The Jetsons Are Here

Do you "Twitter?" Do you "Facebook?" Do you "Skype?" Well, I'm officially a "Facebooker" and a "Twitterer" and a "Skyper." Surely you've heard of the latest internet networking crazes. It started as an experiment for me. After repeatedly getting "Facebook invites" by email for the last 2 years and my fraternity brother from Charlotte giving me the final nudge...I'm in. I signed up and frankly immediately became uncomfortable with all the personal information it required. My mother-in-law has convinced me the internet may cause me to be kidnapped by a gang of thieves at any moment. She's more careful and smarter than I am. But I quickly began to see what a great tool it is personally and for ministry. I am connected with people I have not seen in 20+ years. I have had so much fun comparing my wrinkles to those of my compadres in past lives. But I am also praying for many folks I thought I'd never see again and they are praying for me. I'm meeting other pastors and sharing ideas, keeping up with my parishioners a little better and getting and sending quick messages without having to make a phone call. My college roommate, Paul is a Baptist pastor in Jensen Beach, Florida. He said one of his young church members told him that our generation is "ruining Facebook." I laughed when he said that because one of the youth in our congregation wrote a message on my "wall" and said, "Pastor James, I think it is so cool you are on Facebook!" Well, if nothing else, I'm cooler now. But this networking thing goes deeper if you want to dig a little. I believe we yearn to "be known." It's odd really. We hide so much yet we want to know we matter and that others really care that we exist. I think these internet sites have just tapped in to the basic human need to be connected. Now, I understand it is virtual and not totally realistic. But it is a form of communication and community in an age of isolation and individuality. I'm interested, for now anyway. I may get tired of all this and go back into hiding. But for now if you can't get me by phone or email, there is a new way to get my attention. Just visit me a www.facebook.com. Or follow my day behind the scenes on Twitter at www.twitter.com/jameswilliamsiv. And welcome to the 21st century.