A VIEW FROM MY PART: LIFE BEFORE SOCIAL MEDIA

 Once Upon a Simpler Time

There was a time, not so long ago, when life was a bit quieter, a bit slower, and a bit more personal. We called friends on the phone instead of messaging them through apps. We visited each other without the need for digital invitations. We lived life in a way that was more connected, even without being online

 Part 1: The Garden of Grace

In the heart of our small town stood Mrs. Jenkins' garden, a sanctuary that seemed to bloom with the whispers of the Divine. Every morning, as the sun's rays gently kissed the petals, the garden transformed into a living parable of faith and beauty. Mrs. Jenkins, with her serene presence and loving hands, tended to it like a devoted artist, each flower a brushstroke on the canvas of creation.

One day, as I walked through the garden, Mrs. Jenkins handed me a small, delicate rose. "This," she said with a smile, "is God's love in bloom." I held the rose, feeling its velvety petals, and suddenly, I saw the garden in a new light. Each flower, each leaf, was a testament to God’s handiwork, a reminder of His grace in the simple, everyday moments.

As I stood there, I recalled the times before social media when we gathered on front porches, sharing stories and laughter under the vast, star-studded sky. It was a time when our lives were intertwined, not through screens, but through the threads of shared humanity and faith. We didn't need likes or comments to feel valued; our worth was found in the warmth of a neighbor’s smile, the comfort of a friend’s embrace, and the quiet strength of a shared prayer.

Mrs. Jenkins’ garden taught me that true beauty is not just seen but felt—deeply, spiritually. It was a place where God’s presence was palpable, where each blossom whispered the eternal truth: that in every moment, God is there, crafting grace from the ordinary. 

Reflection:

Think about your own life before social media. What simple, sacred moments stand out to you? How did they shape your faith and your sense of community? Share your thoughts below, and let’s rekindle those connections that once brought us so close to God and each other. Let’s create a space where the garden of our souls can bloom once more, rich with the fragrance of love and grace.

 Part 2: The Week of Laughter and Revelation

One summer, our town decided to embark on a whimsical experiment—a “no screens” week. The idea was met with a mix of skepticism and excitement. Mr. Thompson, the town’s unofficial comedian, proclaimed, “Well, folks, it’s time to find out if we’re still human without our gadgets!” Laughter echoed through the town hall as we embraced the challenge, each of us curious to see what life would be like without the digital noise.

The first day was a comedy of errors. People fumbled with old-fashioned maps instead of GPS, kids played tag with a vigor that made us all remember what running free felt like. Even the local bakery, usually filled with the hum of coffee machines and the buzz of social media chatter, was alive with the sound of people sharing stories and laughter over freshly baked bread. 

By the end of the week, something miraculous had happened. The town was buzzing with a different kind of energy—a spiritual vibrancy that was infectious. Families gathered for picnics, friends discovered the joy of board games, and the church pews were fuller than ever. Mr. Thompson, with a twinkle in his eye, stood up in church on Sunday and declared, “You know, God must be having a good laugh at us! But I think He’s also smiling because we’re finally looking up and seeing each other again.”

That week, we realized that while social media connects us, it often disconnects us from the present, from the people right in front of us. We learned that true connection is not just about scrolling through feeds but about seeing the face of God in each person we meet, in every shared moment of joy and struggle.

 Call to Action:

As you reflect on your own experiences with social media, think about the moments when you felt truly connected, truly present. How can you incorporate some of that “no screens” magic into your daily life? Share your stories, your struggles, and your triumphs. Comment below, and let’s build a community that values genuine connections over digital distractions. Become a member, and let’s walk this journey together, drawing closer to God and to each other with every step we take. Let’s make our lives a living testament to the beauty and grace that await us when we choose to look up and truly see.