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Scroll though Facebook or Instagram and count how many times you see someone talking about how “Blessed” they are. Now, see how many times it is related to something materialistic. Yup, blessed is the new way to brag, in the most humblest of ways.
What’s the meaning of Blessed?
Typically, blessed is a religious word. By definition, it means “Holy; Consecrated”. Knowing that, blessed is certainly not used in that way, in particular on social media. I scroll through Instagram with girls holding expensive bags or new shoes, adding the hashtag Blessed.
I realize that the perfect pair of shoes can certainly be a religious experience, but I’m pretty sure it isn’t the way the word was meant to be used.
Being blessed isn’t about tangible things, but rather about something that is holy or of God.
Own It
Using #blessed it simply a way to brag, or humble brag. It’s a way to show off something you are proud to have, but in a way that isn’t quite so showy.
Why are we ashamed to say, I worked hard to buy this purse? Why can’t we say, my husband is so sweet and gave me this necklace. Instead, we call is being blessed.
There are far better words to use to describe this. Fortunate. Grateful. Privileged.
Own what really got you those material items. I guarantee God didn’t pop down to Coach and pick out the newest tote for you. But your husband might have. Or you bought it yourself after working hard and saving for it.
Your words can inspire others. They can look at your hard work and see the benefits of it. Or you can call it blessed and they will just think, they aren’t “blessed”.
Blessed or not Blessed
This also seems to be a more gender specific word. I can’t think of a time that I’ve seen a man post his truck or a cool new tool and call himself blessed. So, why as women do we feel we need to do so? What about showing something we are proud of without making it something else? I believe it is because we as women judge each other. Instead of saying, oh that’s a beautiful bag you got, we roll our eyes and say, there she is bragging again.
Don’t get me wrong, there are those that absolutely are doing just that. Why? Because they simply have nothing else to post,
But for the mass majority, it should be okay to show off a new car, new accessories, etc without judgement. This means changing our perspective and using our words in a more meaningful way.
The Unblessed
Material things are not the only “Blessing’ you will find in social media. Relationships, mental and physical health are also subject to being blessings. I’ve seen many times posts about being blessed with a healthy baby or blessed to have intelligent children. Yes, I am grateful that my three children are healthy and intelligent. But if I were to call it a blessing, what does that mean to the mother who gave birth to a baby with an issue or a parent with a child with a mental illness? Are they unblessed? Parents of children with difficulties often see the “Blessings” that others would not define as so.
It is very important to be aware of our words and how we use them. Be proud of what you have and own how you achieved them. Give credit, where credit is due!
What word do you think is misused in social media?
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