In college, when wanting to make a phone call, I had to stand in line behind 3-5 other students in order to use the pay phone in the hall of my dormitory. If I desired to share photos that I loved with people I would need to go get my film developed, make doubles of those pictures, and then send them in the mail, waiting at least a week for them to arrive at their destination. Since there were no “personal phones” available I would need to write a letter expressing anything fun, amazing, or challenging that I was experiencing, and mail it off hoping to get a return letter in response to what I had taken the time to share.
At the tail end of my college experience I spent 90 days in Calcutta, India. Far, far from home. In that time period, I was able to schedule one phone call with a local phone company to connect with my family; outside of that, letters were sent from one country to the other. Some letters arrived, many did not.
WHAT IF I had been able to enjoy the value of Facebook during those years? What if I could have stayed in touch with my family in “real time” while overseas; sharing stories, pictures, and videos of all the amazing experiences I was having?
WHAT IF I had been able to send messages or text back and forth over Facebook while in college; staying in touch with friends and family during my course of study? What If…………………..
Sometimes I think Facebook gets a bum rap!
I wonder if we get a little spoiled with the freedom Facebook has given us that we are blinded to it’s value, I wonder. Some say Facebook causes us to create false community; I wholeheartedly disagree! I have found that Facebook allows me to remain connected with those that are dear to me whether it be in sending small encouragements, sharing an inspiring story, responding to something they are experiencing in their lives, setting up coffee dates and even using Facebook to create group events and invitations with real ease!
Using Facebook, I have been able to become aware of challenges others are facing; I have been able to pray on their behalf. I have, also, gotten to enjoy hearing of the fun or victories people have experienced and have been able to rejoice with them!
Perhaps it’s time to see Facebook with fresh eyes. Use it well. Encourage, connect, celebrate, include, and care for your “friends” through this tool. Be thankful you aren’t left standing in line waiting for a free phone, or waiting for the mail to arrive before you can connect with someone you care about!!
🙂 FRIEND
Dianna Salciccioli 
I totally agree, Dianna.
I remember that trip to India! And waiting at the end of the hall for the pay phone…do they even have those anymore?? Yes, being in instant touch with family and friends has its advantages. But there is nothing that can replace the precious sight of a hand written letter. When my oldest son was in boot camp for 12 weeks those letters were priceless. Of course, being able to see what has happened in the lives of old friends that you haven’t seen in 30 years is a huge Blessing too!
I agree wholeheartedly. Just today, I’ve seen pictures of friends from high school, college, Chico, Louisiana, South Carolina, Bend, Indiana. I’ve prayed for a cousin, a good friend, a pastor. I say it is the world’s biggest and quickest prayer chain. Yay, Facebook!!