thestream--2020-06-22--Making Room in Our Hearts

Making Room in Our Hearts

Adoption made the news in recent days because of a Republican congressman unveiling the surprise news that he has been raising an adopted son from Cuba .
Though the reaction on the hyperpartisan internet has been shrill and unpleasant , perhaps this can nudge us toward a radical shift in our thinking — one where adoption is more commonplace , because we are more welcoming .
A week before the congressman ’ s adoption kerfuffle was the Feast of the Corpus Christi on the Catholic calendar .
Traditionally , it ’ s a day of Eucharistic processions .
I heard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much reduced in these pandemic times .
Still , there was something striking about the day , focused as it is on what the Church teaches is the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist .
The absence of that presence for many of us has deepened our appreciation for presence , period .
You don ’ t have to be a believing Catholic to have had this experience : Even for introverts , social distancing has been rough .
We need the presence of others .
Presence is powerful — when it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Virtual presence is not the same .
I ’ m grateful for what computers and the internet have made possible , but it ’ s a poor substitute .
There ’ s no lingering , no having the conversations one really can only have in person .
It ’ s not the same encounter .
There ’ s a movie expected to come out later this year called The Ride , about the early years of former BMX bike star John Buultjens .
It ’ s amazingly timely , as he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being welcomed into the home of an interracial couple .
His story is a raw and powerful look at the healing that is possible even in the most intensely abusive circumstances .
It ’ s not a perfect story , which makes it all the more important — it ’ s about the real-life work of love .
The work we as a society are being called to do .
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral Issues of Our Day .
Stories @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are closer to home than the political arguments of the day would have us believe .
As we wait for decisions involving abortion and religious freedom , or react to recent decisions about immigration and human rights , we should be asking what we have done lately to help the poor and the needy , the desperate and the the despairing .
In his Corpus Christi homily , Pope Francis used the word “ orphan ” in unexpected ways , talking about the current moment as “ a time of great orphanage.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have memories marked by a lack of affection and bitter disappointments caused by those who should have given them love , and instead orphaned their hearts .
We would like to go back and change the past , but we can not .
God , however , can heal these wounds by placing within our memory a greater love : his own love.
” Whatever one believes , we can not afford to leave anyone feeling orphaned .
Even people surrounded by family can feel alone and unloved .
Don ’ t we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hope playing out on our streets , in our politics , even in so many homes ?
The solution lies in opening our hearts to others for the kind of healing that only otherworldly , sacrificial , merciful love makes possible .
It ’ s amazing when we see it unfold .
It ’ s only possible with gratitude .
Leaving room in our lives to encounter God — and being an instrument for others to make that same encounter — sure doesn ’ t hurt .
Kathryn Jean Lopez is senior fellow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of National Review magazine and author of the new book A Year With the Mystics : Visionary Wisdom for Daily Living .
She is also chair of Cardinal Dolan ’ s pro-life commission in New York .
She can be contacted at klopez @ nationalreview.com .

