Because we give life to you..

Think about that for a minute..we give life to you.

There’s an ongoing discussion about how women are targeted in social media. Of course, women understand that it’s not just there, it’s everywhere. We disagree, we’re targeted. We object, we’re targeted. We stand up, we’re targeted. Men have such an extreme need to control women. Are we that powerful?

In a word, yes. We are that powerful..not that you want us to be. We give you life. You don’t want us choosing to do otherwise, so you do everything possible to circumvent the very constitutional protections that had to be put in place to protect us from your control issues. And by otherwise, I mean reproductive choice. That’s our decision, by the way. You can enact laws that require vaginal ultrasounds (oh my, the rape fantasies you must have), but courts will overturn them eventually. Or eventually we’ll elect rational people to government office who actually understand how to govern in a compassionate, realistic and honorable way. But make no mistake about it, balance will return. And, in spite of our more confused sisters out there, women will lead the way.

Sexual harassment online is just icky. It goes from bad to worse almost immediately. Considering that many of us have experienced some form of abuse in our lives, it’s interesting that these guys “go there” so quickly. Predatory behavior takes all forms and if they think this isn’t predatory, they’re wrong. Assault is assault, whether verbal or otherwise. Women shouldn’t have to stay off social media to prevent this from happening. The guys doing this need to either stop or go away. It’s creepy, and sometimes criminal. It seems to reflect an out of control rage or something because it gets incredibly vulgar at times. Then there are the guys who apparently think that because you friend them, you want to hook up. We say nothing to actually suggest this, but it doesn’t stop them from getting confused.

So here’s my take on participating in social media. I have accounts on most of them and I have a great time talking with other folks who share my views on life. When I talk to folks who feel differently, as long as it remains respectful, I love that too. We grow from individual differences, and many times another view is expressed which gives me pause. I like that. What I don’t like is name calling and judgment. We see only a piece of people who engage online. We have no idea who anyone really is and what they go through each day. Why not leave the vitriol at the door? It only stops the conversation, when conversation is what we really need.

Social media offers a wonderful opportunity for connection and unity. I remember talking to a woman on Twitter back east where she was present during a gun incident. Several of us were talking to her, making sure she was safe. To have an opportunity to extend love and concern to someone we didn’t know who was at risk was a blessing. She was finally safe and I felt such relief. It didn’t matter that I didn’t know her. She was my..no, our..sister, and that’s all that mattered.

In reality, we are all part of the Oneness that is God. We have the opportunity to express that on social media, or we can express other things.. For me, I think it’s better to try to create than destroy, so I prefer positive engagement over negative.

Remember..we give life to you. We’re your mothers, grandmothers, wives, girlfriends, partners, sisters, friends, co-workers, neighbors.. We’re necessary. Words matter. How you treat us matters. We have more choices than you can even imagine..and we’re making them.

Balance will return.