johnmdemarco posted on January 23, 2012 11:30
Facebook friends are particularly crucial during severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings that take place in the middle of the night.
One feels a little less afraid and certainly less alone, sharing the common misery of wishing we were all asleep and wondering how we will possibly get up in the morning and be productive. We share our concerns, but mostly make each other laugh and hang in there. I learn about how various children, dogs and other family members are responding to the storm. If a tree falls, I hear about it. If someone is craving a drink or a particular food item, I know about it.
Thankfully, our home has been mostly unscathed by the past several Middle Tennessee tornado seasons; others have not been so fortunate. I’ve driven by communities smashed to pieces by twisters, and read heartbreaking news accounts of people who have lost everything.
Sometimes other storms hit, though: intellectual storms of career blind spots; emotional storms of fear and distress; spiritual storms of doubt and alienation; and even physical storms of illness and unwanted lifestyle changes. And whether they are with us on Facebook or not, we need our friends even more to survive and thrive after the pounding of these winds and the damage they leave behind. Friends who will not just laugh with us but cry with us, challenge us and be patient as we sort out the damage and discern the path forward.
Take a look at your virtual and real-time “friends lists.” Who is ready to go through the storm with you and be there on the other side?
And are you ready to help someone else?