Seen by all, known by none – we continue to crave connection in a caring community . . . but social media falls short of filling this most basic human need. On the surface cyber connections may seem to suffice, but those who seek substance over appearance are left lacking that which they had hoped to find.

We want to be truly known by someone or someones and in that knowing to be understood; and in that understanding to find empathy and in that empathy to experience acceptance.  Acceptance is what we’ve been looking for all along.

But true acceptance is hard to find in a Facebook, YouTube, twitter-tweeting world full of fans and followers while empty of friends.  I find the acceptance I seek in the person of my Heavenly Father, God.  As my Creator, He knows me completely, understands me, has compassion on me and accepts me as I am.  What more could I want?

“O Lord, You have searched me and you know me.  You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.  . . . You are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue You know it completely, O Lord.”  (Psalm 139:1-4)

“The Lord is good to all; He has compassion on all He has made.”  (Psalm 145:9)

“Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God- ”  (John 1:12)

“I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.  (Jeremiah 31:3)

“The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save.  He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” (Zephaniah 3:17)

God knows me intimately, knows me better than I know myself, knows everything about me and still –  He loves me, He accepts me, He even rejoices over me and watches over me!  “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.”  (Psalm 139:6)

Because I am accepted I am able to extend acceptance to others.  This requires getting to know them, which leads to understanding them, which leads to empathy, which leads to acceptance.  This doesn’t happen on Facebook instantly but rather in face to face interactions over time.

I may feel faceless on Facebook but I am known by my Heavenly Father.  He who calls every star by name, knows my face, my name, my every thought and feeling, and every hair on my head. That is something social media will never be able to do.  Facebook can’t fill my need to be known and accepted on a personal level but a personal relationship with God through Jesus has done just that.

” . . .  Then you will know that I am the Lord; those who hope in Me will not be disappointed.”  (Isaiah 49:23)

sincerely,       Grace Day