My husband and I went on a little vacation recently.
There was one day in particular when we both hadn’t been on our phones very much because we had a packed schedule of fun events.
It was evening before we both had a chance to sit down and pull out our phones to scroll social media.
We sat down to just chill and scroll social media a bit.
However, as soon as I had opened it, I immediately had to put my phone away.
I’ve always thought people posting their opinions on social media didn’t affect me much.
But in that moment, I felt such a stark contrast.
I had been living in the moment all day—
Connecting, experiencing, relaxing, having fun, and having meaningful conversations.
And then I opened my phone and saw a literal “war of words and tumult of opinions.”
It was too much for me.
That evening, I stayed off social media, FaceTimed my kids, read my scriptures, and went to bed.
Ignore any historical context you may know about this verse, and try to read it from your current perspective:
“In the midst of this war of words and tumult of opinions, I often said to myself: What is to be done?” (JS-H 1:10)
As I sat there, looking at this war of words online, I realized I could do what Joseph did.
Instead of thinking:
“What do I need to post? What do I need to comment on? Where should I share my opinion?”
I tried to ask myself:
“What is to be done right now? What do I need to do?”
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the war of words?
Weighed down by the tumult of opinions?
Instead of adding to the words and the opinions, I think we would be wise to follow Joseph’s thought process.
Try focusing on what good things we can DO.
In our own spheres of influence.
We can create, serve, worship, love, solve, restore, and praise.
What is to be done?
Let’s do it.
Happy Studying!
-Cali Black
6 Responses
Thank you! What an important insight! In one single day, you got to see and experience both things that bring genuine connection and closeness and things that bring contention and discord. May we ever maximize the former and minimize the latter!
<3
Thank you for this. I recently reread Pres Nelson’s talk where he challenged the women of the church to take a break from social media. Somehow I missed it the first time (or maybe I just wasn’t ready). Anyway, this time I took it to heart. I haven’t been on Facebook or Instagram (the only 2 I frequent) in almost two weeks. It’s been easier than I thought and I haven’t even missed it. And my inner peace has been more abundant!
I love this for you! Sometimes a break is needed!
I am playing catch up with my emails and things…. but just wanted to say how this hit home… I’ve decided to remove as much negativity from life as I can, including social media … and some people…. as harsh as that may sound…. I’ve really benefited from getting away from “war of words and tumult of opinions.”. It really does the soul good. Thank you for your wonderful insight, and sharing.
I am playing catch up with my comments, but thank you for sharing! I love this!