Messenger

Who can I trust?

I ask myself that question almost daily.

The truth is, no matter the message, I, like most people, won’t believe the information if I don’t trust the messenger.

I believe that’s the real reason behind most social media “fights.” Virtual strangers can’t respect the opinions of people they don’t know, don’t trust, or aren’t sure they have good intentions. (This is why debating online feels a lot like brushing your teeth while eating Oreos.)

But is there even such a thing as a trusted source anymore?

A few lines from one of my favorite Styx songs, Show Me the Way, come to mind:

And every day, I’m more confused as the saints turn into sinners

All the heroes and legends I knew as a child have fallen to idols of clay

And I feel this empty place inside, so afraid that I've lost my faith

Sigh…

And who's paying to influence us? And who’s getting paid?

Did anyone else stop trusting Yelp and Amazon reviews when you learned many of those five-star ratings were bought?

Do you (also) question long-time news sources once you see how they use selective editing to craft a narrative?

And let’s talk about celebrity endorsements. I can’t be the only one who cringes when a famous face tries to sell me a political candidate or a vehicle. I’ve had enough. I’m tired of paid “actors,” famous or not, telling me what to think, want, and feel. I’m out. And I’m exhausted.

So, what does that say about me?

Does that mean I’ve siloed myself?

Is that smart self-preservation?

Am I turning into a cynic?

Recently, an acquaintance, someone I felt neutral about — posed a question online, inviting all viewpoints and civil discourse. I thought, Okay, maybe there’s hope. But then I watched as she and one of her “friends” attempted to humiliate and attack every dissenting opinion. It was disappointing. (And my response was to “mute” her.)

If people can’t even have open-minded conversations in my small community, how can it be possible on a larger scale? Honestly, I don’t think it's possible. The divide feels too deep.

And THAT opinion makes me wonder: Am I a full-blown cynic now?

How did THIS happen? I’ve always considered myself an idealist! Are attitudes fluid? Maybe I can switch in and out — idealistic in the morning, cynical by night. (Worn down by the daily flood of negativity poisoning my sensibilities.)

Who else is feeling the pain?

And more importantly…where is God in all of this? (That’s a rhetorical question.)

I know He is Right where He’s always been with a message that never changes. Never confuses. He never deceives. He just gets drowned out by all the noise.

I know this. I’ve always known this.

So, on days like today, when I need Him to Show Me The Way, I know exactly what to do:

I’ll step outside without my phone.

I’ll put my toes in the grass.

And I’ll give Him my undivided attention.

Because when I truly listen — He is the ONE Messenger I can always trust. And if I’m paying attention, He will guide me to the Truth.