enjoying the good.

There are so many reasons to love social media...catching up with family or friends who may live far away, seeing photos that are inspiring and uplifting, or even virtually meeting new people who may share a similar journey; maybe even a difficult journey! Connecting with others virtually has been life changing for our family to say the least. With our son Leo we were completely lost after he was born and we found out he had Sturge-Weber Syndrome due to a port wine stain that covers half of his face. We found so much help on social media and were able to connect to people from around the world who were walking a similar path as us. We are a part of support groups on social media now and can reach out to other families at any time. It’s amazing; it’s amazing that we have access to this!

I remember when I was going through infertility in the first few years of our marriage and I felt like I had no one to talk to. There weren’t many local support groups that I could join and I felt like it would be too personal to share my story or that others would think it was wrong to talk about so openly. Thankfully I had some friends that had gone through infertility so I was able to talk/pray with them but it was still very lonely. Of course I had our family and friends to talk to and my very amazing husband, but I needed more. I don’t think I have ever prayed so hard in my life. I felt God’s comfort but I really wanted more people to talk to. Years later after we had our son through IVF, I decided to virtually open up about it and write a post sharing our journey. I prayed and felt God tug on my heart to do that. Sometimes God allows us to plant seeds and we may not even know who will need it BUT God does. You can read all about our infertility journey here.

There’s a point to prefacing my post with all this...I know there can be so much good that can come from social media, but there’s also a lot of negativity with social media, so much pressure, push-back and fakeness. It’s overwhelming to open up social media and not get frustrated, scared or even angry. I know I’ve been there, especially lately. After having our third son in April, it seemed like everything took a turn for the worst with our country, a complete divide. Not only have we all been trying to adjust to the “new normal” with COVID-19, but to see mass destruction and unlawful behavior taking place around our country has been devastating. Sometimes I can overwhelm myself with the news which can cause so much fear in my life; fear that doesn’t belong. When I say it doesn’t belong, I don’t mean we should not be aware of what’s going on in our world or that we shouldn’t watch any news. What I mean is that God is in control. As I type those words, God is in control, I feel as if that can come off as trite or insincere. Those words can easily become something we say to make us “feel” better or to comfort someone without truly understanding what it means. I want to add some verses to support this.

“Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” Proverbs 19:21

“I work all things according to the counsel of my will.” Ephesians 1:11

“I do according to my will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay my hand or say to me ‘What have you done?’” Daniel 4:35

“Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases.” Psalm 115:3

“Wisdom and might belong to me. I change times and seasons; I remove kings and set up kings.” Daniel 2:20-21

We are reading that God has absolute authority over what happens here on earth and in heaven...literally everything earthly and spiritually; there is nothing in between. God is even sovereign over sin! Do you see how this is comforting? Knowing that God is not surprised by what is going on with anything. God is working ALL things out for good for those who love Him. I believe that God allowed COVID-19 and He is using it for His good and perfect will.

Again, you may be reading this thinking I sound insensitive to even say that COVID-19 is part of God’s “good” plan. I understand how devastating this virus is and how it has taken lives all around the world. I am sensitive to that and pray alongside those that have been more affected by the virus. I am trying to shed some light and encouragement during this time. I know so many families that have had to make so many sacrifices during this time; with work, schools for their kiddos, finances, health concerns...the list goes on. It’s incredibly hard.

My prayer is that in the midst of everything we can still have hope and stand together knowing that God is sovereign and that we can have peace with that. I pray for discernment as we navigate everything especially with social media. We can get so caught up in it that we almost lose sight of the truth...the gospel. Friends, have faith during this time and know that God is in control. Also try and still have fun with social media...enjoy the good!

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Romans 15:13

“It [love] does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices with truth. Love bears all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” 1 Corinthians 13:6-7