You Have a Captive Audience by Whitnee Russell
Today’s Guest Blogger is Whitnee Russell. Whitnee was born and raised in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas. She is a loving wife and the proud mother of a beautiful daughter. Through life experiences, she draws her inspiration from her Creator and Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Whitnee uses both poetry and photography to create art and share it with her readers She is the founder of a nonprofit called “Bury My Defiance Ministries.” The purpose of “Bury My Defiance Ministries” is to bring comfort and healing for the traumatized, victimized, and grieved. We provide in rendering aid through prayer, scripture, the arts, and a safe online community for the grieved. We minister this help through written word, poetry, photography, art, social media, books, and a variety of media outlets. We strive to bring hope back to the hopeless. You can find Whitnee at: http://burymydefiance.org/
I have seen many people say they are taking a break from social media. I see them say statements such as these:
“I can’t handle all the fear mongering from the media.”
“I cannot hear one more thing about the coronavirus”
“I, I, I…..”
Believe me, I get it. Two years ago, I looked at social media as merely a means to judge my old high school classmates (come on admit it, you have too). I saw social media as a narcissistic escape, but then the Lord laid something so heavy on my spirit that shook me to my core. The predators use the web and social media better than Christ’s disciples. Wow! They gather in community together online and seek out what they are looking for.
With that said, brothers and sisters, I would love to challenge each of you to not step away from social media at a time such as this. Most people are panicking and looking for answers. Why would we, who have the answer, stop spreading it? We need to be an army and utilize this incredible tool we have to reach the hungry and the thirsty.
Yes, it gets tiring! Yes, sorting through the truth and the lies are hard; but we are a light that should not be hidden. “Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house” (Matthew 5:15).
Right now, social media is fully captivated, so use it for God’s glory. Spread the gospel. Extinguish fear!
Look at Paul and Silas.
“After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. When he received these orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose” (Acts 16:23-26 NIV).
Did you catch that? Paul and Silas had a captive audience. “and all the prisoners were listening.” Now look at another phrase. “At once everyone’s chains came loose.”
Jesus breaks our chains of fear, hate, shame and guilt.
Use this time to spread His truth to a captive audience.
Use this time to declare His mercy through a news feed.
Use this time to proclaim His sovereignty through firewalls.
Be a Paul, Be a Silas! But most importantly be like Jesus!
Your sister,
Whitnee