Digital Autobiographies

Facebook and youtube are not just passing fads in our culture. They are deeply affecting the way we look at our world. We have learned how to magnify the trivial and to maximize the amazing moments in a day. It is a ying/yang fascination. We can post and memorialize what would have been lost in a fleeting moment before these on-line tools. Now we can share the peculiarities and the imaginations of people across the globe. These sneak peeks into other cultures have broadened our understanding of the brotherhood of mankind. Everyone shares a sense of humor over the ridiculous antics of a cat or dog. Karaoke videos to Kiss tunes are just as embarrassing in Singapore as in Dallas. These postings have increased our empathy and understanding of other cultures and points of view.

I know there are many who do not believe this is a valuable or even acceptable part of pop culture. Good questions are being raised about whether we will continue with these on-line mini connections so much, we will lose the natural desire to go to the ballfield, take a walk with a friend, or eat a meal together instead. There are challengers of this technology that insist that personal contact is the only valuable connection.

I see in FB and youtube connections of spirit that bring us all closer together. If it becomes your virtual neighborhood, then you are in trouble. Like all things, moderation is necessary and living life in real-time, with the people God has given you relationships, is more important. However, we often live in societies where intimacy and connection are only possible with these technology cords. Thank goodness my brother-in-law can posts photos of my newborn niece from Dublin. I can't wait to hold her in-person, drool and all.

Keep in mind, we are all creating our own autobiographies as we post what appeals and connects with us that day. If we can remember that our lives are just that, a public autobiography in the making, then we can also take our on-line accountability more seriously. Take a deeper look at what we are revealing about our own lives, hearts, and egos.

Hmmmmm. Maybe it is no longer just Big Brother who is watching. Maybe 5 years from now you will look back and wonder if what you are putting out there had any consequence in others lives.

Be bold. Be real. Be purposeful in your postings. Some of us might even need to be prayerful about them! God has granted us freedom to do good in the world. Here is a perfect opportunity for you.

These videos say it all.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KV4PNwpqsCc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSnXE27

Get the Message Out There

Long before the day of radio broadcasts, podcasts, and videos, Jesus was a great storyteller, We all know how the movie industry has portrayed Christ in a long white robe, hair glowing in the sun, happy shining people seated and listening intently. I am not so sure that was the actual scene, due to the size of the crowd and a distinct lack of microphones. Instead, I think he utilized the platform of a large rock and there was a lot of row to row murmuring going on. Don't you wonder if the disciples were placed around for crowd control, or maybe to answer questions in individual groups? Talk about social networking. I can't help but think the hillside hang was pretty great though due to the fact it was Christ's main platform for communications. It was intensely popular and Jesus had to resort to the unexpected like teaching from a boat, pushed back from the crowd.

What we have on the record about his teaching style is a typically visual story told to reveal the heart and mind of God. Jesus used common lifestyle stories with an eternal twist. Not all of them were bedtime stories. Some were very challenging, but woven into a familiar narrative.

So today, we have a no hillside hangouts. We have rallies, concerts, and even chatrooms where we can communicate the good word. Our culture still likes a great story. No matter what tough times comes along with our economy, movie theaters stay full for a great flick. We who believe in the unfathomable God of the Universe, have a rich resource for ideas and concepts to tell our stories. Get edgy and post something on Facebook that says you are a Jesus person. Be bold in your faith and pass it along. Write a song, an essay, paint a painting, create a dance, just do it. Today, think about what you can do to tell the story. It is about telling your story, God's story through your life. It's a lot easier than sitting in the grass, swatting at gnats, and straining your voice to be heard. Each of us have our own hillside. Stand up and be heard.
ICorinthians 14:26
So here's what I want you to do. When you gather for worship, each one of you be prepared with something that will be useful for all: Sing a hymn, teach a lesson, tell a story, lead a prayer, provide an insight. ...