Blogger: Wendy Lawton
Last week my colleague, Rachelle Gardner, blogged about not embarrassing ourselves online. Wise advice. I’m going to piggyback on her thoughts because just today I’ve counted no less that two dozen cringeworthy posts in my newsfeed.
I have a serious case of outrage fatigue. Facebook posts are filled with outrage. It’s true, many of the issues discussed are worthy of outrage but with some sixteen months of politics and mudslinging ahead of us let me challenge you to follow some wise advice. It comes from Philippians 4:8. Let’s take it apart:
whatever is true: Be careful with your shares and retweets. Is it true? If a story seems too miraculous or too farfetched, take the time to check it out on Snopes.com and other debunking sites. So many well-meaning people end up looking like fools when they post long-debunked urban myths. And news story shares. . . is it a reputable source? Is it opinion or is it true?
whatever is noble: It may be true, but is it something you want connected with your name and with your professional persona? Comments about Josh Duggar or others who’ve famously fallen from grace do nothing but titillate. Those of us suffering outrage fatigue simply cannot stand the huge wave of outrage that we see on the horizon. I think it came to a head for me when my newsfeed began to fill with outrage about Cecil the lion who was killed by a big game hunter. Yes, it was needless and heartbreaking but we read about it for days and days. And then the backlash came– the picture of starving children from the same region with the finger wagging, “People care more about one aged lion than about. . .” There’s precious little any of us can do about any of it but feel somehow guilty.
whatever is right: And by right, we mean righteous, not a specific political stance. 🙂 I’m of the keep-your-political-views-to-yourself persuasion. Many do not agree and I’ll not judge but just remember, the closer to the election, the more rabidly partisan people become. Do you want to alienate roughly half your readership? Focus on the things that are righteous. The good being done in the world to alleviate suffering. The upstanding. Troubling world situations to help highlight prayer concerns— this too is right.
whatever is pure: We love pure. These are the things that bring tears to our eyes. Things that are purely sweet, purely funny with no evil intended. Children dressed for the first day of school. Weddings. Old folks dancing up a storm. Little faces from around the world. Grandparents and grandchildren. All a breath of pure, clean air.
whatever is lovely: I’m a big fan of lovely. I love it when people post pictures of their gardens, of the beach, of the food they’ve created, of babies. . . Loveliness can lift our spirits. In fact someone did a study of people who look at kitten videos. Do you know it lowered stress and increased happiness? People need to apply the “lovely” yardstick and rethink much that is posted online– bodily functions included. There’s way too much yuck factor and far too many TMI posts to my way of thinking.
whatever is admirable: How we love to hear stories of heroes and people doing admirable things. Let’s continue with tributes to those we love. Causes that are admirable. Concrete ways we can help. So much better than focusing on the snarky, smarmy, ugly, right?
So be prepared. Heartbreaking news continues to release about infanticide. We’ll be hearing more and more about feet of clay, political haranguing, horrible tragedies and evil acts. Just remember—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
So what do you think? Am I just a Pollyanna? Anyone else suffering from outrage fatigue? Do you believe one can actually change another person’s mind politically by arguing online? Does the “whatever principle” apply if your brand is an in-your-face brand? Let’s talk. . .
TWEETABLES:
Whatsoever online things are smarmy, ugly, snarky. Do we want to think on those things? Click to Tweet.
Authors need to watch their online persona. Whatever. Click to Tweet.
Anyone else suffering outrage fatigue? asks @wendylawton. Click to Tweet
This verse has been the basis of my morning devotions the past five days. Your post, Wendy, pops up on my “of good report” day (I memorized this verse in the KJV years ago, and that’s how “admirable” is phrased). What I find on this blog is always of good report, and I thank all of you.
If there be any virtue, if there be any praise, WRITE on these things.
“If there be any virtue, if there be any praise, WRITE on these things.” I love this, Shirlee. 🙂
I also memorized this in KJV. You notice I refrained from using whatsoever but in my mind it is the whatsoever principle.
Hi Wendy,
Great points! This week I was so happy to hear about Good Samaritans in Paris and Louisiana. The three men who stopped a terrorist and the people who stopped to help the state trooper who’d been shot. Despite the tragedy, people jumped in and did the right thing. Hearing these stories was like a soothing balm to my bad-news-weary-soul.
Thanks for sharing.
