Thought for the Week
My family and I have just returned from a lovely Easter break which included a trip to Blackpool’s Pleasure Beach.
Last year we also visited, but I wasn’t daring enough to ride The Big One roller coaster. This year I braved it, something else to boast about!
I also noticed something else different this year, the use of a new piece of modern technology –the selfie stick. Everywhere I looked there were people standing in queues or even on the rides taking photos of themselves with these extending sticks.
2014 was indeed the year of the selfie: the self-portrait of the digital age. According to Twitter, as trends go, the selfie reigns supreme.
We’re all at it: civilians, celebrities, even David Cameron and Barack Obama are indulging. If you Google search ‘selfie’ you’ll find 176,000,000 results; take a look at Instagram and over 90 million photos are currently posted with the hashtag #me.
I have been guilty of indulging in a selfie or two myself, however I try not to flood my news feeds with too many. Our family parties are never quite complete until we have tried to recreate an Ellen DeGeneres=type Oscar award ceremony selfie. We can manage quite a number in our snaps.
While thinking about this, I realise that we are all very keen to let everyone know all about ‘me’ and about how easy it can be to boast about all I am doing and all that is good in my life. I wonder if sometimes we become a little self-absorbed?
I’ve realised I am quick to boast about how I am blessed but slower to boast of the ones who bless me. I am eager to share my highlight reel, but rarely shed light on those who support me behind the scenes.
The Bible reminds us not to boast in our own arrogance, and as we sing in one of my favourite songs ‘I will boast in Jesus Christ, his death and resurrection’.
As a lot of us start back to school or work after our Easter break, this is a perfect time to remember the hope of that resurrection and indeed to boast about Jesus. Alison Kennedy, Youth and Community Worker, Flemington Hallside Church.