Scroll On By

“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 7:12)

I think I’ve done a post like this before, but it bears repeating. As we get closer and closer to November 5, 2024 here in the U.S. of A., tensions are running hotter and hotter…especially when one of us has confounded some of our friends by switching parties (chuckle).

I’m growing to hate election years…the big election years where we vote for our next president. It’s only a little kinder this time than it was in 2020, but maybe that’s because I’m trying to be kinder by forcing myself to scroll on by whenever I see another hate-filled piece of propaganda. I’m doing my best not to react. I see the error of that. Instead of changing people’s minds, it causes them to dig in their heels. They’re not listening.

Perhaps they never were.

No, this has very little to do with homesteading and prepping…except for the freedom that homesteading and prepping represents to me. If we dig down deep enough, none of us wants to be dependent upon government to survive…because it usually leads to government overreach. I realize, and know from personal experience, that there are many, many situations that arise where such reliance cannot be helped. Again, I’ve been there. People in those situations deserve our compassion, not our scorn. But what makes most of us happy is the satisfaction that comes with making one’s own way in the world…relying instead upon the only One who can be relied upon, plus the gifts, skills, intellect, community, and the willingness to share with that community, that He has blessed us with.

But that’s neither here nor there.

I’ve been scrolling on by. Or, when I don’t think I can as the propaganda gets thicker and thicker on some sites, I “snooze” people for 30 days. That way I don’t see the posts on social media that make my blood boil…and chase away all good reason.

The problem with that though is “snoozing” someone doesn’t prevent them from attacking me on my posts. Yes, I do share political memes, though I try to keep them to a minimum. There have been a number of clips superimposing Donald Trump and J.D. Vance over the opening of The Dukes of Hazzard series and now Smokey and the Bandit. There have also been several clips showing key conservative and independent figures dancing to the Bee Gees’ “Stayin’ Alive”. They’re well done, a good, tongue-in-cheek laugh that does a body good.

But I’m trying to remember each time I see a post from a friend that starts to stir me up in a bad way that that person has their reasons for voting that way…the same as I do for my votes. Neither of them are inherently “wrong”. There are simply some issues that touch on a core value somewhere. And, even if you disagree with that candidate’s other policies, that one core value is what keeps you in their lane.

Sadly, I sometimes feel my efforts are in vain. I can almost predict sometimes who will respond negatively to a post I’m sharing…even if it’s not a so-called “provocative” post, but simply a piece from an interview, or a talking head, that is raising what I think are some good points.

Yes, I do invite a response by posting such pieces. I only ask, if you can only respond with snarky remarks and sarcasm, that you follow my example and also scroll on by. Freedom of speech is for everyone…not just those with which you agree.

May God bless you & keep you!