Itz Holistically Wholesome

So you have this grand idea that you want to be a blogger or content creator on various platforms because you want to share your love and passion with others; but then, what seemed like a grand idea, is not looking that way, and you are left thinking, what I am doing wrong? I have been there, too, and it could be that you are not necessarily doing anything wrong.

I have always enjoyed sharing whatever I know with others. All my effort would have been worthwhile if I could positively impact someone’s life. Interestingly, I cared nothing about being on social media a couple of years ago. I liked my quietness and privacy and was okay with keeping it that way. I did not even have an email address at that time. I was a die-hearted traditional country woman. My sister and others would encourage me to join Facebook, but I was not interested. As a result, my younger sister Stephanie decided to create a Facebook account for me. She even added a picture to my profile from the ones she had. I was still uninterested until I discovered friends and schoolmates I had not spoken to or heard from in years. That got me interested. I also signed up for my first email.

As time progressed, I gave my life to Christ and changed my entire lifestyle, and then the idea came upon me that perhaps I could use these social platforms to share Our Creator God, His Son, and Our Savior Jesus Christ, as well as the importance of a healthy lifestyle. After all, these are all things that I am passionate about, and I wanted everyone to experience what I have been experiencing since making these significant adjustments in my life. I was excited!! In addition to that, I also wanted to share pictures of my children and family life to a certain extent. Consequently, I began sharing videos and writing posts focusing on those areas. For example, scriptures, verses, testimonials, Christian/gospel music, sermons, quotes, workouts, plant-based meals, juices, smoothies, etc. In essence, any information that seemed to be of value.

Honestly, at first, I feared becoming lost in the scheme of things, mainly because I knew how easily drawn the human mind can become to something which is frequently not good for us. Additionally, I have seen well-intentioned people lose sight of their purpose and join the masses in showcasing meaningless things. And trust me, I had to catch myself several times as my mind got curious and my eyes wandered. But, in those moments, I encouraged myself to remain focused on my niche; faith, family health & fitness. And you know what? I did just that, and it felt good because I was sharing information that could help others somehow, and I love doing it.

In my experience as a Christian on these social platforms, it can get a little challenging to get the attention of others, and this includes even my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Sometimes, after spending considerable time writing and publishing a post that I think is worthwhile, hardly anyone notices it. And then I am left to wonder if I am wasting my time. Do people not value what is wholesome, positive, and uplifting anymore? Who doesn’t want to hear about God and being healthy? These are all questions I asked myself and those close to me. At times, it is disheartening to see just how far many have gone in terms of their principles.

I am sure that it is not just Christian creators who are struggling to get the attention of the masses. Other creators sharing valuable things may have encountered these moments too. But, unfortunately, the world and people’s values and beliefs have changed. Somewhere along the way, we have lost our connection to what is good and wholesome and have allowed the not-so-good things to take over. Nowadays, almost anything goes, it seems, and the more outlandish one can be, the better. And this is reflected in the hundreds, thousands, or even millions of views, likes, comments, and shares that other videos or posts get with morally or ethically unsound content. For example, things that highlight lawlessness, immodesty, nudity, infidelity, violence, dishonesty, corruption, hate, overeating, excessive drinking, etc. Yet, I believe that there is a place for us and the messages we want to share, so keep doing good no matter what.

I have had moments where I have to stop, take a breath, and often encourage myself not to focus on people’s responses to what I am doing. While it would be nice to see people gravitate toward what I was trying to share, popularity was not my aim. Instead, I aim to share the love of God and the importance of a healthy lifestyle and family to help repair the moral fabric of society that continues to deteriorate. So I continued, and whether or not someone likes, shares, or even comments on my post, I will do it anyway. I am doing my part, and that is my only control. What others choose to do is up to them. I can only hope and pray that more people will begin to desire something positive.

So if you are a Christian trying to do something could, or anyone for that matter, and you feel discouraged, it is essential to remember your why because it helps you to stay the course. And though it may look like what you are doing is in vain, keep doing it. You or I may not see it, but someone could benefit significantly from the information shared. If not today, then sometime in the future. Besides, random people sometimes privately tell me how much they value a particular content. Not everyone wants to be out there in the public’s eye.

The Bible tells us in Luke 15: 4-7 about the Parable of the Lost sheep.
“Then Jesus told them this Parable: “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.”

This Parable puts what I am doing into context, and I hope it does for you as well. So do not worry about who is not viewing your content. Instead, focus on reaching that lost sheep or that one viewer who may need whatever you are sharing, and yes, rejoice over small wins; they are just as meaningful as big wins. As long as you can impact just one person’s life in a way that influences them to make positive changes and better choices, that’s good enough. There is a saying that goes, “one, one full cocoa basket.” In other words, do not expect things to happen overnight. You are making a difference by influencing one person at a time.

When you are doing something you feel called to do, you will do it no matter what. So do not focus on the crowd, be your authentic self. Be that little light in the darkness and leave the rest to God and time.

God bless.