TUESDAY THOUGHTS: OBJECT CANNOT BE LIKED written 11/29/2009

The facebook alert that inspired me to write this morning, read, " OBJECT CANNOT BE LIKED". 

Every time I attempted to "like" a message that was sent from an IPhone, the alert popped up. 

I wondered why "liking" was an option if it wasn't a possibility. 

I wondered what was the problem between facebook and IPhones? 

It seemed so elementary school playground-ish. 

It reminded me of the thousands of times I heard students say, "I'm not gonna be your friend!" 

I could imagine facebook telling iPhone, "You can be here, but I won't allow anyone to like what you help generate".

Was I was being informed that I couldn't "like" a comment, or that the comment couldn't "BE liked". Did a "Happy Birthday" message have NO redeeming qualities? Was there no recourse? 

So I clicked on "LIKE" again. Just as before the prompt read, "OBJECT CANNOT BE LIKED". The reason given, was that the object of my approval was no longer available for me to see. That explanation would have been acceptable, if not for the fact that I was LOOKING DIRECTLY AT what I was being told was GONE.

So, what if I liked it anyway? Then what? Was facebook telling me that I can like it, but not be able to publicly acknowledge it? What do I say to my iPhone using friends? "Hey. Maybe you noticed that I liked every other message except yours. Sorry, I WANTED to like your birthday message but facebook wouldn't let me"... 

How can an entity justify removing your right to like or appreciate something, be less than truthful in its reasoning, and utterly deny recourse to resolve the issue? If there's a glitch, fine, but don't provide senseless explanations to support absolutes, and neglect to provide a workable solution. It forces me to seek a peace-keeping solution of my own.

As always, the Lord thought this was a good teachable moment. He led me to think about the fate of many friendships, affected or even severed by misinformation. Sadly, the culprits behind a breach are often people you'd least suspect, whose words and deeds were a negative influence designed to favor a selfish cause. How will you know? Well, just know that God can't be mocked, He won't allow you to be deceived, and some people can't keep wet in water when it comes to unburdening their own consciences...and then there's always that rare case when you stop, think, and realize that some bits of information just don't add up. OBJECT CANNOT BE LIKED? Why not? Who said?

Sadly, away from the walls and pages of social networking sites, many people subject others to similar unfair, restricting practices in the name of love and friendship. Someone is angry, so you're supposed to hop on the bandwagon and be angry, too. Someone doesn't like someone, so you're supposed to kick them to the curb as well. Someone decided that someone else was not likable, so, in order to fit in, maintain a position, or obtain status, you're supposed to hate them, too.

Ever wonder why some people are suddenly icy and distant? If you were a betting person, you could put money on the notion that someone has been talking, and what they're saying ain't good...Ever got the feeling, after being greeted by someone, that they had been under the impression that you were dead, dying, sick--or had three heads? Let them tell you what they heard (if they're bold enough to share, and rat out a gossip). You'd be surprised why some people's opinion of you has changed. It almost always begins with, "Well I heard..." or "They said...".

Who's in your ear? Whose report have you believed? Who have you unfairly judged or mistreated because you followed a crowd, or were forced to choose sides out of necessity, fear, or some sick sense of loyalty? 

What flimsy explanation have you accepted as fact, and, without examining the rationality or common sense of it, decided to carelessly spread to others?

Seek truth always. There's no defensive block strong enough to keep it back. Even darkness, at its pitch blackness, is no match for the truth. 

 Stand up for right even if it's unpopular, or results in what seems like a great loss. Dust off your discernment. Remove yourself from circles of gossip and strife--and if the big mouthed, ring-leading agent of deception is YOU, stop it.

On facebook, and most social networking sites, all users are affected by random glitches, and governed by established rules and regulations. I think the "cannot be liked" message, however, could be utilized in so many other helpful, preventative ways. I fear that many will one day regret their carelessness in the name of harmless fun. In the quest to "do you", you may very well be doing yourself a severe disservice by acting out in the worse possible ways. 

I wish facebook had a popup message that would knock some sense into the heads of those who consider being shockingly profane, the best part of being an adult. Unfortunately, along with some people's Declaration of Grown Up, came free passes to the land of Indiscretion, Stupidity and Irresponsibility. 

 Never mind young people. I don't know what to say about old heads on social media, who have clearly lost their minds, should know better, and set a better example--especially when their children are among their friends. 

Maybe instead of blocking the approval of comments sent from iPhones, facebook could have an "old school grandmother app" that would shut down the walls of those who are daily embarrassing themselves, their families, churches, workplaces, and associates. 

Perhaps the message surrounded by the pink border could read, "CANNOT POSSIBLY BE LIKED BY AN INDIVIDUAL WITH A FUNCTIONING BRAIN"...or, "SINCE YOU INSIST ON CONDUCTING YOURSELF LIKE A SPAWN OF SATAN, YOUR PASTOR AND CHURCH HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM YOUR TOP FRIENDS BOX. YOUR BIBLE, WHICH YOU INDICATED WAS YOUR FAVORITE BOOK, (BUT WE CAN'T TELL) WILL BE CONFISCATED MOMENTARILY"

....but I digress...

I suppose the powers that be at facebook have a right to run it the way they see fit, but who's flexing power in your life concerning your relationships when you're off the wall? 

Who's telling you who to like, or not like, speak to, or not speak to? 

Sure. Some people deserve to get a good, firm "God bless you, bye, bye" because their place in your life is unhealthy, toxic, dangerous, deceptive, or troublesome. Others, however, deserve a second look because, sooner or later, you will find that they were never the problem. 

Someone else said "OBJECT CANNOT BE LIKED" and you believed them. Someone else managed to function with two faces, and deserves the dubious credit for driving wedges and sowing seeds of discord in your life. You've got to find a spine and decide that, if everybody suddenly decides to walk around as mad as a rabid pit bull, you are determined to choose harmony and peace. 

Walk in integrity. Don't be afraid. The cunning one is not the boss of you. God is.... and I LIKE that.