Adoption made the news in recent days because of a Republican congressman unveiling the surprise news that he has been raising an adopted son from Cuba. Though the reaction on the hyperpartisan internet has been shrill and unpleasant, perhaps this can nudge us toward a radical shift in our thinking — one where adoption is more commonplace, because we are more welcoming.
The Real Presence of Christ
A week before the congressman’s adoption kerfuffle was the Feast of the Corpus Christi on the Catholic calendar. Traditionally, it’s a day of Eucharistic processions. I heard of a few, but they were much reduced in these pandemic times. Still, there was something striking about the day, focused as it is on what the Church teaches is the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.
The absence of that presence for many of us has deepened our appreciation for presence, period. You don’t have to be a believing Catholic to have had this experience: Even for introverts, social distancing has been rough. We need the presence of others.
Presence is powerful — when it is comforting, when it is demanding. Virtual presence is not the same. I’m grateful for what computers and the internet have made possible, but it’s a poor substitute. There’s no lingering, no having the conversations one really can only have in person. It’s not the same encounter.
‘The Ride’
There’s a movie expected to come out later this year called The Ride, about the early years of former BMX bike star John Buultjens. It’s amazingly timely, as he was exposed to some pretty intense racism before being welcomed into the home of an interracial couple. His story is a raw and powerful look at the healing that is possible even in the most intensely abusive circumstances. It’s not a perfect story, which makes it all the more important — it’s about the real-life work of love. The work we as a society are being called to do.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Stories like Buultjens’ remind us that solutions are closer to home than the political arguments of the day would have us believe. As we wait for decisions involving abortion and religious freedom, or react to recent decisions about immigration and human rights, we should be asking what we have done lately to help the poor and the needy, the desperate and the despairing.
God Can Heal the Wounds
In his Corpus Christi homily, Pope Francis used the word “orphan” in unexpected ways, talking about the current moment as “a time of great orphanage.” He said: “So many people have memories marked by a lack of affection and bitter disappointments caused by those who should have given them love, and instead orphaned their hearts. We would like to go back and change the past, but we cannot. God, however, can heal these wounds by placing within our memory a greater love: his own love.”
Whatever one believes, we cannot afford to leave anyone feeling orphaned. Even people surrounded by family can feel alone and unloved. Don’t we see the consequences of that lack of hope playing out on our streets, in our politics, even in so many homes? The solution lies in opening our hearts to others for the kind of healing that only otherworldly, sacrificial, merciful love makes possible. It’s amazing when we see it unfold. It’s only possible with gratitude. Leaving room in our lives to encounter God — and being an instrument for others to make that same encounter — sure doesn’t hurt.
Kathryn Jean Lopez is senior fellow at the National Review Institute, editor-at-large of National Review magazine and author of the new book A Year With the Mystics: Visionary Wisdom for Daily Living. She is also chair of Cardinal Dolan’s pro-life commission in New York. She can be contacted at [email protected].


thestream--2020-06-22--Our Comforting Heavenly Father

Our Comforting Heavenly Father

My six year old took gasping breaths between sobs .
“ I didn ’ t want Aiden to go home !
” he cried .
We ’ d just returned from a short fishing vacation to East Texas .
My older son came with us .
He lives in a town about 30 minutes away .
My little one didn ’ t understand that Aiden needed to go to his home .
Tears rolled down Caleb ’ s face .
“ I didn ’ t want him to go home !
” he repeated .
“ I know , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t either , but he had to go.
” I tried my best to comfort him .
After a while , he fell asleep in my bed .
I let him stay .
I don ’ t know if I did a good job comforting my little boy .
But I know Someone Who does in the best way possible .
Isn ’ t it wonderful to know that , whatever we are going though , our Heavenly Father knows and will comfort us ?
And because He does so , we can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ , the Father of mercies and God of all comfort , who comforts us in all our affliction , so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction , with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God .
— 2 Cor .
1:3-4 Let Him Comfort You I pray that God comforts you , whatever your situation .
Are you struggling with the loss of someone you love ?
“ Blessed are those who mourn , for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
5:4 ) .
Let God wrap His arms around you and be comforted in His embrace .
Maybe you struggle with depression : God comforts the downcast ( 2 Cor .
7:6 ) .
Look up .
“ I lift up my eyes to the hills .
From whence does my help come ?
My help comes from the Lord , who made heaven and earth .
He will not let your foot be moved , he who keeps you will not slumber ” ( Ps .
121:1-3 ) .
Perhaps you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Remember this : “ Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death , I fear no evil ; for thou art with me ; thy rod and thy staff , they comfort me ” ( Ps .
23:4 ) .
In addition , God knows how long each of us will live .
We do not need to worry , because we will not die a moment too soon or a moment too late .
“ A person ’ s days are determined ; you have decreed the number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he can not exceed ” ( Job 14:5 ) .
Keep confident , knowing that God is with you and will never leave you .
Even if you feel alone , you are not .
Allow yourself to receive the comfort He provides .
“ Sing for joy , O heavens , and exult , O earth ; break forth , O mountains , into singing !
For the Lord has comforted his people , and will have compassion on his afflicted ” ( Is .
49:13 ) .
Nancy Flory is an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can follow her @ NancyFlory3 , and follow The Stream @ Streamdotorg .

