The other day I saw that a fitness coach that I have been
following for over a year on Instagram and Facebook had posted a video on
Facebook about women and encouragement.
You can see Amanda’s video here. The short story is that people have been
making ugly comments to her social media posts.
It got me thinking about this verse…
“Don’t use foul or abusive language.
Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be
an encouragement to those who hear them.”
Ephesians 4:29
And these verses…
“Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in
perfect harmony. And let the peace that
comes from Christ rule in your hearts.
For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.”
Colossians 3:14-15
To be honest with you, when I started following some of the
women that are now my fitness heroes I had thoughts like:
“Wow! They sure are brave to post a video of their
workout on social media!” or “Wow! Look
at them posting their before and after pictures! I’m not that brave or confident in
myself. What if someone makes fun of
me?”
I kept following their journey. Their journey gave me the motivation and
encouragement to get my butt off the couch and do something about my
health. I consider myself a pretty
outgoing person, but I had to really get out of my comfort zone when I started
posting my workouts on social media or sharing my journey with my posts, blog,
etc. That was a HUGE step for me! It has been worth it though.
Fortunately, most of my followers are people that I actually
know. I haven’t really had the reach
through social media that other people have.
I’m not a celebrity. I haven’t
had to worry too much about negative comments on social media. You can be sure that I have read other
peoples comments though. It seems that
as social media has grown, the ability to hide behind our electronic devices
has grown too. It’s given us a boldness
and a sense that we can say whatever we want no matter how ugly. I have seen that people feel like it’s okay
to say whatever they want even if they have never met that person or have a
personal relationship with that person.
Over the past few months we have seen so much ugly in our
world. Why would you want to add to it
or be a part of that? Be a woman of
encouragement. Be an influencer for
good. Many times when people make their
ugly (and very hurtful) comments or posts on social media it’s because you
yourself are struggling with insecurities.
That mom of ___ of kids is
getting her butt off the couch and doing something good for her and her
kids. I’ve had a friend that has made a
passing comment to me saying “hashtag fitmom” in our conversations. If you follow me on Instagram you know that I
use that hashtag and a few others whenever I post my fitness pictures. I know this friend’s heart and I know that
she loves me and I’m sure that she isn’t trying to be mean, but I am doing
something positive for me and my girls.
Our words can cut deeper than we realize (or maybe some of us do).
“In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand
speeches. But a tiny spark can set a
great forest on fire. And among all the
parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickeness, corrupting
your entire body. It can set you whole
life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself.”
James 3:5-6
I will tell you this.
Since I am now 44 years old (crazy, huh?), I don’t care anymore what
people think. You can laugh or make fun
of me all you want to my face or behind my back for all of my fitness posts or
videos of my workouts. In fact, get
ready for this…I am about to try my hand at vlogging this fall with all of my
upcoming races. That’s right folks! You’ll be seeing a lot more of this hot mess
on social media! I have one thing to say
(okay I’ve said way more than that). If
all of my posts on social media will inspire or encourage just one person to
get up and moving, then it has been worth it and I’ll keep doing it. I’ve had several old students, parents, old
and current friends that have messaged me or told me in person how my journey
has inspired them to change. I hadn’t
posted as many workout videos lately and one morning one of the sweet ladies in
my Facebook group asked where my posts were.
She had missed them and said that they were so inspiring. I think they are a hot mess, but if it helps
you, I’ll keep doing it.
Friends, we need to encourage each other. Don’t be the hatred that is a part of this
world. Here are a few things to think of
before you comment on social media:
1.
Is this the type of character that you want your
daughters, nieces, students, etc., to have when they grow up? Little eyes see all.
2.
Would you want others to treat your children
like that? Don’t be the bully.
3.
Do you have a personal relationship with this
person? Do you have the right to speak
into their lives?
4.
If you want others to be kind to you, start
first by being kind and encouraging to others.
5.
Remember the Golden Rule? “Do unto others as you would have them do to
you.” This goes along with number #3,
but if you don’t want to see ugly, hurtful comments on your social media then
don’t do it to others.
6.
When you are ugly on social media, not only does
the person whom you commented on see that post, but so do maybe hundreds of
others. Is that really the kind of
character that you want to be known for?
7.
Is the reason that you are wanting to make a
hurtful comment because you are struggling with your own insecurities?
8.
The next time you see a woman post or blog about
her fitness make it a point to encourage her.
Congratulate her for getting off the couch and making a difference.
9.
Be kind and loving!!!
These are just some of my thoughts. You have the power to make a difference in
this world. Why not use that power for
good? Be someone’s hero!
