Technology has made my life better.
Remember when texting started to be popular in 2008? A lot of people thought it was horrible because it was a different way of communicating. I on the other hand couldn’t wait to turn 18 so I could get a phone. But in 2010 my parents heard about this app called Proloquo2Go where I could type things out and it would say what I’d typed. I’m still amazed by this app. In January of 2010, my parents bought me my first iPhone. I went from using a 5-lb. communication device to using an app on my phone to communicate with others.
Texting opened a whole new world for me. You see, I never have been able to talk on the phone to my family or friends. But over the past nine years I have been able to grow in my communication skills and have relationships with people through texting. If you’d met me when I was a young teenager and stopped to talk with me, I would ask you, “How was your day?” Then you would tell me what went on and at the end you might ask me how my day was? As you wait for me to type my answer, another person comes up and starts talking to you. When that happened/happens still, I usually just hug the person and say “talk to you later.” It used to irk me that people would butt in on our conversations, but I have learned that the conversation doesn’t always have to be about how I’m doing. It’s kinda comical because here I am unable to talk, yet people come to me with their struggles and I listen to them and try to encourage them. I believe we all have struggles in our lives physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Pain is pain no matter how small or big. Everyone needs somebody to just listen and care. Are you a good listener?
Social media has made my life better.
I joined Facebook in 2012 and Instagram in 2015. As many of you know, in 2012 I started my blog, Going Through Trials With God, which turned into Abiding With Joy in Christ in 2016. Also in 2012, I started my own small business called Silent Inspirations. I sell all-occasion notecards with my art printed on them. I also sell original paintings and prints of my paintings.
So how has social media made my life better, you may ask?
It’s made me be more aware that there are many people who are worse off than I. One of my goals since I was a kid was to encourage people like Joni Eareckson Tada did/does. I’m weird, I know. 😂 Anyway, I learned I needed to start building a platform on Facebook. Then when I discovered there were Dystonia Facebook groups and writing groups and blog groups, etc., I began noticing I was on Facebook hours at a time. While Facebook was connecting me with several people with and without dystonia, I realized I had become addicted to Facebook, just like I’ve been addicted to Netflix off and on the past several years (which is a whole other blog post).
Any social media app is time-consuming, but I believe it’s also an outlet I can use so people hear my “voice” and see it’s possible to live joyfully with a handicap. Here’s the key: I must purposely use it in moderation. If I don’t have a good reason to get on Facebook or Instagram, I’ll just be mindlessly scrolling, especially during the holidays, and seeing things and relationships I desire— which is not good because then I can become discontent and envious of people.
I believe social media, blogs, podcasts, audiobooks, and music are helpful but they’re NOT the only resource. The most important relationship in your life should be your relationship with the Lord. Yes, I admit I sometimes struggle with my relationship with Him. But I’m so thankful that, when I realize it’s been a week and I haven’t even read my Bible, He’s patiently waiting to spend just a little time with me. What voices are you focusing on?
Recently I was reading in the book of Isaiah and I noticed the phrase in five different chapters,
“For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.”
When I read “But His hand is stretched out still” I got emotional because I definitely don’t deserve His mercy or grace. Jesus Christ came to this earth to die a horrible death on a cross for everyone’s sin and in three days was resurrected just to have a relationship with us.
How dare I take for granted my relationship with Him. He’s the only one who truly knows my voice and cry. I’m thankful I know His Voice and for His guidance in my life.
The Lord still has His hand stretched out and He’s waiting for you to recognize your need for a Savior. No new technology, car, relationship, house, clothes, job status, or money will ever fulfill your needs, wants, or longings as your relationship with Jesus Christ will. Will you accept Him today? Click here to learn more about salvation.
Lastly I heard the words to this song called Rejoice, read on a podcast and found them to be such an encouragement.
Rejoice
Verse 1
Come and stand before your Maker
Full of wonder, full of fear
Come behold His power and glory
Yet with confidence draw near
For the one who holds the heavens
And commands the stars above
Is the God who bends to bless us
With an unrelenting love
Rejoice, come and lift your hands and
Raise your voice, He is worthy of our praise
Rejoice, sing of mercies of your King
And with trembling, rejoice
Verse 2
We are children of the promise
The beloved of the Lord
Won with everlasting kindness
Bought with sacrificial blood
Bringing reconciliation
To a world that longs to know
The affections of a Father
Who will never let them go
Rejoice, come and lift your hands and
Raise your voice, He is worthy of our praise
Rejoice, sing of mercies of your King
And with trembling, rejoice
Verse 3
All our sickness, all our sorrows
Jesus carried up the hill
He has walked this path before us
He is walking with us still
Turning tragedy to triumph
Turning agony to praise
There is blessing in the battle
So take heart and stand amazed
Rejoice, when you cry to Him He hears
Your voice, He will wipe away your tears
Rejoice, in the midst of suffering
He will help you sing
Rejoice, come and lift your hands and
Raise your voice, He is worthy of our praise
Rejoice, sing of mercies of your King
And with trembling rejoice
