1 Corinthians 13:12For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
Facebook is an awesome tool for social interaction. Although I'll be the first to admit I dislike many of the recent changes, I have much invested in friends, family, and blogging here. Unless something utterly drastic occurs, I can't see myself changing venues.
As most of you probably did, I started out on Facebook connecting with people I knew personally, ones I had met face to face. This gradually evolved into a much larger orbit where I was including news-feeds, inspirational sites, and inviting friends of friends to join my ever-expanding circle. I dare say these people whom I've befriended, yet have never interacted with in person, comprise a good quarter of the 287 contacts I currently enjoy.
While we can gain much insight into the personalities of friends whom we've never physically met, we are still peering through a darkened glass, a dim mirror.
We can read their comments, but cannot hear their voices.
We see their faces in photos, but cannot observe the subtle change of expressions.
We enjoy their sense of humor, but never hear their laughter.
We can love and treasure them, but never show them with a touch or a hug.
The circle is deep and wide and filled with thoughtful, caring people from all walks of life, but it is incomplete.
So are we - unfinished works of love, walking in faith and hope through all our days until the one arrives which calls us home.
The day when faith becomes sight and hope is fulfilled as we see, face to face, the One whose love for us endures forever.
Readings
Psalms 1, 2, 3 or 4, 7
Jeremiah 36:11-26
1 Corinthians 13:(1-3) 4-13
Matthew 10:5-15
I love this verse. It reminds us that faith is a continually growing, evolving process. Just when we think we have grasped it, we gain a new perspective, a new way of seeing. Thanks Martha for reminding us to always keep searching...
ReplyDeleteCuriously, again, Martha, you hit the nail on the head, signs and wonders. Just this weekend, Winde and I traveled to Nashville and met a group of folks who traveled there from as far as Western Nebraska and New Hampshire, whom I had previously only known online. Now I have seen the face, and have seen the real people, in the light of day, people I have only known before on a computer screen. And the scriptures tell us that one day we will see the face of God, and not imagine him solely as an image from the scriptures.
ReplyDeleteThere is an angel guiding the whirlwind.
As always beautifully said. I completely agree with you about the social networking sites...maybe it hides more than what it reveals.
ReplyDeleteHi Martha:
ReplyDeleteI'll echo the other sentiments here.
I too jumped on the Facebook wagon several years ago and developed many online friendships, people I only know online. When FB allowed business pages, I created two, one for my photography and one for my blog.
After their most recent changes I decided to leave. For me there is now a viable alternative in Google+. I have more followers on G+ now than I did on FB.
Yes I miss some of my FB friends but I couldn't justify staying because there were several people I stayed in touch with if Facebook was changing their privacy status again.
I have met face to face several of my FB friends and to a tee they were ALL fab.
Find me on G+ here:
http://gplus.to/cjpwisdomphotos
--
Chris
It's impossible to judge a person from fb and other social outlets as folks project the image they want others to see. Things would be much clearer if we would meet our fb friends but alas that's not possible. God has an image he's casting down but many misjudge him and his actions...Face to face with God is the ultimate goal but too many will never get that opportunity because of their beliefs. Like my fb friends one day I yearn to know God up close and personal. Blessings :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful comparison, one of which most will relate to :) Great post Martha!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, everyone, for stopping by and leaving such terrific comments!
ReplyDelete@Lynne - love the image of our faith ever growing and evolving in life!
@Hank - Definitely a God-incident! Yes, that angel is indeed in the whirlwind!
@Janu - such an interesting perspective, seeing it as hiding more than revealing about who someone truly is.
@Chris - Yes, I will check you out on Google+; have really missed you here on FB! Glad to know the friends you have met have been wonderful.
@David - Yes, that day will come when we see Him face to face; won't that be amazing!:)
@Anna - Yes, I was hoping that my readers, since most are on FB, would be able to relate to this post.
Thanks again and blessings to all of you!
This is one of my favorite Bible passages. Thank you for these very practical 'thoughts for the day'!
ReplyDeleteThere's always SKYPE for face to face and voice to voice...As always...XOXOXOXO
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Linda and Bonnie!
ReplyDelete@Linda - one of my all-time favorites, too!
@Bonnie - I have never used skype before; that would be a neat thing to try. :)
Blessings to you both!
That's pretty good, Martha!! :-)
ReplyDeleteI know exactly what you mean and how true it is!! But instinctively, the Body of Christ can sense each other's walk and then Holy Spirit keys on one word to reveal the true nature of the person...even if you've never met them and mostly likely never will!
Glory Hallelujah!
Love this observation, Bernie! I had not thought of it in this light, but it is so very true.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by and leaving such an enlightening comment!
Blessings!
Martha, so true on this post. We don't know the stories behind the pictures or the posts.
ReplyDeleteA very different post... We may not know them face to face but their words or writings reflects the person they are...
ReplyDeleteI have not seen you but your words and post tell me that you are a very gentle person. filled with warmth...
Thank you, Cathy and Savira, for stopping by!
ReplyDelete@Cathy - I do like what Bernie said above about whom we choose to become friends with, but we definitely don't know the rest of the story.
@Savira - I am humbled by your image of me. I try with all my heart and mind to serve God and to be the kind of person Jesus would have me to be. So gratified that you have picked up on that part of me that is still a work in progress.
Thank you both for your encouragement and your time!
Blessings!
I never looked at it this way. Beautiful comparison and lovely words. You're blessed my dear...keep it coming.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Leah, for stopping by! Your words of encouragement are deeply appreciated!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!