Me, too. I need to hear the good stuff even though I know it’s not often considered newsworthy.
The worst ones for me are the ones that show a Christian who’s fallen and includes kind of a “haha, I knew he was too good to be true.” Really. How many of us want our sins known nationwide?
I’m getting ready to post photos of our three puppies going after my husband’s ice cream cone? 🙂
“.” not “?”
🙁
I agree. When I see the fallen I usually brings for their wives, their Mommas, their children. It’s too heartbreaking. Those who jump on these tragedies with enjoyment do themselves no favor.
This Scripture does transform our thinking. Thanks, Wendy, for reminding me of it! Outrage overload often creates the opposite of the desired effect. It sinks us in the mire of guilt and despair, paralyzing us instead of inspiring godly action. Or it immunizes us against the pain of others.
I have struggled, however, the past couple of months, to figure out how to deal with this, as many morality-related issues have surfaced. It’s easy, as a humorist (not a satirist) to feel like a spiritual lightweight when I do not trumpet my passionate convictions over the social media. Yet I am convinced that this dark world needs more smiles from Christians and fewer swords. E.G., one of my husband’s bereaved patients said, “I am always glad when it is Wednesday. I will read your wife’s column, and I know I will laugh.”
“more smiles from Christians and fewer swords” Amen, Rachael! That’s why your ministry of words is so valuable.
That’s one reason why I wish for more lighthearted, laughter-filled, contemporary, Christian fiction. I can only think of two or three authors whose books allow me to leave my stress and burdens behind while reading one of their books. All of these issues in books now days are fatiguing to read. Rachael, have you ever considered writing contemporary, Christian, comedy fiction? We need more fiction of good report.
Sylvia, Rachael’s on it as we speak. She’s wonderfully funny– won the International Erma Bombeck competition a couple of years back.
Sylvia M.
Who are those funny Christian authors that you love. I would dearly love to know. I also enjoy laughing while I read. Does anyone else have a favorite author who is funny??
I’ve prayed this verse daily for years, to help me with some of my own wounds from my past. It’s a life verse for me. And I love how you applied it to how we can live it out online.
You are not a Pollyanna. You are giving us great suggestions for being light online. Such a needful thing!
Thanks, Jeanne.
I couldn’t agree more. I unfollow anyone who is continually strident.
I haven’t unfollowed yet but I may begin to do that. You used the word that describes it best– strident.
My favorite line: “I’m a big fan of lovely.” Me too!
I love this post. Thank you for putting into words something I’ve been feeling for a long time.
🙂
Had to think about this for awhile; there are so many ways to look at it.
* In the end, it’s just this – while I hate to have my worldview coloured in darker hues, there are monsters out there, and our understanding and willingness to get involved, if only through our use of the vote, is what will allow them to be hunted down and killed. I personally prefer action that is rather more direct, but that’s just me.
* I live with this every day, in a small and personal way – Bella, a ten-pound terrier, had her back deliberately broken, and was tossed into a water-filled ditch to die. I carry her while I still can; soon other hands will have to look after her.
* Bella is not Rwanda, and not Bosnia, and not the Sunni Triangle. But she is real, and that is enough for me.
That’s a key to our response to ugliness– we do what we can. We do those things God puts into our arms–like Bella.
The issues like Rwanda. . . I just don’t know what to do with it. But I can sponsor a World Vision child. We can’t do everything but we can do something.
There are times when not to speak about something is tantamount to sin, in my understanding, along the lines of the famous Edmund Burke quote. And the Internet is the way we reach most people these days. So I think it comes down not to, Do I speak or don’t I? but, What is the Holy Spirit leading me to do or say? Is this issue something he wants me to address lovingly and boldly? Or is it a trap that will lead to harm on all sides?
Well-said, Hannah. Sometimes I think the devil is using this, to flood us with information so that we’ll throw up our hands with a cry of ‘enough’ and retreat to our big-screen TVs and social media games.
* We have to separate the wheat from the chaff on the threshing flood; else it will become our killing ground.
To everything there is a season . . . a time to be silent and a time to speak. When it is time to speak (or write), may we write words of wisdom, not hysterical screeches, self-serving exaggeration or false narratives that fit our cause.
Valid point, Hannah. But where to speak and when to speak is the question. When we speak out on Facebook, who’s reading it? Our friends who probably share much the same viewpoint. If we write an article for the opinion page of a newspaper or comment on an article in an online news organization our words reach a diverse audience.
