What's on your mind?

I’m watching this now and it’s a much needed fyi if you’re meeting people online or seeing strangers elsewhere. They disclosed the presence of communities teaching people how to be predators. I would definitely use a tracking app when meeting a stranger and inform my loved ones where I’m going and bring an extra battery pack.

LoveDivine said:

That's interesting. I wasn't aware of the Mormon connection. I've watched some channels that I don't mind. Farmhouse on Boone is one that comes to mind.

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Lisa’s husband no longer works and that’s another side of trad culture that few are aware of. She’s the breadwinner now and the same holds true for several. The Seasonal Homestead is my favorite and I’ve followed them since the beginning. She’s mormon and never discusses it. Her children are well mannered and her husband works and helps with the homestead. Becky and Cam are the closest you’ll get to the balance you seek. He cooks as well as do the kids and everyone pitches in with the work whether it’s the homestead or canning.

I mention that because of the promotions. If you look at her channel you’ll notice she doesn’t post a lot. Once per week is her norm and they don’t rely on her income. While others are more active and more dependent on tnem. When the pandemic occurred many channels did well because we were home. A lot of them assumed it would continue when that changed. You saw a combination of lifestyle creep and people leaving jobs. The majority have no income outside of YouTube and sponsorships and I don’t consider them businesses.

The money isn’t fixed it fluctuates and sponsorships are based on marketing budgets that change every year. The money they earn from Google is determined by their policies which they’re free to change and do. And they’re married to the algorithm. If engagement isn’t good the platform won’t promote it and their income tanks. But the ones doing well can earn more than their spouse although they give the impression of traditional to their audience.

LoveDivine said:

I think they glorify it and it can make some women feel inadequate. It's not entirely attainable to live that way unless it is your source of income. I just wish there was balance. There is so much gross, sexual content bombarding us regularly ( combined with insane feminism ) and then there is this trend. In general it seems that everyone wants to become an influencer or have a YouTube channel. I think the unrealistic expectations have destroyed the work ethic for many.

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It isn’t their responsibility to make their lives more accessible to the viewer no more than you’d expect from a show on The Food Network. But I’ve heard that more than once and that’s the dichotomy of social media. No one says the same about television. They expect a difference between themselves and the person on the screen while wanting the reverse on the platforms. And it’s not realistic.

Most of the people making content are trying to raise their standard of living. When you aren’t tied to a salary it’s easier to do. That doesn’t negate the value of traditional employment. But if you’re adept at business or sales and have an idea worth pursuing other options exist. Influencing can be a stepping stone to that but it wouldn’t be my lone source of income.

There’s another element that hasn’t taken root as of yet and that’s the impact of nepotism. Much like we see elsewhere. Children will inherit businesses and channels or create their own with the parent’s help. You’ll have more of a continuum than new voices per se and less opportunities overall. That’s the new formula.

~bella

DragonFox91 said:

I try to ignore those posts now. Clearly they are not talking to singles or couples who otherwise can't have children. I also don't think they factor in the timing should be right.

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It’s a misconception to assume every message is applicable simply because it’s christian. I know you’re aware of this theoretically but I’ll say it nonetheless. Content isn’t an umbrella no matter the subject. They’re addressing a specific group within that topic who resonates with their message. While it may attract others outside of it they’re not the focus. Nor is that restricted to social media alone. It’s a principle in marketing and every company uses it including the church.

Let’s take what you shared at face value. Get married and have lots of children may resonate with many singles. There are some who do the same through adoption as well and the message doesn’t offend them. Look at Paul’s messages in the bible. He had specific things to say to each group which didn’t contradict the word and spoke to their circumstances. This is no different.

You can’t speak to everything and everyone all the time. There’s elements of your message that will be applicable to some and less so with others. We can’t condemn them because that isn’t so. Barrenness and singleness aren’t the norm. There are more people who will marry and have families than not.

DragonFox91 said:

I really wish there were more Christian leaders who were single. (The other day I was thinking why does it seem all the missionaries are married when the Apostle Paul was single?)

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You’re asking for people to address your struggles while ignoring yourself. Why don’t you talk about it? We’ve discussed the lack of singles in leadership in the past and let’s be honest. Celibacy isn’t for everyone and few can live like that. Most men desire companionship and won’t remain alone voluntarily. And the majority would pick from the flock without a rule in place. Which could go sideways really fast and result in lawsuits and the like.

As for missionaries, the majority aren’t self-supporting and rely on donations to make ends meet. I’ve been through missionary prep and supported a single in the past and she struggled a lot because she didn’t have a buffer. There was no one to pick up the slack when she was ill or short on funds and she shared her plight with her donors. If you want to do the same as a single you‘d need discretionary income or a patron.

DragonFox91 said:

All this being said, I do believe if a couple is capable, they should have children. I think the Traditionalists are right there. But I think a lot of them got married at 18, had children at 19, & think that's just how life is for everyone.

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You’re doing the same thing you’ve accused others of. What if they can’t afford it? See the problem? ;-)

If you’re speaking to a group that isn’t financially encumbered they’d probably agree. But fertility doesn’t pay the bills. Much like your earlier example the comment will resonate with some and less so with others. And that’s okay.

~bella

I just made AI art of my OC Sarah Winters as a cute bunnygirl waitress.

Just when I thought I was fixing something, I had to restart from nothing.

I miss the Tartaria group I was a part of on another website.

A virtuous woman will be the greatest prize in society’s eyes in the long run and we’re turning a corner. All that we’re witnessing reinforces the Lord’s wisdom and the value of scripture in modern times.

Hey everyone, I hope you're all doing well

.Mikha'el. said:

I hope things are okay with you.

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Thanks! Things are awesome I've been fulfilling my calling. I hope you are doing well, too!

I wish it would all just go away...

Saucy said:

Thanks! Things are awesome I've been fulfilling my calling. I hope you are doing well, too!

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That’s wonderful to hear! Give us an update. Are you working in ministry?

bèlla said:

That’s wonderful to hear! Give us an update. Are you working in ministry?

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Yes! I am currently serving bi-vocationally as a hospice chaplain, which is my "full-time" job, and was recently ordained as a pastor at my church. God gets all the glory for changing my heart, helping me grow and mature, and then opening those doors for me.

Saucy said:

Yes! I am currently serving bi-vocationally as a hospice chaplain, which is my "full-time" job, and was recently ordained as a pastor at my church. God gets all the glory for changing my heart, helping me grow and mature, and then opening those doors for me.

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Congratulations indeed! God is good. That‘s an incredible role and you’re well suited for it. He made you empathetic for a reason.

A co-worker said something profound to me. He said that people want God to be like them and that's what they seek.

It had me realizing that's what's going on with some of those crazy people on Gab. They want God to imitate them, not the other way around.

bèlla said:

Congratulations indeed! God is good. That‘s an incredible role and you’re well suited for it. He made you empathetic for a reason.

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Thank you!

Sometimes I wonder if people do weird things for social media or we’re really going backwards. ;-)

Is anyone familiar with this company or app? I stumbled upon the site earlier and thought I’d share.