#90DayChallenge

Sometimes a group of youth pull something off that is just amazing, and worthy of sharing with others. On July 12, 2015, I challenged 8 teenagers to go 90 days without using social media. In these times we live in, 90 days can seem like an eternity to a 15-18 year old. Still Philip, Gary, Diane, Zharmine, Jessalie, Glenda, Gemma, and Marjorie took the challenge! I also participated with them, and together we succeeded.

First, I love social media. I use it daily to keep up with my family and friends overseas. I use it to promote the mission work that my family is doing in the Philippines. I use it to share funny things that happen, and successes that take place in this life journey. However, there is another side to social media and non face to face communication in general. People have begun to express themselves behind a computer screen or cell phone without relent, without fear of consequence, and without having to think about what the listener might reply with. We can say whatever we want online and not have to be face to face with anyone.

I have repeatedly asked youth and young adults what they meant by an angry, venting, or overly-emotional post, and the answer is almost always the same. Nothing. I did not mean anything when I said I hated the world. I did not mean anything when I said I was feeling angry or like I wanted to drink muriatic acid... absolutely nothing. Therein lies the problem of various forms of communication. We are brave to share whatever we feel like when there is no idea of push back, disagreement, or frustration on the part of the listener. We want everyone to know how we feel, but without the call for change or the genuine help that might be painful to accept.

Two days before the challenge was over I wrote a letter to the youth. I told them I was proud of them, and that I hoped they would re-enter the digital world with responsibility and a renewed perspective of its purpose and advantages. I won’t paste the full 2 pages here, if you are interested you can download it below the article. I will just put the main points here of why I thought this was an important time of fasting:

1. Because the world is much bigger than what we see around us and on a computer screen
   
2. Because vanity is sin
   
3. Because we need to focus
   
4. Because staying balanced in life is important
   
5. Because you needed to see that you could successfully do it, and
   
6. Because you need to dream bigger
   

I am proud of each of these youth, and I want everyone to know it. Most things in life come down to balance. Exercise, diet, sleep, work, play, school, family, and yes, even social media. Anytime we give up something that is important to us, with the goal of quieting ourselves and listening to God more, He is faithful and will do a work in our life.

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90daychallenge.pdf
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