Today I Lost a Friend

Differences in opinion are okay.  Actually, I fully expect it to happen, especially as a blogger.  Yes, I tend to stick to my “faith” topics that are somewhat safe, but I have posted some that may be seen as controversial in this niche that I write.

I don’t always agree with the content that other bloggers publish and there’s plenty of things that I don’t agree with on social media, but do I make it my objective to criticize and condemn others because of their views or stance on a matter?  No.

If a “friend” of mine posts something that I think they may need clarification on, sure I’ll comment with my views, but do I expect them to change their ways and believe what I believe?  No.

Common courtesy and respect go a long way, especially in this day and age where everyone shares way too much of themselves with the public.  Glossing over news feeds and comments is the safer and more tactful approach.

Going with the lessons that my parents taught me at a very young age has also helped me to determine the best approach on certain topics and subject matters in the realm of Facebook and other social media platforms:

• If you can’t say anything nice, then don’t say anything at all.
• Be the bigger person (don’t try and fight negativity with more negativity).
• Kill ’em with kindness.

Unfortunately not everyone’s mom and dad did as good of a job as mine did in instilling these lessons.  So they find no issue in taking a stance and spewing words that are far from being constructive.  And they feel empowered by their “boldness” as they hide behind their computer screens and private messages.

So with the old adage, I say, “If you’ve got something to say, say it to my face.”

Or have enough “boldness” to share your thoughts as a public comment.  Or consider having at least the decency to state it in a manner that is adult-like.

Today, I lost a friend.  It was unexpected because it was over a simple video I posted to my timeline late at night because I couldn’t sleep.

It was sad because negative comments were shared even though my intent was only to share the sheer glee of children when a Beluga whale “played” with them in a manner that I’ve never seen before.

It was sad because a private message was sent after I stood up for myself and explained the reason for sharing a video of a “caged animal”.  It was sad because the private message called me judgmental and that I use my religion as a way to justify my behavior.

It was sad because my apology for sharing “offensive” content wasn’t enough, and so I was subjected to a comment that said, “I have always been nice to you but I do not need people in my life that expect me to be part of their group mentality, Bree. It is people like that that caused the Holocaust etc.”

Whoa!  Wait, the Holocaust!?!  Really?  Please tell me what genocide has to do with a video of a Beluga whale and some giggly kids!

A part of me hurts because this individual thinks that that kind of statement is justified since I’m a Christian.  A part of me hurts because I’m sure that I’m not the only one that this individual has treated with such intolerance and hatred.

I’m a Christian who stands up for myself. I will not apologize for that. I don’t throw my religion in people’s faces and I certainly don’t force anyone to read any of my posts or watch any of the videos that I include links to.

I also don’t expect anyone to be anything other than himself/herself.  Everyone is permitted to their own views.  I respect that.  But I have to ask, is it too much for me to expect the same in return?

Today I lost a friend, but I also stood up for who I am and what I believe.  

I call that a win.

Have you ever had an encounter on social media or even face-to-face where your faith was called out simply because someone didn’t agree with you?  How did you handle the situation?