From Behind the Bars of Facebook Jail



I’m still in Facebook Jail, well not me, but the page I created to feature my weekly blog, Friday Tidings. I’ve been told by fellow jail mates, that anyone can turn you in, and to be safe, Facebook disables your account until they can sort it all out. Typically, you can be released anywhere from a day to three days. But certainly, no longer than three weeks. Usually.

I hereby confess, before the Facebook Court of Judgement, that after reviewing ten years and over 500 posts, about 20 of them dealt with politics. The whole theme of Friday Tidings is journeying through life and the experiences we share—and that includes the nation and its election of leaders. 


So as I scrolled through my old posts, there were commentaries during the election years. Back in 2015, I wasn’t particularly fond of the idea that Donald Trump was running, and I was surprised when he got the nomination. I’d written posts about Hillary and  President Obama. But those were years ago.


I’ve purposely turned from politics and the divisiveness, and focused on people’s stories. I highlighted those living extraordinary lives—mostly regular people who were doing incredible things—like Rob, who uses his endurance-level athleticism to raise thousands of dollars to stop human trafficking.




There were stories of victories over cancer, and the excruciatingly painful story of a young mother who didn’t survive cancer, but Christina revealed how to live well, while dying. Her faith in God was on full display.





How about the little girl who dreamed about running races? All she wanted to do was win a race. But she was blind. Her story got shared and then shared some more. With the support of an amazing organization, this little girl was able to run her race, holding onto a handrail around a track. I still can’t read her story without some tears.




Even before I was sentenced to Facebook Jail, I had learned that sharing stories of love meant much more than sharing stories of fear or anger or political strife.  Of the 2.7 billion active Facebook users, I’m just one of thousands who have been sidelined. I had hoped to post something positive about the election—and our privilege to be part of something bigger than ourselves. I was going to encourage us to work together regardless of who wins.


This experience reveals to me that words do matter—even words written years ago. Some of my old posts reveal that my heart still needed some work in the love department. Times like these reveal that it still does. Until I get out of Facebook jail, I’ll use this time to pray for our nation—because that will always be more important than anything I can possibly write.



Jesus said, “But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them.” Matthew 15:18.  


And also what I have sometimes written, and for that I’m sorry.



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