Have you ever thought that when we pass away our words don’t? That goes for almost all of us who have become a part of the social media society. If we have Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or other social apps., our words are saved somewhere.
Our photos, comments, articles, posts, and questions will one day pass on. Let’s face it, the words may stop flowing but they won’t cease to exist for someone to read.
It’s something I have been thinking about for a couple of years now and I would make the case that maybe the social media “highlight” reel isn’t as bad as it has been made out to be. As I think through the use of these legacy apps, I want my family to remember my favorite things. I want them to see there was purpose in what was shared and remind them of the highlights of my days and that they were a part of that, often being, in some way, the motivation behind almost every share I make.
When my family one day looks back at the things I shared on my Instagram, I want them to be reminded of my faith and reliance on what Jesus did for us. I want them to see funny things like memes, Michael Jr. or that silly Kardashian Instagram account with the post-it notes for fingernails. I want them to know I used social media to connect buyers and sellers with houses they want or need and helped others improve their health with a better breakfast or other natural recipe or simple grocery swaps.
I don’t want my legacy to be a war of words, passive-aggressive remarks, keyboard rants, or even a mini-series on difficult moments in time. Those days and moments happen and when I post about them, I want it to be with intention and thought. Making sure, if those are words that are going to be hanging around after I am gone, that they served a purpose for those who are left behind to read them. I also think, for me, I want the hard days to be documented differently. Journaling a prayer between the Lord and myself is often the best way for me to start and then determine what part of my sphere should or needs to know. I have certainly been known to ask for prayer and I have prayed many prayers for those who ask the same. It is an honor to lift others up to our Heavenly Father when they want/need it.
It’s just that sometimes, by filtering our words or media shared by what we are leaving our loved ones with someday, maybe the highlight reel is genius! Maybe sharing more of the highlights is exactly what we want to leave our loved ones. I want mine to see the variety of things I have shared demonstrate the importance of what I want them to know and remember. Knowing their photos, events, home, pets, faith, friends and yes, even the careers we appreciate are things I thought worthy of sharing. Whether any of us ever desired to be an author or not, we have all become one without even knowing the novels we are writing.
When we pass on, so will our words whether we like it or not.
oldmommadenew 