TMI or Reaching Out?

Most mornings I take a peek at Facebook before my day gets going.  Over the past two weeks this recurring thought crosses my mind each and every morning: I wonder who’s sick today? 

Let me just say, there’s some nasty ickies going around right now.  I know this because I continue to read post after post of ALL the symptoms, diagnosis, doctor visits, and so on.  Where’s that filter button? I’ve even considered taking a “medical” leave from Facebook during this cold and flu season.

I’m a huge germa-phobe.  I read such posts and I consider putting on a medical mask before opening my laptop again; or sanitizing my keyboard and phone; or grabbing gobs of hand sanitizer after I read certain posts.  I know I can’t catch any of these illnesses through cyber space, but the mere thought drives a germa-phobe like me to do some crazy things.

It makes me wonder if we go to the doctor, and then straight to Facebook.  Or, for some, just Facebook.  After all, I’m sure one post listing symptoms could easily be followed by a comment with a diagnosis.

Before you jump to any conclusions and think I’m heartless and uncaring, you must know that I think Facebook is the best thing since class reunions, email, and scrapbooking.  I love the opportunity I have to connect with friends from my past, and get to know new friends in the here and now.  It’s a remarkable social avenue.  Really.

I will admit that some posts I read are attention seeking.  Some are inappropriate.  Some are funny.  Some are informative.  Some save lives. And some are honest cries for understanding. That’s the reality of any social circles we run in—cyber or real.  The point is, that for some, Facebook is the only comfortable way to reach out for help.  There is something easier about typing a post in private, rather than calling someone or talking face to face.

I believe that reaching out for help is one of the most difficult things we do—especially in a society that thrives on independence.  We don’t want to bother others.  We don’t want to appear weak.  We don’t want to seem needy.  So, when reaching out actually happens, it’s really quite a brave gesture don’t you think?

So what should be our response when a friend reaches out to the masses on our newsfeed?

The answer will vary friend to friend.  You will know.  But if you’re my friend I will do something to help you.  I may not comment, or like, or private message you, but I will do what I know works—I will pray.  It may involve some sanitizing actions, but I will pray for you.

Too Much Information—maybe; sometimes.  Reaching out for help—courageous; commendable.