Time Suck Traps & Landmines
Truth and Integrity First!
Don’t be a Karen, a Darren, or a Validation Junkie
“Be not deceived:
evil communications
corrupt good manners.”
1 Corinthians 15:33
Those of you who know me well…
know that I detest the social media sandbox—where IQs and decency go to die.
Of course, I do “follow” those with proven common sense who speak with authority from facts, but I do not spend endless hours doomscrolling through every nitwit comment that obviously comes from a person with no intellectual curiosity, no respect for others, and who follows any trendy herd or hive.
No. Thank. You.
Getting down on the level it takes to correct “Karens and Darrens” is like trading squirts with a skunk. You won’t win the fight; you’ll be stinky too; and it’s just too much of a time suck. Don’t address these irrational, fact-challenged people in small-minded ping pong. Instead, persuade “thinkers” by making your case with well-articulated, concise facts that contradict lies.
Emotional objections to laws and policies that we don’t like might make us feel good, but feelings and emotion alone will never fix any problem. They make it worse.
Shouting at local officials to take action to change federal law and then walking away is a fool’s errand.
Screeching in emails and on social media about how stupid, unwise, silly, or unlawful you think a local, state, or federal policy is won’t change it either.
Spreading misinformation to low information people makes you part of the problem.Please, don’t.
If it matters enough that your blood pressure shoots out your ears – take logical, problem-solving citizen action.
How?
The steps are easily understood, but the work is hard, which is why so few people do it!
First, get the documented FACTS. That means original sources – not how someone else interpreted “information” they got third, fifth, or twentieth hand that likely originated with a complete doofus posting on social media.
Second, take personal responsibility—know your subject! Use your gathered facts to crusade for the change you want to see.
Third, develop an action plan of logical steps and objectives to reach the reform you seek.
Finally, recruit like-minded people to your cause; build a team.
Stick with it until you win!
Of all the things in this world that break my heart…
Conservative grassroots activists allowing themselves to be used by paid propagandists, deceitful government staffers, and conniving political consultants is #1.
A close #2 is watching activists who are so breathlessly eager to become “influencers,” that they cast Biblical principles, honor, and truth aside just to be first, to get on a stage, to break a story, and to be “recognized” by elected officials.
The flesh’s desire to be noticed will overshadow wise, thoughtful, diligent, effective action every single time—if you allow it!
My role is not to confront or correct unless such an activist is already in an authorized leadership role with GAWTP or our Texas Conservative Grassroots Coalition. I’m not a den mother. Instead, my prayer is they’ll return to Truth—and sometimes—warning messages like this are the result.
One does not become a respected Subject Matter Expert through emotion and self-promotion.
Grassroots America’s long-time Subject Matter Experts earned credibility and respect by keeping their heads down—sacrificing years of their lives to become knowledgeable, stable, credible sources. They understand that learning never stops. These mature leaders take time to listen to those who understand the right way to ask questions, but they won’t waste time on emotional, screeching Karens and Darrens—and neither will I.
With a loving spirit, comes my plea to you:
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Shun mob mentality.
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Reject crowd psychology.
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Stop bowing to FOMO (the fear of missing out).
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Avoid idolizing ANY elected official. Appreciation is one thing, but slavish, drooling, groupie behavior that overrides your brain, commonsense, and Biblical values is most unbecoming. Human nature being what it is, you might well wake up one day to find your ladder has been leaning against the wrong building. Even the mighty can fall under the weight of their own egos.
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Back off the dopamine abyss of social media—the time suck of infinite scrolling, the addiction to engineered reward systems (likes & comments), and user interactions that provoke dark emotions. It will rot your brain and your character. It will waste your life.
Instead, invest your time in actually making a difference in God’s Kingdom by serving His people. If you are called to the political arena, invest your time in the four steps outlined at the beginning of this message.
You’ll be better for it. Your family and relationships will be enriched. Your outlook will improve.
You will become a problem-solver and an overcomer!
Who knows what God will do next with an obedient Kingdom-focused servant?
JoAnn Fleming
Executive Director
Grassroots America – We the People PAC