You may be right but I know the hundreds of “strident” status posts we get eventually make us sort of immune to the horror.
Totally true. Our minds must be baptized with wisdom. I am reminded of William Wilberforce arranging for pleasure boats full of satisfied people to “accidentally” pass by slave ships where the stench and the horror could mingle with their fois gras. He did this because he wanted people to see what they so carefully avoided seeing. Some thought his methods vulgar and crass, but in the end, he helped to bring an end to slavery in England. I want the heart, the stomach, the wisdom, and the love to know what to say, when to say it. And to do it all with love.
Oh, Hannah. I can tell you are called to this. The above blog is not meant for prophets (truth tellers called to that purpose). 🙂
I never heard that Wilberforce story before. I love it.
I agree. And we really should ask ourselves if our words are spoken in love, with grace, and in alignment with Scripture before hitting share. I make a habit of praying before I respond. I wasn’t always that wise. But I’m glad I am now. By the grace of God! Only by the grace of God! 🙂
I think this list is excellent. There is so much “outrage” everywhere that it mostly rings false. I feel as if people spend more time being outraged online than actually doing something to solve the issue about which they are outraged.
But I agree that silence in the face of the truly outrageous is dangerous. I would add to the list: Will it help? Will the post help solve the problem, or will it simply add to the noise of outrage?
Good rule of thumb, Elissa. Will it help?
Thank you for this post, Wendy. There are times when I feel convicted that I’m not using my blogging platform to shine a light on current events. However, I decided long ago my blog was not the appropriate place to discuss politics or more controversial aspects of my faith. My goal has always been to make it a place where doll collectors and doll lovers of all ages, races, beliefs, and genders can come to learn about dolls. I do sometimes share personal stories of what the Lord has done in my life, but I try to keep it uplifting and encouraging. I don’t want to alienate any of my audience. God has opened the door for me to reach out to many young girls who have come to me for spiritual advice via email. It’s been wonderful how God has brought these opportunities my way even though I’m not overly vocal about my Christianity.
Like you, I’ve grown weary of all of the controversial, brash posts in my Facebook feed. I understand the need some feel to share what is going on, but it saddens me to see all of the heated arguments and rash comments that only make an issue even more controversial. What an excellent reminder to keep Philippians 4:8 at the forefront of our thoughts as we weigh everything we read and determine how we are to respond, or whether to respond at all.
Have a wonderful day. 🙂
You know your brand, Hannah, and are true to it. Your readers come to you for an escape into loveliness.
As refreshing as cool water. Thank you for the biblical perspective so aptly applied.
You are welcome. 🙂
Wendy, I agree with everything you said in your post however as much as I like cat or kitten videos there is nothing like dog or puppy videos, preferably ones with a westie or two in them. “Dogs may drool but they do rule!”
I know. I wish they had expanded the study to analyze those who love dog videos. 🙂
I love this post as well as Rachelle’s last week. I’ve noticed how easy it is to be pulled into the madness… the debate, if you will, especially if you are like me and have training in the skill of argument (former lawyer here). I’ve also noticed God’s small voice saying, “Think.” Just think before we post. Do we really want to say that? Does it reflect Jesus’ glory or our own need for validation?
This post is a great way to think before we respond. Thanks.
You’ve nailed part of the problem. On social media it is too easy to share with the click of a button. We need the pause. We need to think first.
Wendy, thank you for addressing this issue. It’s one I’ve been struggling with as the pressure is great, at times, to join in with a ’cause’. Very recently I decided I would save my blog for when I want to delve into the darker issues and leave my personal Facebook for the lighter side.
When people have chosen to follow my blog it gives me permission to share my voice and opinions (hopefully I’m doing it with gentleness and respect). But Facebook is about friendship first.
I needed this timely reminder it’s okay to ignore agendas and focus on joy.
Blessings ~ Wendy Mac
And in a blog you can develop the issue in much more depth. And if it were to go viral and everyone begins posting it to social media at least they have a thoughtful, well rounded piece to read.
This was a fantastic reminder to start my day! Like Andrew mentioned, my worldview tends to bend to the darker spectrum, but it doesn’t mean that I cannot be the salt and light that I’m called to be.
