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Photography by Bethany Williams

A panic attack ensued when I saw that I had over 100 friends on Facebook.  How was I supposed to keep track of everything?  Wouldn’t my brain explode with all that information scrolling down the “wall,” which I absorbed into my being?  Wishing over 100 people “Happy Birthday” would take up so much time!!!  How would I respond to all that these wonderful people had to say?  Would this count toward my weekly word quota?

That week, I felt overwhelmed.  Maybe I should only include friends with whom I currently have physically-present interactions, also conversing at least on a monthly basis.  But there are many extended family members with whom I don’t converse on a regular basis at all.  I want some kind of interaction with them, of course.   I also felt a necessity to check in as often as possible, just to keep up with what details were being shared, or else I would be left way behind. Not knowing the context of everything going on would throw off the linear working of things.  How does God do it? 

Facebook is the primo way to keep in touch without actually having to touch.  I don’t even have to have  a conversation with these people.  Why must I like and/or respond to anything anyone says on there?  I don’t want any of my dear friends to feel ignored or alone.  So I resorted to “like“-ing all the likable statements.  That took the pressure off.

Then I spoke with some friends, and one of them commented on how he received a message (I still am not sure if they received it from face-to-face interaction or a note on Facebook) degrading his efforts to respond to everything that circle of friends said on Facebook, and he then stopped responding.

My friend number continued to grow.

At almost 200 friends, I had another anxiety reaction.  Too much!!!  Then, after hearing several opinions in regard to Facebook culture, I decided that my interaction was not necessarily necessary.  It was not my responsibility to make sure others knew they were “heard.”  I especially am sick of hearing that I am always on there, especially from folks not even on my friend list.

New Dancing Moon IV by Reven Marie Swanson * Photograph by Bethany Williams

So when I surpassed 300 friends, I finally had acquired some nuance about internet social networking.  Early on I had determined that Facebook is just a tool, not to be confused with the God-given need to personally interact and love one another.

A great tool for submitting prayer requests and announcements to those not in my inner-circle, tiny as that might be.  Posting scripture and quotes which inspire, encourage and provoke positive thoughts, is a fun way in which to use this tool.  Oh, and one of my favorite uses is posting YouTube music and funny instances that might put a smile on at least one of my precious friend’s faces.  What other things are Facebook, and other social networking avenues good for?

The Oprah Winfrey Show finale Partial Reaction

I’m sitting here in front of my television.  It’s 4:43 p.m.  I decided about 10 minutes ago to turn on the Oprah Winfrey Show finale.  She took a few minutes acknowledging Jesus as part of the reason why her show lasted 25 years.  The other reason was her “team.”  Ok, I'm glad I turned it on today. 

To which God, she asked in anticipation of the critics and controversy, is she referring?  What a blessing to hear a portion of her personal testimony and acknowledge which God she serves.  The One with the capital “G,” or, she actually said something like The “G-O-D,” that everyone knows deep inside, no matter what they choose to do.

She recited some names and words which refer to the Biblical God - the Alpha and Omega, Omnipotent, Omni-present, etc.

The God who is the voice that is our conscience, the quiet whisper that can turn into a brick wall falling on our heads, if we try to ignore Him.  How proud I am that she chose to acknowledge Him loud and clear. 

I didn’t want to watch the finale show because I thought the focus would be much different.  The same reason I chose to turn it off Monday and not to turn it on at all yesterday.  Thank you, Jesus! 

I know I have received countless insight, glimpses into many sociological and psychological, relational topics from watching her show over the years.  Oprah Winfrey most assuredly is an Educator.  She seems to be making a speech on how everyone should be going on after this show ends in a few minutes, for good.  She incites everyone to heed the call and serve. 

I love that she is telling viewers to go on in choosing to love, learn, validate (what a wonderful way to sum up the voices of even the hateful, murderous, ignorant fellow humans she has interviewed on her show!) and doing - ACTION.  Doing what that small voice whispers to us, the instructions of what to do.  Bringing things out into the light so we can deal with the things once hidden in darkness.

She just offered a personal email address to anyone to contact her.  She said she would try to answer as many as she possibly can, personally.  I can’t imagine that down to earth task she promises to attempt to keep at oprah@oprah.com. 

She mentioned how she has offered a prayer of gratitude and delight before every show.  It has been no coincidence that she got to be where and who she is today - she confesses that she believes her life to be a miracle.  She felt so embraced on the show through the support of viewers.  She says she was asked if this would be bitter-sweet, and her reply is that it all is sweet, no bitter.

“To God be the glory,” were her closing words on the show, then walked off the show, stopping several rows back to kiss and embrace her love, Stedman.  As a Paul Simon song, “25 Years” played.  Then the credits started to roll.  Footage of her bidding people good-byes through the Harpo halls.  Hugs and tears shared.


What a life!  Just think, we have that capacity.  The legacy we leave can be huge, if we let God work.  Allowing God to be God can be an extraordinary exercise.  Not so much when we choose to allow evil to use us as a vehicle, or do nothing at all.

Help me Name my Mannequin

Place an order, follow my blog, then post a suggestion for a name for my mannequin.  I will draw a name July 15, 2011 and announce the winner between July 17 and July 22, 2011.  The winner will receive a SPECIAL, surprise gift.  Tell your friends!!  Purchase is necessary to enter this drawing.  Only good for citizens of the United States.  Contest subject to change, depending on certain variables to be determined by me.  Thank you for your participation.  Bon chance!

Also, the 100th follower of my blog will possibly receive a gift, depending on many things.  Keepin' it real!