It’s no surprise that The West Wing is my favorite TV show of all time. In fact, it might be the best TV show of all-time period. The seventh episode of the third season tells the story of a US submarine that strays into North Korean waters. The President, Jeb Bartlett, has a decision to make, try and contact the ship or trust the captain and the crew who may be doing their best to avoid detection in hostile waters. The question is whether or not the ship is safe, but and simply has Gone Quiet.
I’ve probably seen that episode 10 or 15 times. I like it’s fundamental idea: Sometimes, for the sake of our own wellness and safety, we have to enter into silence, we have to go quiet.
If you follow me on Facebook and/or Twitter, you may have noticed that since Christmas 2022, I have not posted much. Since New Year’s Day 2023, I have not posted at all (with the exception of BeReal). What’s more, I don’t intend to post at all — at least not for a while. I’m going quiet.
There are many reason I’m pulling away from social media. I will write about those reasons in this space in the future. There is nothing salacious, nothing untoward.
I think, though, we are all on a lifelong quest to find or uncover our very best selves — they shelves that become scarred and calloused through trauma, strife, and the early blows of life. Social media, the place where so many of us share so much, doesn’t lead us to that best self, but, rather, away from it.
No. Social media isn’t evil, but it does come with a matrix of blessings and curses which we must all handle with care and thoughtfulness, lest we spiral more deeply and farther away from our best selves.
What you can expect is that I will continue to populate this space1. My words will keep landing in your inbox, only now, I am completely dependent on you to share the articles, sermons, and stories which you find worthy. You are my larger world. In fact, I won’t know if events are happening unless they are in The NYTimes, Washington Post, or Houston Chronicle.
This year, I will also write for both Preaching Today and Missio Alliance. The conversations there, frankly, are much more robust, thoughtful, and kind than most social media comments sections. I hope (and pray) that you will find those pieces interesting, thought-provoking, and edifying.
I have already gained much from leaving social media. But I also feel as though I’ve lost much. I don’t know what’s happening with my friends, their children, and what news is affecting the world. I’m out-of-touch with current hot topics and there are fewer people to talk to about sports, theology, books, and politics. There is a loneliness that comes with losing social media connections, as frayed as they often are. This is especially true for those of us who work at-home or alone. As someone who was a solo pastor for nearly a decade of my ministry, conversations via social media have become my window to the wider world.
All the same, so far, the peace, and peace of mind, that comes with the social meadia freedom has been worth it.
I’m not sure where all this leads. But it feels like a necessary journey. I’m glad you’re here. I’m glad you’re with me. Leave a comment…it’s the only way we can stay in touch.
Post from The Twist auto-populate Twitter and my “Professional” Facebook Page when they are published.
I already felt like we were kindred spirits, and then you had to mention The West Wing.
Enjoy your time in the quiet. I'll be around when you return. :)