Everything is Temporary

I’ve been thrown in Facebook jail before—many times, who am I kidding? I had one page that would get 3–7 days every other week, then they went to 90 days at a time. I had never been banned until now. A ban hurts a little more because it feels so final. You can’t even see the platform unless someone shows you on their phone. No Messenger, no Marketplace, no nothing.

My musings, thoughts, business pages, groups, videos, and pictures were all on that platform. My mistake was building on a foundation that was not mine and that could, at any time, kick you out. Here I am—16 years of my life marked for permanent deletion by a corporation.

The many emails notifying me of each page of mine removed said I didn’t follow the community guidelines regarding guns and drugs. I have never owned either. That’s the kicker—I’m not even guilty of the accusations. First, I was in shock. Then anger set in. And then, sadness.

I didn’t realize how dependent I was on the platform. I had over 20K followers and have made so many great friends. I’ve held retreats, gone on cruises, attended events—and best of all, I’ve been encouraged by these “strangers.” It was awesome while it lasted. To me, they’re not strangers anymore. I’ve been supported spiritually, emotionally, and financially by many of these people.

The other night, I lay on the couch trying to pick up the pieces from this divorce when my phone rang. It was a prophet. We exchanged pleasantries, then she asked about the retreat—and I cried. I’m not sure why I cried. I didn’t cry before then. I told her I have no way of telling anyone or posting anything because I’ve been banned. I tried to stiffen my upper lip so she wouldn’t know, but she knew. I was physically sick.

As I’ve said, I have been on Facebook for over 16 years. It has become a part of my life, so it feels like a death. She prayed for me. She spoke to the pain I was feeling and asked another prophet, “What has God said?”

The other prophet said, “All I hear is, It’s temporary. There are things going on behind the scenes, and God will get the glory.”

The devil wants to stop the retreat. I figured it was that. I was getting too many messages and verbal reservations. I thank God He saw fit to tell me.

Today, I have peace. No background thoughts. No agitation at the state of the world—because I don’t watch the news, so I have no idea who’s doing what. I also came to the stark realization that life goes on. The memes are still flowing, the posts are still being shared, and life online is happening without me. In a few days, people will have forgotten I exist.

I need to be about my Father’s business anyway. It’s amazing how something like this helps you put things in proper perspective.

While I’m on a break, detoxing, I will put it all in proper perspective. This will pass. It’s temporary. Everything in this life is temporary.