by Aaron Earls
Whether it’s used ironically, earnestly, or inappropriately, #Blessed remains one of the most frequently used hashtags on social media. On any given day you’ll see it pop up on Twitter’s trending topics.
College students say they are #Blessed to have an exam postponed. Celebrities are #Blessed to be on an exotic (and expensive) vacation. Many are simply #Blessed to wake up this morning.
So why is there this desire to add a hashtag that seems to defer credit away from oneself and to God or whatever higher power the writer may believe in?
Part of the popularity belongs to the simultaneous desire social media creates within users—sharing positive life experiences and gaining wider acceptance.
The author wants to share the great review her book received. The parent loves to let others know about their child’s accomplishments. We all want others to appreciate our work and rejoice with us during our good times.
At the same time, however, we know much of that comes across as bragging to our friends and followers. Nothing makes someone click “Unfollow” quicker than having to scroll through a constant stream of self-promotion and boasting.
Christians, in particular, recognize the commands given to us in Scripture to remain humble, to not think more highly of ourselves than we should. No one wants to be like the Pharisees, who always drew attention to themselves.
We know we aren’t supposed to be prideful, but we aren’t sure how to walk that tightrope. For many, #Blessed becomes an attempt to #HumbleBrag (to borrow another popular hashtag). We want to brag without bragging because nothing goes viral quite like the downfall of the prideful.
Social media has a way of knocking down a few pegs those who unduly elevate themselves above others. Even more frightening, social media frenzies can come out of nowhere and heap scorn on anyone deemed overly self-promotional.
So for many, adding the hashtag to their tweet is meant as a virtual shield to ward off social media mobs and insulate them from claims of arrogance. It’s social media fire insurance.
Without a doubt, there is a partial desire to avoid the appearance of pride. But there is also a realization, even by irreligious people, that there is more to life than random luck or personal skill. #Blessed can be an honest, if crude, way to acknowledge this.
There is a significant difference between being #Blessed and actually being blessed—the Beatitudes make that abundantly clear. But the hashtag does point to a much larger truth.
The Christian can see the overwhelming number of #Blessed tweets and Instagram photos as anecdotal support for Ecclesiastes 3:11. Not only has God written eternity into our hearts, He’s put it in our social media feed.
We as humans recognize the need to deflect credit even during moments that seem to be our greatest personal achievements. We instinctively believe we do not deserve all the praise and attention. As Christians we know there is Someone else there who is worthy of all our praise and attention.
Romans 1:20 tells us that by looking to creation, we can discern aspects of God’s character. Looking at social media, we can discern our own recognition of His character. And seeing that makes you #Blessed.
AARON EARLS (@WardrobeDoor) is online editor of Facts & Trends.
