Written by Patty Mayer
I love being in ministry. My work revolves around listening to people’s stories and walking with them on their journey. It is through these conversations that we see the human condition in all its glory, and in all its shame. In just the last month I’ve heard stories and talked with people about the unrest in the middle East, the shooting in Perry, racism and LGTBQ. In that same time frame I heard about a college decision finally made, the upcoming CEW weekends, conversion stories leading people to the Church, and stories of feeding the hungry. All of this – both the heavy and the joyful hearts – make up the human condition.
In my experience I have found that when people come in and share their story, or gather for a meeting or faith sharing, they share more authentically than if I have them on the phone or just email.
If only we could always be face to face with one another…
I know I am not alone in some of my struggles with social media. I am on Facebook and Be Real and I did a short stint on eHarmony. What I have found is that social media is good in many ways. People can connect, share, and learn. There are also ways social media is not good. I can sometimes get lost in the comments sections of a post as I witness the lack of human kindness. in much the same way we can’t take our eyes off an accident. During the pandemic we saw so much division on many issues and it was blasted all over social media, I had many people who came to me, as we began moving back towards a “normal” lifestyle, to say they weren’t sure they could still be friends with certain people because of things posted on social media. It’s amazing how our confidence grows in places where we don’t have to look the other in the eyes as we type our responses. What does this say about the human condition?
That being said, I want to say that social media is also a place where I see connection, care for others, and where people can sometimes get assistance they would not have access to otherwise. I have a great support group I’ve belonged to for about 5 years and although I’ve never met the members in person, I feel like I know them. I like to check out many of the posts that ask for help in home care or repair, because I need all the help I can get. I also find many posts that encourage me and challenge me to be a better person. And of course we all have that friend or two who finds the most hilarious things to share that keep us all laughing. What does this say about the human condition?
In scriptures we read similar stories during Jesus’ time, for example the men who brought forth the adulterous woman and he challenged them – let the” one who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” (John 8:1-11). Or the story of the raising of the young man for the widow in Nain? Jesus didn’t need to do that, but his heart was moved with pity (Luke 7:11-17). Jesus responds to the world around him with love and compassion. This is what we are called to as humans.
How do you respond to the world around you?
If someone “followed” you, in-person or online, what would your story reveal about the human condition?