In solidarity with Catholics around the world, this lent I have again undertaken the task of the yearly “giving up something” for Lent and this year is no difference. No, I didn’t decide to abstain from the standard; I gave up <insert unhealthy food item here> for lent. Instead I gave up something that, when given up, allowed for more time for prayer and reflection. This year I gave up Twitter.
Most people I know don’t have the foggiest idea what Twitter is. But for those of you that do know about it, understand the addictive nature of tweeting. So I decided to abstain from tweeting for Lent and put that time toward prayer and it has been tough. I suppose the very fact that it is tough means it was the right thing to ‘give up’ this year but abstaining from twittering (and facebook as well) has taken a lot of faith, as well.
My friends know me well enough to know that Easter Sunday will be a good day to turn off my Twitter updates to the their phones as I will be returning to Twittering then. Faith enters the picture when considering this website now that readership and content is now at a place I am happy with and has been growing each week at a surprising pace. This has not just been because of the fantastic and well stated commentary <roll eyes here> but in large part to social networking on Twitter, Facebook and other places that have connected me with others of similar beliefs and interests. So it is with faith that I give up my primary marketing tool for my site.
I have faith. My hope is in God.
I write this so many will know why I haven’t been Twittering and that it isn’t that I don’t like them or that I don’t have something to say. Each day I log on to Twitter and Facebook to read what others are doing and then pray for them and any intentions they may have requested that day. This has been hard but it has been worth it.
One thing that came across my plate during this Lenten season was Tweet Catholic and Flocknote. Go to both sites to understand their significance. I am hoping Flocknote works so I can introduce it to the parish and our Theology on Tap group.
May the crucified Lord bless you during this Lenten season.