And if your ministry takes you to the darker spectrum it’s nice to have an uplifting social media to counteract the tough stuff. Kittens, I tell you. . .
I don’t think you’re a Pollyanna at all, Wendy. And I am kind of tired of all the outrage too. If you want to change peoples hearts you have to lead with love. Show them that God loves them and let Him do the changing. One of my pastors recently said we are not put on this earth to judge or tell people off. We are to be witnesses. We are to be lights that shine in a dark world. Matt. 5:16 🙂
And the greatest of these. . .
Yes. I keep reminding myself of this all the time. Stop trying to make people “good.” That’s not what it is about, is it?
I so agree. I love the lovely. I’ve got one family member who does this … all the political event updates … outrages. But she’s not a writer, so I guess it’s okay for her. But it’s not okay for me. I know I need to stay dependable, constant … balance the beam, and I hope I do that. And I thank you for this reminder.
I’ve realized of late that political partisanship is like routing for a sports team for most of the avid “fans.” They jump with glee on the foibles of the other “team” and forgive any missteps of their own “team.”
I’m definitely weary, Wendy. Doesn’t the world need more Pollyannas?
In fact, Meghan. I think it’s time for a reread of that book we all loved. It’s much more complex than the simple term that has grown out of it. Some of those old classics– like Pollyanna, Just David (a favorite)– informed how I see the world.
Of course I’ve heard of Pollyanna, but not Just David. Who is the author of this one?
Just David was also Eleanor H. Porter. I love that book. I’ll bet it’s not easy to find a copy.
I just check on Amazon and they have a Kindle edition of Just David for free.
Thank you for the info on Just David, Wendy. Going there now to get it for Kindle — mine and my daughter’s.
Amen and amen.
Thank you, Wendy. I am tired of it all as well. What a breath of fresh air to read about a Canadian teen who rescued a kidnapped woman by following a stranger on a bus. That kind of thing…and puppy pictures are worth the read.
Speaking of which…did you see my new puppy Avatar? Our old Grandpa Newfy died last year and although it was hard and we waited over a year, we finally brought a new Newfy pup into our home. Princess Leia Freyja Wilks. You guys are welcome to feast your eyes upon her cuteness as I load up my facebook page with her likeness!
You and Angela Hunt and your Newfies! If I’m remembering right Angie lost the Guinness book of largest ever dog with just an ounce or two. She has or had the second largest dog in the world. (Pretty sure it is Newfoundlands she has.)
Angela Hunt actually has English Mastiffs. They are very large, larger than Newfies. Our Newf was 163lb at his prime, but mastiffs will get well over 200. She came to our local writer’s conference and we so enjoyed all of her dog stories!
That’s right– Mastiffs. This golden retriever fan needs to keep these mega-dogs straight.
Wendy, I applaud your message in this post. I, too, from the outset decided to keep all communication on Facebook non-controversial. I shudder when I see yet another political harangue posted, whether or not I agree with it. As writers I believe we have to search out an nurture positive, beautiful, inspirational things, if for no other reason than to keep our spirits uplifted for the task of writing. Starting from a dark place inevitably colors the quality of the writing. I’m a huge fan of kitten and puppy videos!
So true, Patricia. We don’t talk about the milieu from which we write but it is important. when I was writing my Middle grade historicals I used to get ready by listening to music of that day and rereading some of my primary sources so I could get the voice and cadence right. Setting the place from which I would write.
If you wallowed in the ugly and the profane each day before putting hands to keyboard it would be hard to write with hope.
I so agree. I enjoy Facebook for the very reasons you mentioned–the joy, the fun, the beautiful, the connection with family and friends–but I cringe when we move toward a major election. The tone grows harsher each day, spilling over from politics into every area. I don’t know what the answer is in terms of being on the receiving end, but I try to not contribute to the problem. I’m thinking smaller daily doses of social media might help, too. Thank you! Signed, Another PollyAnna
Too bad there’s not a politics filter we could employ on FB. I want to get my politics from balanced news professionals and make up my own mind.
This post was a breath of fresh air, Wendy–and this verse is a wonderful guide to aim for in posting on social media, etc. Thank you!
Now I feel like watching kitten videos. Sounds like the perfect treatment for my second week of high school teaching. 🙂
If you get tired of watching kitty videos you could come to my house and help me trap and tame the three feral kittens who are roaming our yard and neighborhood. One is a gorgeous little seal point siamese. Wild and skittish.
