriously bad choices in her marriage and nearly lost her husband. She regularly chats with and is friends with a woman who struggles with the same issues and in fact was her cavorting buddy during her lowest times. I asked the woman about it, I asked the husband about it. She had nothing to say. He said, "I don't want to tell her who she can and can't be friends with." 

Now, these seem like extreme cases, but the more I live in this technologically connected world, I see it is the norm. I was having a conversation with some friends about this the other day. HE says he is only friends with people who live out of state because it's stupid to stay connected with someone you see all the time in person. I like this idea. His wife said we are nuts. I like her too, I just disagree when Facebook is involved. She went on to confess that she would invite me to more things if I were on Facebook. To which I said, "thanks for sort of proving my point." We laughed and I still like her. 

Finally, HE said a statement which I didn't realize I agreed with so much until it was out of his mouth. He said, "I don't want my wife being friends with all of my friends on Facebook. Why would I want her online chatting with guys? How is it different from texting? I don't want her texting my friends." Whoa. Sort of in your face. 

I trust my husband fully. Usually when my jealousy rears it's head it's because some super tramp is wafting her pheromones near my man and he is completely unaware. I am sure that is God's protection. I also know that the conversations between him and the people on Facebook are casual and not full of evil. Still, it seems as though others may consider this opening in friendship, even virtual, a link with him. I don't want women having a link with my husband. I will punch them in their faces, and that isn't very Christ like. Do you see my dilemma? Sorry if I offended you. Sort of.