I am a very typical twenty-year-old girl who finds herself consumed with social media, but lately I have found myself leaning away from Instagram and towards something a little more "aged." I have found that every night, before I go to sleep, I scroll through Pinterest to see what new things I can find for that day. I know some of you are thinking that Pinterest is just as immature as every other form of social media, but when used in the correct way, you'll find more hope than you could imagine.
Ever since I was a little girl, I have wanted to get married and have a family, and while some people see Pinterest as a daily reminder of what they don't have, I see it as all of the things that are possible! When I see a picture of a bride and groom, I can't help but imagine my own wedding day and the joy that is to come. When I see photos of children of all ages, I can't stop myself from thinking of my future family, and the people that I will have the privilege of raising.
Believe it or not, Pinterest has gotten me out of quite a few slumps. I know how ridiculous I sound saying that a form of social media has strengthened me, but it's true. Everyone struggles through life with their own trials. Mine happen to deal mainly with confidence and acceptance; while I find strength in my friends, family and my Heavenly Father, Pinterest happens to help me out as well. I encourage you to go to Pinterest and take a look at what comes up after searching for quotes. Literally, just type in "quotes," and you'll receive a smorgasbord of encouragement from all over the world.
One night, I searched Pinterest for something to spark a change in my mood. I didn't know what I was looking for, but then it appeared. "He who is brave is free," is a quote by the Roman philosopher Seneca and my absolute favorite quote to date. In a night of confusion and doubt, I realized through this one quote that comfort doesn't lead to freedom. I learned that, without stepping out of my comfort zone, I will never be free from sin, pain or anything else. If I can't work up the courage to give myself completely to God, then how can I find comfort?
You might find it bizarre that Pinterest sparked this entire epiphany, but I find it encouraging. I love that God can use the things that sometimes take my mind off of Him, to bring me back. So often today we talk about how bad social media is and the negative effects it has on our lives, but rarely do you hear about how empowering it can be.
Whether its Sadie Robertson's latest video, a positive article shared or a quote I found late at night, Pinterest has actually saved my life more than once.
