Communication – Death or Life: Emojis

Do you LOVE  emojis? The expressions emojis give us help us to communicate what we are feeling. Some people may think emojis are silly, for kids, or a waste of time, but for some of us they give us joy in the visual tool and power with our conversation. If we really love a post on someone’s Facebook page, text, etc., an emoji saves time if we click on that heart or “like.” If we want to sympathize with someone going through a tough time, there is the teary face or two people hugging. There’s the angry face, confused face, frustrated face, laughing hysterically face, and so many more.

So what’s my point? Emojis enable us to communicate. They save us time when we want to express our feelings, but don’t have time to type something. I have learned that communication is one of the most important things in life, in our relationships, jobs, even with short-term connections. Communication or the lack of it can mean life or death in a relationship of any kind. If we don’t communicate how we feel, what we need, what others’ need from us, etc., then how can we know what to expect from others? How can we get mad at a spouse who doesn’t know our needs are not being met because we aren’t conveying them? I’ve seen marriages, close friendships, and church people suffer from a lack of communication and even break up because of misunderstandings – all from a lack of talking to each other honestly, of telling each other what’s going on, or why we are doing what we are doing; and that means sometimes being truthful when we don’t want to hurt another person’s feelings. (There are gentle, kind ways to do this: “It would be best if…” or “I would love it if…” rather than, “You never…” or “You have to…”) This is on the small scale; what about large families, big business, or even nations. Never assume – because it inevitably makes an “ass” out of “u” and “me” (ass-u-me). One of my teenagers told me that years ago and it stuck with me because it’s true. When we hear something we don’t like, do we assume the worst and later regret our assumption when we find out we judged a person or situation incorrectly? It would be helpful if we never make quick judgments but instead go to the source. If it’s not necessary, it’s probably not our business to get involved. Always be kind or it will backfire. We also need to LISTEN.

We need to know that some people will not be open to it, but let’s try and talk to each other; sort out our issues with each other – yes, it can be hard, and I don’t do it myself most of the time. But I’ve learned the damage it can cause to ignore it or that if I choose to ignore it, I need to let it go and push past the supposed issue and love the person despite what might be a hidden agenda. Be happy. Our happiness is not dependent on others. It’s ours to claim and live. But let’s try and do it together with love.