Detach. What a crazy time we live in. Some days it seems overwhelming to my heart and mind. In one moment, I am watching a video showing the killing of a weaponless person. In the next instant, it may be a political argument and in the next minute checking out new fashion styles on Instagram. How is this healthy and what is it doing to us emotionally and mentally? We are not given time to process emotions or thoughts before we are exposed to another occurrence. The result is thousands of “opinions, articles, and off-the-cuff comments” are communicated without proper process time. A vicious cycle, and I want off this bus!
Jeremiah 31:25 I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.
We are in a time of information overload that is not drawing us to be better; instead it is weary to the heart. So, I ask the question, “How do I detach from negativity, stay focused on what is important, be present to those around me and continue to live in Him”?
Do we need to know how the sausage is made?
I realize for some people wanting to know everything about the most recent hot topic is enticing. But, if it is causing you stress, unfriending people or heightened arguments…perhaps you need to step away. One step at a time, remove yourself from the computer, twitter or Facebook. My church is doing a “fast and pray” during their current sermon series. I decided to fast television and some social media time during a 21 day period – right in the middle of debate season! I have to say, it was freeing to my mind to not be exposed to some of the political craziness.
Stay focused.
Please don’t assume being detached releases you of responsibility to those around you. I believe detaching will let you remove the things that are not appointed to you to focus on what is appointed to you. As followers of Jesus, we have a calling to serve and to be the voice for the weak. We will be held accountable for how we loved.
Being present.
I was recently at a conference and could not help but notice all the people videoing or taking pictures of the speaker or the band playing. I am not against capturing a moment, but do we need to capture every moment? I would much rather enjoy the music, then have to share my focus with my phone. Don’t miss the opportunity to “feel” a moment, which will stay with you much longer than a picture with no emotional tie.
Living in Him.
I mentioned in the beginning of this post about the onslaught of information we are overloaded with on daily, if not hourly, basis. Crazy times call for crazier measures to protect ones heart! So glad my sweet Jesus loves this crazy girl. If you are struggling with information overload, give it to the one who can carry this with you. Re-attach yourself to the One with wisdom and guidance.
Understanding that you cannot control what goes on in the world, but you can control what you allow into your heart and mind. Learn to be picky with who and what shares your heart. It really is ok to detach out of some things. I believe you will find it freeing and peaceful on the other side!
Proverbs 8:17 I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me.
