Are YOU an "Accidental Liar"?

Ever hear of, "Before you believe it....before you share it....before you promote it, see if it's true!"?

We live in a world that puts us in a position of being gullible.

Information is blasted at us in enormous doses daily.  Did you hear ________________?  Did you read _________________?  Did you see __________________?  So....we then pass it on by quickly hitting the "share" button or we blab it to the next person we see.  How many times do we read something and hit the "share" button without even attempting to find out if it is true?  Sadly, too often.  Often?  You may be asking me....often?  Yep....here is just one of many examples:

Not too long ago, I saw a meme with a child's picture on it frantically claiming that the child was missing encouraging everyone to "share" the meme with others so that they can share it with others so that they can share it in an attempt to find the child.  Here's the downside to not doing a little research prior to "sharing" the meme.  In about 2 minutes of research, I found out that the child indeed was missing at one time.  The child had been missing for a couple of hours and was found the very same day by parents.  Someone had created a meme and put out on their FB page and it was shared like wildfire within minutes.  This meme though is still floating around months later as others are frantically sharing the meme and praying asking God to protect this child and bring the child home.  So, thousands and thousands of kind-loving-sweet-nice people are out in FB land sharing the meme in an attempt to help bring this child home who has been home for months and months.

So.....how do we as intelligent people stop sharing bad--outdated--inaccurate information?

Here is what I'm going to do.  I'm going to make a commitment that prior to hitting the "share" button (or even the old fashioned way--"Face-to-face"), I'm going to see if what I'm about to share is even true.   You'd be amazed to know how many stories floating around are simply NOT true.

So, when you share a story that is not true, are you lying?  I'm going to say--no.  Lying is intentionally telling something that you know is not true.  I realize that most people aren't cold hearted liars just looking for the next tall tale to tell.  But, here is why I feel it is important to be accurate.

CREDIBILITY

When you talk about, post, share, forward "stuff" that is not true, it impairs your credibility.  People WANT to trust you.  People WANT to know that when you say, share, promote something that you are indeed telling the truth.  You may want to share something that you honestly believe is true, but if you've never even made a single attempt to verify whether or not it is "truth", then you may want to consider waiting to share it.

People will trust you when they know that you are credible.

The Lord wants us to be people that others can trust.  It's important that our character and credibility isn't tarnished by slothfully sharing stories.  Let's try out best to be a shining example of truth.  I'll try if you will.













     

Heeeeeeere We Go!

Well friends....here we go! 

I asked if you'd read a blog if I chose to write one.  Some of you said you would read it, so I'll at least give it a shot.  I've never "followed" anyone regularly that blogs....so, I probably will not do it right.  I might just blow the "blog life" out of the water!

I intend to share my thoughts and opinions and advice on many topics.  There really isn't a certain topic that I want to "push" or "discuss".  I have many things that tend to run through my brain and wonder if others ever wonder or want to know what I'm thinking.  Some of these will probably be VERY deep and thought provoking while others will be shallow and silly.  Some of them will likely be informational or instructional as well. 

So, as I move forward....we'll do this together!

Today my blog is about "Why". 
"Why" is SUCH a powerful word, isn't it?  Think about it!  It is the "why" that we choose to do anything and everything that we do or don't do.  For example.....WHY do you work a job?  Why do you volunteer?  Why do you have children?  Why do you have a pet?

What I'd like to do in you today is spark a bit of thought.  I'd like you to figure out for yourself...are you fulfilling your "why"?  Or, are you fulfilling the "why" of someone else?   Be careful before you answer that.  You may think that you are living life as you want to and how you want to....but, consider it closely before you settle with confidence what your answer is.  Do you work your job because you love what you do?.....or, maybe you just happened to be at the right place at the right time (or, WRONG time if you hate your job).  Do you volunteer because you love it?...or, did you get manipulated into helping with the vision of someone else (their "why")?  Do you have a pet because you just loooooove animals?.....or, do you have a pet because someone else dropped their "why" right on you? (they loved it when it was a bundle of cuteness, huh?)  Hmmmmm.....?????  Now we're getting somewhere.  

Here is the reason why I'm asking you to think about "why".  I want YOU to live a life that is rewarding.  I want you to look back one day far in the future and with full confidence know that you were intentional about life and didn't just let each day go by as others around you made demands on your life which kept you so busy that you didn't get a chance to do something for yourself or pursue your dreams.  I want you to dream and know that it's OK to chase after it!  Now, I don't want this to seem as a selfish post.  I love people who share with others and care for others and help others.  As we live this short life though, I want you to be careful.  So many people let circumstances control them way too much instead of them controlling the circumstances.  I believe that you are empowered to make a difference.  I believe that YOU can make a difference not only in your life but in the lives of those that you come in contact with.  Just make sure that your "why" is intentional and not by accident.  The Lord created us with free will.  It is that free will which allows us to choose. I hope that your "why" is God centered and God given. 

So....ask yourself...."Why" would I want to ___________________________.