Yellow tape blows in the wind as tourists press in to peer over the edge of Niagara Falls. Emergency vehicles swirl their lights as firemen and police officers put their heads together and talk quietly.
“What happened?” my husband asked a man standing next to us.
“Some guy went over the falls.”
I suck in a deep breath and whisper a prayer. But it’s what the man said next that stung my heart.
“He probably wanted to get a good picture for Twitter. You know how people are. He ignored the signs. Then he got to the edge and slipped over.”
It turns out that’s not what happened and miraculously, the man survived.
But I kept thinking of those words again and again because it could have been what happened.
A man risking his life for Twitter.
It sounds so foolish.
And yet…don’t I sometimes do that too?
Perhaps not my physical life but the life God has given me.
I love social media. It’s a beautiful way to connect. Some of my deepest relationships have grown from this space. I feel called here.
And yet like with all gifts from God, I’m learning there are boundaries to be heeded. All around Niagara Falls there were signs declaring to stay behind the rails.
There’s a voice within all of us that says, “Just a little bit more…”
One more tweet.
One more email.
One more hour on facebook.
And it happens in our real lives too.
One more drink.
One more purchase.
One more inappropriate conversation.
We ignore the warnings because we think God is holding us back. And He is. He’s holding us back from destroying ourselves.
What are your boundaries?
Besides the clear commandments God gives in Scripture, I believe it’s different for everyone. One question seems to help us determine the distract: When does this shift from life-giving to life-threatening?
At some point even what’s good can become the enemy of what’s best. Sex. Food. Social Media. They can all be full of joy and bring life. But they also can destroy us if we let them. I’m weak and easily tempted. The moment I forget that is the moment my heart begins climbing over the rails.
For me, that means I have a Cyber Sabbath each week and I ask close friends to keep my accountable in other areas where I struggle. We can’t do this alone.
As I drift off to sleep in my bed that night it seems I can still hear the rush of Niagara falls in my ears. So much beauty. So much capacity for destruction. God, help us always choose the first.
XO
Holley Gerth, author of You’re Already Amazing
photo by ilkerender
Leave a Comment
~VA~ says
do you know what really happenned for the guy to go over the falls?
Holley Gerth says
Unfortunately, it was a deliberate jump. I’m not sure why.
Steph says
My husband is a pastor so boundaries for us often mean to stop always talking about church when we’re home together. To have times where we are unavailable to everyone except for a true emergency. Because yes, even the good, even the ministry can be a distraction from the best.
Holley Gerth says
Wisely said, Steph!
Kerry @ Made For Real says
Amen, Steph! You know I feel that threat as well! So true.
Karen says
I used to take a cyber sabbath but got away from it! I NEED to get back to it because it was so helpful!
Holley Gerth says
I catch myself drifting from it sometimes too and I can always feel it!
wynnegraceappears says
Wow, just wow. Such power in your words Holley. Much to chew on today. So grateful for your words this morning. They are filled with encouragement and redirection. I love the cyber sabbath concept— a lot!
Holley Gerth says
Thanks! Glad you’re here this morning. 🙂
ro.elliott says
Holley…this is so good…I often tell my kids…not let technology control you…you must master it. Too be honest, sometimes I wish we could put the toothpaste back in the tube. Being older…much older than most here…my heart aches a bit…and I can say without a doubt…I am glad my younger moms years where more simple…cable was considered a big thing…and it was easy not to have it…but all this…I do see good…but I do see a lot of harm as well. This generation needs voices like yours…calling out for a better way….thanks
Holley Gerth says
Yes, we must master technology rather than the other way around.
Beth Williams says
I see capacity for destruction daily…in the lives of our children, our whole country. It seems as though the devil has taken over & destruction is everywhere, especially on TV and social media.
I wish more people would take both a cyber & TV sabbath & have quiet times to think & see the beauty that God has given us!
Wonderdul words of advice as always!
Holley Gerth says
So glad God is still on control!
