I am once again sitting in the Ford dealership waiting for my truck to get serviced.
Yep, wearing my old standby kicks, high top Converse. Do you believe people make assumptions about you by the shoes you wear? I think so. I know they do by the automobiles that you drive.
Out here in rural America I get a lot more friendly waves and experience more courteous driving when I am wearing a ball cap and driving our white Ford 150 pickup than I do when driving our Toyota Prius with perhaps a scarf around my neck.
It is the ole Us – Them thingy. It is assumed I support Trump when driving the truck and make substantial political contributions to Bernie Sanders when driving the Hybrid Prius.
Social media doesn’t help much with this divide. ‘Drive By’ insults are hurled back and forth without any thought, just assumptions. Twitter comments seem to be the worse. Cable “News” is not too far behind Twitter.
However, after a few years on the WordPress platform, I have found that I’ve been exposed to a variety of opinions, experiences, photos, and talents without ever feeling that Us – Them stuff. Blogging allows for a deeper expression – with or without words. The expression and commonality of our hopes, heartbreaks, beliefs, fears, joys and appreciation of clouds helps to minimize the fall back position of Us – Them. WordPress provides the space and opportunity to consider the We as a better option than the Us – Them.
I started blogging to discover if I would enjoy writing and specifically examine what an authentic faith would be for me. I found that I enjoy writing, in small chunks, and I dislike editing (obviously). I also have found a deeper faith which often leaves me more confused than before, but that is fine with me. Unexpectedly though, I also found a diverse community of respect with an appreciation of We.
Another Picture On The Wall 
What a fab post Gary and just what I needed to cheer up the quietness. I totally agree with your feelings about blogging. Its amazing how friendship can be built across the globe and im glad to be parrt of the ‘WE’. Loving the footwear too, hope the truck got sorted.
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Oh yes, the quietness. It takes time to become friends with it again, doesn’t it? Started wearing Converse when I was about 10 years old. Not much support in them but fun to wear for a few hours. Yes, I think We is very important and that includes all God’s creatures. Thank you for all your We’ness!
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What a great post, a true analysation of social media and blogging. I’ve found authentic friendships on WordPress that have proved when writing from the heart, connections are made. Even though I’ve known people in life, social media seems to show unsavory behaviors that don’t align with my values. Love the shoes, had a girl pair for a while before they fell apart. Never liked sitting in a dealership waiting for my car to be serviced, I did love leaving lol.
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They had to reload the software system for the truck. A guy sat in it with his laptop. The service intake person said it took a long time because of the cloudy weather! You can’t make this stuff up. I was there for 4 hours. I did get my steps in for the day, but the dealership’s lot was empty with no new car inventory. Thank you and thank you for all you have shared through words and photos! Write On, sister!
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I agree that WP has a pretty supportive community, which is refreshing. The deepening divisions in this country are disturbing and worrisome to me. It doesn’t help that politicians and the media fan the flames. Why can’t we focus on our commonalities instead of our differences?
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Seems I always go into the dealership for a $40 oil change and come away with at least a $500 bill. How does that happen? You’re right concerning WordPress. Of all the social media platforms, I find WordPress the most authentic.
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And I certainly had you in mind as I wrote that post.
Yeah, the cars are so complicated nowadays, I don’t even bother to look under the hood. It would be a complete waste of time.
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