During a visit to Central Africa's Cameroon last week I had an “aha” moment; one which gave clarity to an internal back and forth I've been having - how do I stay relevant in a world largely driven by social media? Especially because I have no desire to be on social media 24/7. Aaaaaaand, being a wife, mom to little ones and wearing multiple hats affords me little time to be on the plethora of platforms for hours on end.
Weeks before, I had pondered this thought with a friend - how do those who are regarded as experienced and/or experts in their field retain credibility when visibility on social media has become so important? How do veterans compete with rookies who have gained their status of credibility based off of their number of followers and or content that has gone viral. Forget about experience, the quality of content and consistency of the content, and the moral clarity that should (hopefully) define the content.
And no, this questioning was not the outcome of a pity party coveting the followers that others have; large platforms are important for reaching the masses with an important message and there are many who do so very effectively. The root of the question was - does the amount of time one spends on social media and the amount of followers one has determine a person’s qualification to do something effectively and to be regarded as credible? Where and how is the impact of one's work considered? Does impact matter and if so, how is it defined? What does “YAAAAS Queen!” actually mean, especially because the sane and lunatic are both afforded this praise.
And so, my “aha” moment: the love and followers on social media are great, but they don’t really matter. What matters instead is knowing that God is pleased and knowing that those who have gone before you are pleased.
It was the most gratifying and humbling experience to be told by men and women old enough to be my parents and grandparents that they were proud of me, a young lady representing their continent and speaking the truth effectively about Israel, the Jewish people, and Africa’s role in the fight against antisemitism. Nothing quite beats a mother saying “I thank God for you, my child”. My heart was grateful to receive feedback from young people that my reflections on Africa’s true identity (which is the opposite of what mainstream media portrays) inspired them to study harder so that they too would have the knowledge and tools to address issues, shift perceptions and cause a change in outlook and behaviour.
It was also a blessing to hear, on more than one occasion, that I was representing my own father and mother well :) And nothing, nothing, compares to a peace that assures one that the Lord is pleased.
It was in the midst of this feedback that I realised that for all the noise and applause available on social media, the bar for me has to be “Does my work have impact?”, “Is there transformation in the lives of others?” “Does God get the glory?” Because frankly, it’s not about me. It’s not about any of us. We are nothing without the breath that God gives or the strength that He imbues our mortal beings with. It’s an honour to do the work that He gives us to do with the talents that came from Him.
Growing up my parents used to often tell me, “make sure that in everything you do, you work towards hearing the words ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant’ from God, at the end of your life”.
And so, because the applause of Heaven is ultimately what we work for, social media - however great a tool - should not be the measurement of a job well done, or a rank in status or expertise. A wise Rabbi once asked “What does it profit a man [or woman] to gain the whole world yet lose his [her] soul?”
I still don’t really know how I am going to stay relevant (sigh), but I am thankful for clarity on where the focus should be: the audience of One.