My six year old took gasping breaths between sobs. “I didn’t want Aiden to go home!” he cried. We’d just returned from a short fishing vacation to East Texas. My older son came with us. He lives in a town about 30 minutes away. My little one didn’t understand that Aiden needed to go to his home. Tears rolled down Caleb’s face. “I didn’t want him to go home!” he repeated. “I know,” I said. “I didn’t either, but he had to go.” I tried my best to comfort him. After a while, he fell asleep in my bed. I let him stay.
I don’t know if I did a good job comforting my little boy. But I know Someone Who does in the best way possible. Isn’t it wonderful to know that, whatever we are going though, our Heavenly Father knows and will comfort us? And because He does so, we can comfort each other.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. — 2 Cor. 1:3-4
Let Him Comfort You
I pray that God comforts you, whatever your situation.
Are you struggling with the loss of someone you love? “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” (Matt. 5:4). Let God wrap His arms around you and be comforted in His embrace.
Maybe you struggle with depression: God comforts the downcast (2 Cor. 7:6). Look up. “I lift up my eyes to the hills. From whence does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved, he who keeps you will not slumber” (Ps. 121:1-3).
Perhaps you struggle with fear of becoming sick. Remember this: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me” (Ps. 23:4). In addition, God knows how long each of us will live. We do not need to worry, because we will not die a moment too soon or a moment too late. “A person’s days are determined; you have decreed the number of his months and have set limits he cannot exceed” (Job 14:5).
Keep confident, knowing that God is with you and will never leave you. Even if you feel alone, you are not. Allow yourself to receive the comfort He provides. “Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O earth; break forth, O mountains, into singing! For the Lord has comforted his people, and will have compassion on his afflicted” (Is. 49:13).
Nancy Flory is an associate editor at The Stream. You can follow her @NancyFlory3, and follow The Stream @Streamdotorg.


thestream--2020-06-22--Ben Watson and Other NFL Stars Highlight Importance of Fatherhood in Father’s Day Video

Former New England Patriots player Ben Watson stressed the vital role fathers play in children ’ s lives in a Father ’ s Day message released Saturday .
The former tight end and author of the 2017 book , The New Dad ’ s Playbook : Gearing Up for the Biggest Game of Your Life , joined other black football stars and professionals to emphasize the importance of fatherhood to both their families and the larger society in the video “ Fathers Are.
” ( RELATED : EXCLUSIVE : Faith , Family , Football : Why New England Patriots Tight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fathers are essential to the mental , spiritual , emotional and physical health of life ’ s greatest gifts , our children , ” Watson said in a statement provided to the Daily Caller News Foundation .
“ In a society that sometimes doubts their commitment and their presence , it is imperative that we not only emphasize the importance of this role , but reveal the truth about the amazing men who fill it daily.
” “ Everywhere we look , ” Watson said in the video , “ the impact and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is vital to the health and success of children , families , communities , and nations.
” The former tight end was joined by New Orleans Saint and 5-time Pro-Bowl football player Cam Jordan , Grammy Award winning recording artist Lecrae , Fox Sports TV Analyst Chris Broussard , former NFL player Mohamed Massaquoi , Watson ’ s father , South Carolina pastor Ken Watson , and others .
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral Issues of Our Day .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a joy , a responsibility , and a necessity .
It ’ s one of the greatest things you can ever do and fills you with a lifetime ’ s worth of memories , ” Broussard said in a statement .
“ Our society should do all it can to promote the importance of fathers and to support the development of great fathers.
” Watson has previously emphasized the importance of a strong fatherly presence in children ’ s lives , and wrote his 2017 book after he realized the “ absence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in American society , according to a press release .
( RELATED : New England Patriots Player Ben Watson Emphasizes That ‘ Men Have To Stand Beside The Women We Impregnate ’ ) The former NFL player also leads Fellowship of Christian Athletes initiatives , serves as the national spokesman for the Churches Helping Churches Challenge , and serves on the Executive Committee of the NFL Players Association .
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , please contact licensing @ dailycallernewsfoundation.org .

