By Leesville Mayor Rick Allen

I remember when Facebook came out it was presented as a way to reconnect with people you had lost touch with and in the beginning, it was successful at doing just that. But as time went on it became a platform for many different things to include political, personal and spiritual views. 

Like anyone, I do not like people talking about me or the people I care about. It just hurts my feelings. As a public official when you put your name on the ballot to run for political office, that in itself signifies that you are willing to put what you want aside and do what’s best for the majority. 

I recently listened to a mayor in north Louisiana give his farewell speech and he referenced several times that social media was his main reason for resigning. Nowadays it seems it is the norm from any social media platform and is acceptable to blast political leaders to include their family and friends without any repercussions. 

Honestly, in my opinion social media has become a better way to be a weak and spineless coward. Yeah! I said it! In fact, what you say doesn’t even have to be true. 

In the very near future, I see the very people that use it for assault (because that’s what it is) will cry foul when it’s used against them. The first lawyer that wins a case against a Facebook post will set the tone for the country and it will no longer be tolerated by the courts of this great land. 

But here is what is being overlooked now, you CANNOT claim to be a Christian and then get on your keyboard and talk about or attack anyone in any way. We as Christians don’t need to worry about the judge in the courts, we need to consider the judge in the heavens and His name is Jesus Christ. 

Let’s imagine you and I are sitting at a table. You are handed a list with every sin I’ve ever committed and I’m handed your list. For every sin of mine that you expose I can expose one of yours. Do you really want to play? I Don’t! I remind myself often that I do not want everything I’ve ever done exposed and I’m assuming nor do you. We were taught forgive and you shall be forgiven.

And whoever said sticks and stone may break my bones but words will never hurt me was a liar!!  

Be kind to each other

It will matter on the day you’re forgiven.