My Instagram with Intention
As an Instagram newbie, I ask “What is my why online? How am I using social media time? What good can be found here?”
I passionately write, passionately share. Maybe it’s my extraverted sanguine nature. As I internally answer those questions, the Lord reminds, “it was not you who choose me, it was I who choose you.” He plants our hearts desires & reveals His goodness “in all things.”
Initially, it seemed my vanity. A worldly desire to gain a following, create profit, pitch a book. Yet, God gently revealed, as He’s done the past 32 years, that He can purify everything.
When I sought young popularity, crediting my elementary May Queen and high school Homecoming Queen awards to the wrong reasons, He showed it was only because of His light reflecting through me.
When I prayed for a husband with external attributes, He showed my true desire was prioritizing faith above all compatibilities; CatholicMatch.
When I sought notoriety and certifications in the workforce, He led me to His undervalued truths in medical ethics and NaproTechnology.
When I planned to expensively furnish our home, He led me to beauty in crucifixes, statues, bible verses and sacred art.
When I choose to homeschool for competitive academic advantages, He showed it was really His calling to instill faith and virtues in my children.
When I searched for enjoyable friendships, He led to a community of women living their authentic Catholic faith; Blessed is She.
When I joined Instagram, He did the same.
They say to find your ideal reader. “Choosing joy” seemed safe enough for a wide Christian web. I asked a non-Catholic Christian to review my blog. She kindly advised, “stick to your Catholic faith. You weave Catholicism into every aspect of your writing. You show a modern woman’s Catholic lifestyle.” Tears streamed down my kitchen table.
Friends, let Jesus use us. Through our vanity, our fears, our prideful ambitions; in all things. The world desperately needs us to “be who we were meant to be.” Offline and on.
Jesus is my why. For my smile, for my Instagram. Praying He uses my imperfect story through virtual beauty and words, where we can still joy, all for Him. ❤️
In Joy,
Alex
Update:
I remember hearing the coined term Instagram with Intention by a style blogger Dean Street Society. Since then, I’ve heard many different philosophies of how others are intentional and purposeful with their social media use. Although I still believe in taking intermittent hiatus’ from social media, (I took off last Lent & researched a lot on the effects of social media at that time,) for now, I am happily present on social media, as long as I keep my focus. Since I’m a firstborn rule follower by nature, making my own rules for adulthood is actually fun! ;)
Here are my “10 Instagram with Intention JoyMama” Rules:
I will remember my “why” for Instagram every time I log on, using my blog motto to “choose joy everyday,” and striving to keep my account positive and authentic.
I will use Instagram to Encourage, Educate, Connect and build Community.
I will remember Instagram is a TOOL that I USE, not that uses me.
I will only follow positive accounts or things that educate my interests and bring joy.
I will set time limits and specific times of day to check in.
I will only log in when I have something to share, to avoid mindless scrolling and comparison with others.
I will have fun connecting with my family and friends.
I will remember to take social media lightly, that “being famous on Instagram is like being rich in Monopoly, it’s not real, so calm down.”
I will remember that God can use “all things” for His glory, including social media as a form of evangelization.
I will uplift other women and remember that “comparison is the thief of joy.”
How will you Instagram with Intention? What rules or guidelines will you apply to your use?
