Think About What You Type

Any of you who enjoy watching American Girl stop motion or music videos on YouTube are probably aware that (as usual) there is a lot of drama on there right now.  I don't like getting into the middle of this stuff.  In fact, I felt hesitant to mention anything and bring more unnecessary attention to it. 

However, since I have several links throughout my blog to videos belonging to some AG YouTube channels, I thought it would be appropriate to just mention it briefly, since by following the links I've added, you may come across some of this.

I'm not going to name names or take sides.  Honestly, I find the whole situation very sad and blown out of proportion...on both ends.  Which brings me to the point of this post:  please watch what you say online.  Please just stop a minute and think before you type in the heat of the moment and then click that enter button. 

As girls, we feel things deeply (at least most of us) and we express those feelings through our words.  It's easy for us to get caught up in our emotions and speak before we really think about what we're saying. 

When I was growing up, my hasty words often got me into uncomfortable situations at home, on the playground, or in the locker room.  Now, we have a whole generation of girls who can connect to millions of other people through the Internet.  A hastily "spoken" sentence has a much more devastating effect than it did in my day.  Instead of hurting a handful of girls in one's class, a girl has the potential to hurt or offend thousands with just one click of a button.

Please think about what you "say" on the Internet.  Whether you're on Blogger, YouTube, Facebook, or Twitter, take a moment to think before you type that angry sentence.  For those of you who are my sisters in Christ, think about the fact that you are being a testimony in everything you do, even on the computer.  Whether you are a good or a bad testimony is up to you.  Don't forget that many other girls you connect and interact with are your fellow Christians and sisters...and those who aren't may be influenced by your treatment of them, especially if they know you're a Christian. 

For those of you who aren't followers of Christ, think about how you would like to be treated, and try to treat others the same way.  It's a matter of common sense and decency, and the best way to have a pleasant, functional online community. 

I bore the brunt of many jokes and cruel comments in my younger years.  I can still remember many of these instances with vivid clarity.  Don't do the same thing to some other girl you've never even met.  Before you judge or get involved in someone else's drama, think about how you would feel in that person's situation.  Try to imagine things from their perspective before you condemn them.  Don't spoil something beautiful by letting bitterness or anger lead your actions.