Wendy, I laughed out loud when I read “Am I just a Pollyanna” because I’ve been called a Pollyanna myself! I think you make some valid points. Too many people are using Facebook as a place to try to impress their opinions on others and I tire of it too. I’ve unfriended a few folks because of their constant posts about politics or some other subject they’re highly opinionated on. If we all lived by Phil 4:8, FB would be a more enjoyable site!
Jane Daly used the word “strident” and I think that’s what turns us off.
Oh, Wendy, you are so right. Thanks for the reminder.
I doubt you needed the reminder, Richard. You are always appropriate.
This scripture is a perfect reminder to look up not down or around, and reminds me of another, “Sufficient to the day is the evil there of.” ️Take care of today’s business with faith and hope.
Good verse.
Wendy, I love your heart and stand in agreement. We risk turning people away from God when we allow our flesh to rule over the Holy Spirit, when we blurt out our opinions in ways that do not reflect Christ, when we share more about the things that outrage us instead of sharing the God Who can transform this world. As I ached over the posts slapping me from my newsfeed, I asked God how He wanted me to respond. The answer was a balm to my heart. “Share Me.” I started a new blog series, Meeting Jesus Face-to-Face in the Gospel of John and committed to praying and sharing God’s truth, God’s grace, God’s mercy, and, most importantly, God’s love. My opinions can never change lives, or the opinions of others. But the Holy Spirit is still in the business of transforming hearts. So, I’m with you, sister!
Yes. All too often we usurp the work of the Holy Spirit, don’t we?
What a powerful statement, Wendy! Yes!
Lord, please help us to never “usurp the work of the Holy Spirit.” Hallelujah! In Jesus’ name, amen
Amen, and amen, and amen to what you said, Wendy. There are times when we have to take a stand for something we believe in, but we could spend 24 hours a day discussing things like that on social media and never make a difference in the real world. We need to pick our hills to die on, and what’s worth dying for.
Well said, Janet!
Wendy,
I finally got so fatigued (outraged) by the cringe-worthy posts that were taking over my News Feed that I wrote an (outraged) blog post about it. While my article starts off as a pointed letter to my oversharing Facebook friends, it’s actually a tutorial for how to “turn off” the friends who are delivering these kinds of posts and see posts from your preferred list of friends, pages, and groups, right at the top of your News Feed. I am a much more content Facebook user now! I don’t know whether you allow links in comments, so I put the direct link to the post in the “website URL” field. If you click on my name, it should take you to the post, or you can google, “How to Turn Off Facebook Updates You Hate and See the Ones You Love First.” Hope it helps you and some of your outrage-fatigued readers!
Thank you, Laura. And we are open to links that continue the dialogue. (Especially from experts like you.) If you click on Laura’s name above it will take you to her post.
Beautiful post. Thank you, Wendy.
I don’t know if I’m suffering from outrage fatigue. I just know that I am tired of people yelling at each other online and disparaging those who hold a different point of view.
There are, as you said, some things that are worthy of outrage, but there is a way to share concern without getting in other people’s faces. Before posting anything that seems outrage-worthy, praying to the Holy Spirit for wisdom and gentleness might be a good practice.
What I love about your post today, Wendy, is that you gently bring up the idea of focus: what do you focus on? Focusing on the lovely, the good, the wonderfulness in life, is an excellent thing to do not only because it benefits oneself (which it certainly does), but because it benefits others as well. In everything, we not only are gifted by God, but we gift one another. What kind of presence do we want to give others? An agitating, distressing presence? Or a joyful, affirming, encouraging presence.
I think your gift to this community is that you bring the latter. And by the way, you’re not a Pollyanna.
Blessings!
*blush*
Christine, I’m going to ponder your question about what kind of presence we want to give others. It reminds me of the verse in 2 Corinthians 2:15, “For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.”
Oh, Jenni, I hadn’t thought of that verse. That’s a beautiful connection! Wouldn’t it be wonderful to live our lives being “the pleasing aroma of Christ” among all we met? Of course, since we are human, some days the scent might not smell so pleasant 🙂 but with God’s grace, we could give refreshment to others most of the time.
Awesome post, Wendy. Thanks for the reminder. I’m horrified at some of the posts I see shared on Facebook. I recently saw a post going around of a picture of a child in a coffin. The father had beat her and she passed away, so they were trying to create awareness of it. Seriously? Just share an article on it then. We definitely need to think before we press that “Post” button!