Pam says
Excellent post and excellent series here that speaks to it, by Pastor Scott Wilson, The Oaks Church in Red Oak, Texas…Thank you!
http://www.theoaksonline.org/get-connected/small-groups/red-oak-guardrails/
Kristen Strong says
Holley, you give us straight-up truth in the gentlest of ways. *Adore* this post.
And you!
Whispering your prayer with you, sister. xo
Holley Gerth says
Thanks, friend! It always makes me smile to see your face. 🙂
Shanyn says
This post is so powerfully and lovingly spoken! Well done my friend. Prayers for the family of that man, and for all those who push the boundaries and fall. And for those of us whom God pushes back.
Holley Gerth says
Yes, so glad God holds us back or holds us up if we do slip.
cheri says
Thank you for continuous blessings and thought provoking writings. It keeps me within my boundaries and helps me to continually look for good and feel the love God has to offer, continually offers, and gave us with his Son’s gift of eternal life!
God bless you HOlley.
Cheri
Becky K says
Thank you for daring to speak this caution to our hearts. My husband and I have been talking about implementing a technology-free day once (or twice, gulp) a week, and it’s alarming to me how reluctant I am to do it. That alone should be my warning sign, yes? Blessings to you today, Holley!
Lisa says
I’d like to talk more about this. Do you have an email?
Holley Gerth says
Yep, hearttoheart@holleygerth.com
carol says
I sure look forward to your encouraging words each day , thank you for reminding me to be willing to take a rest from the computer for me it is the games that I enjoy so much. God Bless YOU HOLLY
Melissa says
Beautifully said. My own personal policy has always been that I put face-to-face interaction first over technology and social media. Twitter, Facebook, my blog, and all that other stuff will still be there in an hour. The friend I might be having a cup of tea with? We have limited girl-time because of kiddos and life responsibilities. So we ought to make the most of whatever time we get. 🙂
When You Feel Like You Want Just a Little Bit More | incourage « Pilgrim Wanderings says
[…] Reblogged: When You Feel Like You Want Just a Little Bit More | incourage. […]
Kerry @ Made For Real says
“When does this shift from life-giving to life-threatening?”
Yep. That’s key. It gives me chills – the thought of that man falling into the falls (and if it HAD been twitter related). Reminds me of those that lost lives due to texting while driving. A scary reminder of the importance of focus in our lives.
Kaitlin @ Perceptions & Passions says
This is an amazing post…I really enjoyed it.
God doesn’t want us to “stay away” because He wants us to live boring, lonely, sad lives … He wants us to “stay away” to flourish and cultivate the BEAUTY and GLORY and GOOD that He has planned for each one of us. 🙂
Jen says
Thank you so much for this post. As always, you hold me accountable, Holley!! How will I spend each irreplaceable minute of each irreplaceable day? Do I REALLY need to check my FB one more time, have one more potato chip, one more beer or glass of wine, one more email or pin on pinterest? “One more” is a slippery slope. But I agree- I would never completely give up social media because it has brought so much good and joy and friendship and prayer in my life! The cyber sabbath is an awesome idea. Thank you for calling me back! This will be bookmarked and read again to be sure. 🙂
Daphne says
Holley,
I just deleted my FB account; although it wont be gone for two weeks ; UGH!! But, I deleted it because it has become a BIG distraction; checking it all of the time and it isnt informative any longer! The people I want to keep in touch with; I can call, email or visit! This beautiful, much needed post has cemented my decision! Now, onto twitter …
Thank you so much!
Daphne
Petra says
What a fantastic idea to have a cyber Sabbath, although I’m not sure how my teenagers would cope! I do try not to have the radio or TV on when I’m alone in the house and once I’ve read my emails turn off the computer, it’s so good to hear the birds singing and to engage with the real world, the world God created.
Thanks for your word of wisdom, Holley.
Petra x
Lisa says
As I was reading this, I was thinking, I needed to unplug. I like the idea of a cyber Sabbath, and what better day than the Sabbath. This is now my new goal.
Ana says
Loved your post today as always. I’d like to have just one more cupcake! Thanks!
