Unwise Interaction

I have this cardinal rule with Facebook. No matter how much I disagree with statements put out there (and believe me there are some doozies), I will not engage! Well, the other day, I broke my rule! August 31 is Overdose Awareness Day and through the entire month of August there are numerous Facebook posts regarding addiction, overdose and supporting addicts and families. On one post, a gentleman commented, "addiction is a choice. I pray you make better choices." I think my mind imploded just a little bit; I was so angry and the words felt so hurtful. The years that I spent in the trenches with Mikael as he battled his addiction were exhausting and heartbreaking. He worked so hard and never gave up. If he relapsed, he detoxed again and started over. He kept on trying and wanted so badly to live a drug free life. He was open and honest about his addiction and so courageous in his fight against it. So, such a statement sent me a tad over the edge of reason.  

I broke my rule! I engaged! As you can imagine, these types of exchanges on Facebook do not go well and rarely is there a win-win result. Afterwards, God and I had a chat! Here are my takeaways from our little conversation.

First of all, is it okay for me to be angry at comments such as this? Yes! Yes, it is! Regardless of the accuracy or inaccuracy of such statements, they are simply downright hurtful. Should I have initiated a verbal interaction on Facebook with this individual? No! No I should not have. Why? Because, at the end of it, nobody was edified, uplifted, supported or encouraged and that really should be the goal of our conversations. Where should I have taken my anger? To the Lord. I should have placed my anger and hurt at his feet and asked for guidance and wisdom as to what to do about it. I am forever learning on this life's journey. God is so patient with me.

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