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  There are leaders and followers.  Plus, there is a certain population who do not fit into either group.  Those people who do not fit into either group know who they are, and they can care less about being accepted.  Why am I talking about leaders and followers? Because I saw something interesting on social media that sparked a childhood memory.  I began reminiscing about my elementary school years whereas I used to be a follower.  I would go along in order to get along.  Our childhood leader was a girl named Sandy.  If Sandy told us to isolate and ignore someone, we would comply with her demands.  Whatever she told us to do; we did it in order to stay in her good graces.  The last thing elementary and middle school aged children want is to be socially isolated.       

  Sandy was able to control and manipulate a small group of us.  It was her way or no way.   Those of us who followed her were blinded by our lack of identity and desire for acceptance.  We never questioned her motives.  Honestly, no one of any age wants to be isolated or in social media terms…. blocked and deleted.  Sandy was a bully and we were her followers.  How many of you know bullying is not limited to the schoolyard?  Bullying takes place in the workplace, churches, sororities, fraternities, families, friendships, and social media.  Some folks will co-sign mess before they co-sign a message whether in person or on social media.      My family has a group titled Family Fun on Facebook. My cousin, who is extremely outspoken and a leader, wrote that some people have never posted or responded to anything in the group.  Her solution is to start deleting people from the group and some of the family was in agreement.  For a brief moment, I likened my cousin to Sandy and the rest of the cousins as followers.   If you don’t do what I want you to do, I will delete you.    

         I’m one of the family members who rarely participates in the group.  Before I am deleted, I decided to leave the group.  I love my family but sometimes you have to leave the group.  I was not adding or gaining anything from being a part of it.  If I had not been “deleted” early on in life and throughout my adulthood; my cousin’s post would have sent me into a downward spiral.  In the past, I would have commented in order to remain a part of the family group.  After I removed myself, I was reminded of this passage of scripture, “And we know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, and who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).          

        My past experiences prepared me for such a time as this.  Leaving or being deleted from unhealthy relationships; will not hinder the plans God has for your life.  None of our experiences are wasted.  When we cannot comprehend how anything good can come out of challenges, we can rest knowing that God is in control.  Remember, the scripture does not say that all things are good but God can use it for our good and His glory.