“I don’t respond to politics on social media,” except I forgot the rule I’d made (I am a learn-through-experience person). I’m more than happy to engage personally, which I do on a regular basis with those who agree and disagree with my opinions. But the barrage, the continuous volley of buckshot, that followed my response on Facebook, was not discussion nor debate. It was, “You are so wrong.” “How can you call yourself a Christian?” It was not a real listening give-and-take, but an application of power to convince me of the depths of muck that I am in. So, once again, I remember why I made the rule for myself in the first place. And I need to disengage and let others have the last word.

I believe that healthy conflict with each other over political challenges is importance; in fact it is a spiritual imperative. You see, all of us are part of the body of humanity on earth. We all affect each other. Yes, we are all called to add our unique experiences, opinions, and perspectives to the body—we all need to work together, side by side. When we do that responsibly, we become vulnerable to being challenged. In that challenge that we can find balance.

However, on social media, we fight fire with fire. We escalate rather than turning the other cheek, de-escalating, or engaging in civil discourse. It is a place where we forget that there is an actual person in front of us. Even so, I would be willing to converse if I thought there wasn’t a brick wall between us.

But a good thing came out of it: you remember someone is a person when you pray for them. So, I am trying to pray when I feel my emotions erupting when prompted on social media. Rather than sighing, shaking my head, rolling my eyes, or writing a snarky reply in my head, I look at their face on the screen and pray—something, working toward a blessing. I don’t know what will come of this, besides cutting down on my scrolling. I’ll let you know if it works.

So I apologize for breaking my own rule. I would be willing to sit down with a cup of coffee, in person, and delve deeply into local, national, and international politics. We could bring our voices and perspectives to the table calmly, with respect for ourselves and one another as we bring our faith and value to specific issues.

In that way I can be sure to end our time together with a hug and a sincere, “See you soon.”