Former New England Patriots player Ben Watson stressed the vital role fathers play in children’s lives in a Father’s Day message released Saturday.
The former tight end and author of the 2017 book, The New Dad’s Playbook: Gearing Up for the Biggest Game of Your Life, joined other black football stars and professionals to emphasize the importance of fatherhood to both their families and the larger society in the video “Fathers Are.” (RELATED: EXCLUSIVE: Faith, Family, Football: Why New England Patriots Tight End Benjamin Watson Champions Life)
“Fathers are essential to the mental, spiritual, emotional and physical health of life’s greatest gifts, our children,” Watson said in a statement provided to the Daily Caller News Foundation. “In a society that sometimes doubts their commitment and their presence, it is imperative that we not only emphasize the importance of this role, but reveal the truth about the amazing men who fill it daily.”
“Everywhere we look,” Watson said in the video, “the impact and influence of fathers is as evident as it is vital to the health and success of children, families, communities, and nations.”
The former tight end was joined by New Orleans Saint and 5-time Pro-Bowl football player Cam Jordan, Grammy Award winning recording artist Lecrae, Fox Sports TV Analyst Chris Broussard, former NFL player Mohamed Massaquoi, Watson’s father, South Carolina pastor Ken Watson, and others.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
“Fatherhood is a gift, a blessing, a joy, a responsibility, and a necessity. It’s one of the greatest things you can ever do and fills you with a lifetime’s worth of memories,” Broussard said in a statement. “Our society should do all it can to promote the importance of fathers and to support the development of great fathers.”
Watson has previously emphasized the importance of a strong fatherly presence in children’s lives, and wrote his 2017 book after he realized the “absence of modern resources for new dads” in American society, according to a press release. (RELATED: New England Patriots Player Ben Watson Emphasizes That ‘Men Have To Stand Beside The Women We Impregnate’)
The former NFL player also leads Fellowship of Christian Athletes initiatives, serves as the national spokesman for the Churches Helping Churches Challenge, and serves on the Executive Committee of the NFL Players Association.
Copyright 2020 The Daily Caller News Foundation
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience. For licensing opportunities of our original content, please contact [email protected].


thestream--2020-06-22--4 Things to Know About the British Group Targeting The Federalist