Holley Gerth says
Well, cupcakes might be an exception. 😉
Dana says
I like your post today!! That really gives much fuel to thought! I read it aloud to my 12 & 11 year olds! We just went to Niagara Falls last week so it really made an impression on us! So just a little bit will do us just fine!!
Christy says
Oh my new “voice of reason”…sigh…I was sitting here, next to my daughter who’s waiting for me to do some scrap-booking with her…I opened this page and said, “I want to read just ONE MORE ARTICLE” OUCH! I’ll be for sure chewing on this. Thank you so very much. I too love the “cyber sabbath”.
Teri Crowder says
All I can say is OUCH & AMEN! Thanks again Holley for your insightful writings on truth to the heart. GOD BLESS!
Laurie Wallin says
It’s so easy to do… that “just one more” thing! I read recently in the paper that the searching process (like when we’re doing that one-more-thing online) actually releases chemicals like endorphins, which is why we get so into doing it for so long. Fortunately, we serve a God who designed us so He can override both our habits AND our biochemistry. Praying to see where in my own life I need to hold off on just one more….
Wanda says
Oh Holly, such rich nuggets to glean from this. Although boundaries maybe confining, they are necessary for us to truly be productive.
Eden says
Thanks, I think I need to establish some of my own guidelines. Rules that work for me, and when I see that I’m bored and wanting to check “one more thing” on line, I can hopefully realize what is best next and when I do go on…I’ll enjoy it more!
Sue says
My first time here. You have all given me much to consider. Holly your message speaks to me and gives me much to try to understand. Thank for the impact you have had on my life. Me and mine will be trying a technology free sabbath. I pray god blesses you just as you column blesses us.
Debbie A. says
Your message really spoke alot to me too Holley….. I struggle with the pull to get online alot, too, and lately have been making myself wait until I’ve had my time talking to God and reading His word, and just being still awhile. I am finding my day goes so much better when I do this and I have so much more peace and a sense of well-being. Its like for me, its my way of telling God that I love Him more than being online and want Him to be the most important thing in my life, rather than the computer. This idea of a day away from the computer and spent with God and others in real life is awesome! Definitely something I needed to hear as well!! Thanks so much Holley! I love all of your messages! They’re always such a blessing and so helpful. God bless you!
Carol J. says
Sadly, it seems that many people today are so afraid of being “alone” that they cannot disconnect from their phones, computers, twitter, facebook or the like. They fail to see the irony in their actions, in that they are isolating themselves from true human interaction and relationships, and more importantly, a relationship with God. They are so busy tweeting and texting, they don’t have a moment to send out a “hey” to their Creator and Lord. Your messages touches many daily, especially this one, Holly: Keep it up this great ministry!
Haley Goodman says
Thank you for this! Such great words of encouragement for me-the reminder I needed to truly unplug one day a week. Its hard to do-yet I find God blessing that time when I am even more “engaged” and not so distracted. That desire for “just one more” is so hard to work through-Yet God always shows up so much more for me when I do!
Dominique says
Brilliant blog. Well done Holley, this is spot-on. I spend waaay too much time online, mostly FB, and this is truly a wake-up call. Thank you.
Beverly says
Holly… You will never know how much you do for me…!!!
I need your messages soooo much..
Thank you , Thank you….
Weekend Links, 7.21.12 — Giving Up on Perfect says
[…] When You Feel Like You Want Just a Little Bit More | Holley Gerth at (in)courage […]
BEVERLY kLINE says
It is really true that we all need boundaries. When I was a whole lot younger, a
mother of young children, I started playing pacman with my children and I
got addicted and would stay up way past a decent hour for bed and had to
be up early with my children. Will one day I just said no and would no longer
play because it was making me a tired and grouchy mom. It was just a waste of
time, so I learn to limit my sons play back then. Time limits are good boundaries
when it comes to video games, computers and cellphones. Real family time
can be neglected and should be nurtured, I believe in today’s world. Thank
you for all your colums. They always make me think and have great insight.