So true. And that tragic photo– what can anyone do about it? Is there anyone among your FB friends in favor of killing children who needs to be convinced otherwise? Even if one wanted to do something, there’s nothing concrete that can be done. The child is in the arms of God and the father in the hands of the law.
Exactly! I’m still mortified someone took the picture of her in the coffin.
Wendy, I really appreciated your article. There is so much evil in the world that continually saddens my heart. And while I don’t want to be silent on important issues, I also have chosen not to get involved in them on social media platforms for the time being. A lot of people criticize quickly, and are slow to praise, which is sad. There should be at the very least equal–ideally, much more praise than bashing, especially among believers.
Hear, hear!
Totally right! Go, Wendy!!!
Well said. Thanks for the reminder.
Wendy, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to use one of your favorite words in relation to the “lovely” yardstick.
Winsome. It’s a mixture of delight and welcome, of appropriate constraint as we keep in mind the hearts of those who read what we post. It’s laying out a welcome mat for the listener that invites them to engage rather than trip on our barbed opinions.
Great reminders and discussion today!
I dread the impending plethora of election posts! I agree that few minds are changed when people post anger and outrage. However, I am all for healthy dialogue. Not all of my online “friends” are like minded, so I do use it as an opportunity to reach out and get to know people. I actually had a friend on the other side of the country share in a thread about her experience counseling at Planned Parenthood and why she believes she was helping women. There were no insults hurled, and both sides of the issue learned from the other. So, I think there is a place for some tougher issues on social media, but they must be handled with tact, love, and grace.
I think it is often very hard to find the right balance between peacefulness and outrage that honors God and leads us to serve him the right way. Wilberforce is a wonderful example. If you’ve never watched the movie, “Amazing Grace,” which dramatizes the story of his fight to end the slave trade in Great Britain, I can’t recommend it heartily enough.
I want to be gentle and loving but not afraid to speak painful truth. I want to call evil what it is (Jesus never wavered in that), but I want to do it in a way that makes others want to reject the evil and become closer to God. Eternal destinies matter, not current political positions. Never an easy task in writing, although it is somewhat easier face-to-face where you can read the person’s reaction and adjust how you are expressing the truth IN LOVE (always the key). Simply venting outrage is counterproductive.
In 1867, John Stuart Mill spoke at the University of St. Andrews. “Let not any one pacify his conscience by the delusion that he can do no harm if he takes no part, and forms no opinion. Bad men need nothing more to compass their ends, than that good men should look on and do nothing.” I don’t want to totally avoid the battle, but I do want to wage it in a way honoring to God and effective in bringing others to Him. That may not be with Facebook or my blog, but sometimes it might be as long as it is done in a loving way and never “in your face.”
You made a few great points, Carol. Relationship is key. Social media offers us opportunities to build relationships with others who we may never meet in person. That’s what I enjoy about Facebook. However, it’s easier for miscommunication to take place. Some people react to a portion of our posts without reading the whole post. We should never shy away from speaking truth, but our delivery of truth should reflect our Lord’s heart for sinners, sinners like you and me. We can’t forget our sin us compared to God’s righteousness not other people. Investing in the lives of others, through authentic relationship, offers us opportunities to speak truth in love. That truth is better received when we’ve established genuine relationship. That’s not possible through one post. Thanks for sharing. I appreciated your transparency.
I agree with you 100%!
How true. Well said, Wendy.
Fantastic! Love the Philippians 4:8 reference and how you applied it to social media.
This is great!
I try to post and reply to things that are positive. While I consider it a necessary thing to hear about the bad in the world as well as the good, I do get sick of how long people harangue the feed with their opinions.
Nice and so true.
Well said. Social media is fraught with issue driven rants and it’s getting harder to tune in. Philippians is my favorite book of the bible and this is a wonderful reminder.So much of the chatter unnecessarily feeds our anxiety and God has directed us to guard our hearts and minds. It’s important to stay informed, but following these guidelines can help us stay sane in the process.
Thank you! I’d just been slogging through one horrific news story after another when the link to your post popped up in my newsfeed. If only everyone–not just authors–took your advice. It’s one thing to be informed about what’s going on in our world, but it’s quite another to wallow in it.