The British organization that has targeted The Federalist , a U.S. online magazine , is a relatively new nonprofit that primarily has gone after websites in the United Kingdom .
NBC News cited Stop Funding Fake News , a project of the Center for Countering Digital Hate , in pushing Google to demonetize The Federalist , a mainstream conservative news and opinion site .
Demonetizing would be accomplished if Google didn ’ t allow The Federalist to carry Google Ads .
However , Google has denied this .
The British organization also has targeted Zero Hedge , a financial website @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know about Stop Funding Fake News and the Center for Countering Digital Hate .
In writing about content at The Federalist , NBC News cited both the Center for Countering Digital Hate and Stop Funding Fake News as sources .
According to its website , Stop Funding Fake News was established in May as a project of the Center for Countering Digital Hate .
It mostly names British outlets as “ fake ” and boasts : “ Since we launched , we ’ ve seen one of our target fake news sites completely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ several others reduced significantly as a result of us damaging their ability to raise revenue.
” Stop Funding Fake News identifies the site it helped shut down as Westmonster , a media outlet established by pro-Brexit businessman Arron Banks and Michael Heaver , a former aide to Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage .
However , the website does appear to still exist , primarily as an aggregator .
The Center for Countering Digital Hate did not respond to email inquiries from The Daily Signal on Thursday or Friday .
Stop Funding Fake News @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an online inquiry form .
Stop Funding Fake News also counts as “ wins ” its efforts to pressure advertisers to stop buying space on the sites Politicalite , TR News , Evolve Politics , and The Canary .
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral Issues of Our Day .
It lists numerous companies and organizations that it says stopped advertising on various websites because of its work .
These include the World Wildlife Foundation , the University of Oxford , eBay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Royal British Legion .
News organizations should be skeptical of a nonprofit that arbitrarily labels another media outlet as “ fake news ” without learning more , said Hayden Ludwig , an investigative researcher with the Capital Research Center , a Washington-based watchdog group for nonprofits .
Ludwig noted a similarity with media and businesses that unquestioningly accept the Southern Poverty Law Center ’ s arbitrary labeling of organizations they disagree with as “ hate groups.
” “ I can see a parallel between so-called fake news and hate groups .
No @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and fake news , but what the SPLC does is run an ugly smear campaign against conservative organizations supporting legitimate , mainstream positions , ” Ludwig told The Daily Signal in an email .
“ It ’ s the same deal as the MSM [ mainstream media ] .
These groups don ’ t play fair and they aren ’ t interested in debate over issues ; this is a way for activists to shut down all public discourse so the left can ram through its agenda.
” Also raising concern is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Ludwig said .
“ It should absolutely concern every American that shadowy foreign interests are trying to manipulate our media for political gain , ” Ludwig said .
“ They have no accountability in the U.S. , no transparency , no publicly available filings .
I think it ’ s perfectly reasonable for people to expect some basic information about these groups trying to influence our politics.
” 2 .
What Is the Center for Countering Digital Hate ?
Founded in December 2017 , the organization was incorporated as a nonprofit in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government .
Originally founded as Brixton Endeavors Limited , its name was changed in August 2019 to the Center for Countering Digital Hate .
The London-based center says on its website that it seeks to “ disrupt the architecture of online hate and misinformation , ” adding : Beyond the project Stop Funding Fake News , the center ’ s other programs include Don ’ t Feed the Trolls and Don ’ t Spread the Virus .
The British government endorsed the center as the entity to correct disinformation about the coronavirus pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Virus campaign .
“ CCDH have also forced social media companies to establish precedent and remove hateful or dangerous speech by holding them directly accountable for their tolerance of hateful content , ” the website says .
Americans have reason for concern when foreign entities attack U.S. media outlets , said Dan Gainor , vice president of Tech Watch at the Media Research Center , a media watchdog group .
“ We ’ ve spent four years and countless news stories with the left and the press whining about alleged foreign interference , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ They never really cared .
They were just upset it wasn ’ t advocating for their leftist candidates .
Now CCDH comes along and the press is thrilled to the point of doing their bidding — because it ’ s targeting a bunch of conservative sites.
” Using the “ hate ” label is just a way to silence others , Gainor said : Imran Ahmed , who has been active in Britain ’ s left-leaning Labour Party , founded the Center for Countering Digital Hate in December 2017 .
Ahmed often @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he considers hateful content on the internet and social media .
He has focused on misinformation , extremism , fake news , and trolling .
In April , Ahmed was appointed to the steering committee of the British government ’ s Commission on Countering Extremism Pilot Task Force .
The steering committee has two roles : to decide which incidents to prioritize for discussion and to meet local stakeholders to help develop responses to incidents of hateful extremism .
Before starting the nonprofit , Ahmed was a senior political adviser to the Labour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ member of the House of Lords , from 2012 through 2016 .
He was an aide during Benn ’ s 2015 reelection campaign and the 2016 referendum on Brexit .
In 2016 , Ahmed went to work for the Labour Party ’ s Angela Eagle , a member of the House of Commons , who vied for a leadership post .
Eagle and Ahmed co-authored the book “ The New Serfdom : The Triumph of Conservative Ideas and How to Defeat Them.
” Through a liberal viewpoint , the book attacked the legacy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a conservative icon famous for the book “ The Road to Serfdom.
” Before working in politics , Ahmed worked for Merrill Lynch as a strategy consultant .
4 .
What Are the Board ’ s Political Connections ?
The Center for Countering Digital Hate has a five-member board of directors that oversees its activities , one of whom has ties to the progressive movement in the United States .
The organization doesn ’ t list any staff other than Rachel Riley , who has the title of patron .
Riley , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , also clashed with the left , objecting to the anti-Semitism of far-left media outlets that supported former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn .
Board member Simon Clark has been a nonresident senior fellow at the Center for American Progress since May 2018 .
At the liberal Washington-based think tank , Clark specializes in domestic right-wing terrorism and trans-Atlantic relations .
Clark has a background in investing and venture capital .
He joined the Center for Countering Digital Hate ’ s board only last month .
Board member Siobhan McAndrew is a sociology professor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ specializes in “ culture , religion and value change , ” according to her webpage at the university .
She published a paper last year on violence by left-wing extremist groups .
Board member Kirsty McNeill is executive director of Save the Children UK .
She was an adviser to former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown of the Labour Party .
Jonny Oates , a member of the Liberal Democrats , serves in the House of Lords .
Another board member , Ayesha Saran , is migration program manager at Barrow Cadbury Trust @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ social justice.
” A sixth board member , Morgan McSweeney , resigned earlier this year to become chief of staff for Labour leader Keir Starmer .
Fred Lucas is the White House correspondent for The Daily Signal and co-host of “ The Right Side of History ” podcast .
Lucas is also the author of “ Tainted by Suspicion : The Secret Deals and Electoral Chaos of Disputed Presidential Elections.
” Send an email to Fred .

