I don’t know who came up with it first but whoever gets credit for the idea that you never discuss politics or religion with friends at bars or at parties should probably have a statue erected in their honor. Somewhere in a small, coastal fishing village no doubt, with a bronze plaque that reads, “Don’t say I didn’t tell you…and stay off of Facebook.”

Social media can be a nightmare for people like me that are highly opinionated, vocal, and have the need to “inform” everyone I know. I’ve taken on this responsibility of bringing everything I think is important to everyone’s attention–annoyingly and frustratingly so for some no doubt–  and sometimes with the intent of getting under someone’s skin. I’ll justify it by saying, they deserved it, they started it! That’s just an excuse, a justification, but I’m human too (which in itself is another “justification but cut me some slack). On one hand I feel justified. Most of the time I keep it cool, keep it respectful. I try and be as reasonable as possible because we tend to demonize and generalize our opposition. This combined with my opinion that the media in general (news, entertainment etc., ) is heavily slanted–and dangerously so–one way, fuels me with a passion to be heard. No foul intent, just honesty and raw emotion. But sometimes if you’re not careful, it can cause problems.

It is far too easy to piss people off and walking on eggshells constantly gives your digital toes cramps. Social media like FB or Twitter aren’t supposed to stress you out. Practicing katas on people in your head isn’t a good or Godly thing. As the months of election countdown turn into mere weeks, tempers are flaring and bonds are being tested amongst some. I’ve been following this for it seems like an eternity now. I swear this is the longest freaking election cycle ever. I’m hearing President Obama in my sleep and hearing Governor Romney when I’m awake. Non-stop, day and night, friends and foes…everyone is talking about it to some degree. I have done my best to let my feelings be known on various issues but too much sleep lost, angry friends, awkward conversations and missing hair follicles have brought me to a realization:

No one gives a crap what you think about politics. I will pause while you finish clapping…

For many who know me this is a joyous occasion indeed. While we all–for the most part–outwardly pronounce our willingness to be open minded, respectful and “tolerant,” the truth of the matter is that those courtesies are extended only as far as the following conditions are met. There may be more but these are the main ones I have noticed:

A) You agree with the individual(s) you are speaking with.

B) You agree to capitulate to the arguments of said individual(s)

C) Your “butt hurt” meter has not yet reached full capacity.

D) You generalize or are generalized/categorized.

The topics of politics and religion while different in subject matter tend to stir up the same emotions in people. I do not say this as an outsider, I fully admit that I can get just as caught up as anyone else. In fact, I would say in a way it’s even worse because I can have a quick temper. Quick tempers don’t usually make for a great witness, amen. At least not when you put Jesus in the back seat. You would think that I would know better by now but you would be wrong. I’m like the Saul of Facebook, ruthlessly hunting down would be offenders.

And that’s not right.

The first mistake I make is letting things get to me. I need to do a better job of remembering that people have feelings. That sounds horribly mushy but it’s the truth. Look, I’ll post things that are satirical with good natured humor. Others are straightforward but couth and others still, straightforward but mean. I dish it out and I can take it but sometimes I get fired up and have to say something. I don’t mean to give off the impression that I’m 24/7 giving people the business but I liken it to a solar flare–every now and again you get one that really heats up the charts. That’s fine when it’s your page; if they don’t like it, they can hit the block/delete button. However, when you start blowing up other peoples pages, you have become a line stepper.

Don’t be a habitual line stepper. No one likes that guy.

I shouldn’t blow up on my own page but at least if I do, it’s mine. It can be tricky knowing when things have gone too far sometimes. People may post and they may invite comment, but straight jacking someone’s thread usually doesn’t sit well with them no matter how well intentioned. Chances are if the conversation is that heated, they, like you, have already made up their minds on who they are voting for. It’s kind of like witnessing: you cannot force anyone to understand, you can only be that witness. Moreover, like witnessing, everything you say and do is watched. People keep record of your failures and successes and most of the time the former rather than the later is kept on the top shelf of their memories. The other side is just as passionate about their beliefs as I am–no matter how wrong I think/they think the other is. In most cases we want the same things. It’s how we get there and what we take along with us and establish when we get wherever “there” is that’s the issue. There are very different ideas about what America is and where it should go, our role in the world. Things have changed amazingly fast in a frighteningly short amount of time. When that happens we become more adamant in what we believe the cure for the ailment must be.

I will end this posting with something someone who I respect immensely said to me. This individual does not varnish his opinion when it comes to any topic but these two in particular. We had a conversation a few days ago and the point was made that at the end of the day, you have to stand for something. This isn’t verbatim, but you’ll get the point.

Some people are going to like it, (it being whatever you’re saying/doing) and some won’t, suck it up because you can‘t do anything about it. You won’t always get respect back, even when you give it so don’t be shocked if you don’t get it back. And most importantly he said even when others would say you’re wrong, if that’s what you truly believe in your gut then you stick by it because it’s the truth. You know these things but sometimes you have to be reminded of them.

This person isn’t a believer but I’m adding this last part because the Lord put it on my heart. Don’t let your heart be troubled. I can only do what I can do and even then, it must be done with a heart seeking God’s will and not my own. Balance. Stop being so pushy, so edgy, relax and enjoy your life. Not to say that you drop the ball and just tune out completely…just don’t forget to actually play with the ball every now and again.