The British organization that has targeted The Federalist, a U.S. online magazine, is a relatively new nonprofit that primarily has gone after websites in the United Kingdom.
NBC News cited Stop Funding Fake News, a project of the Center for Countering Digital Hate, in pushing Google to demonetize The Federalist, a mainstream conservative news and opinion site.
Demonetizing would be accomplished if Google didn’t allow The Federalist to carry Google Ads. However, Google has denied this. The British organization also has targeted Zero Hedge, a financial website.
1/ @Google told @NBC in no uncertain terms that they were demonetising @FDRLST (see screenshot). Now they are trying to walk it back. Let’s take a look at the kind of content they are monetising [THREAD]https://t.co/JdYqZrukwv pic.twitter.com/0DRTPKY6VJ — Stop Funding Fake News (@SFFakeNews) June 17, 2020
Here are four key things to know about Stop Funding Fake News and the Center for Countering Digital Hate.
1. What Is Stop Funding Fake News?
In writing about content at The Federalist, NBC News cited both the Center for Countering Digital Hate and Stop Funding Fake News as sources.
According to its website, Stop Funding Fake News was established in May as a project of the Center for Countering Digital Hate.
It mostly names British outlets as “fake” and boasts: “Since we launched, we’ve seen one of our target fake news sites completely shut down, and the capacity of several others reduced significantly as a result of us damaging their ability to raise revenue.”
Stop Funding Fake News identifies the site it helped shut down as Westmonster, a media outlet established by pro-Brexit businessman Arron Banks and Michael Heaver, a former aide to Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage. However, the website does appear to still exist, primarily as an aggregator.
The Stop Funding Fake News website continues:
We invite brands and people to consider whether they want their adverts to appear next to hate and untruths. (Spoiler alert: turns out paying for hate and Fake News is not a great look.) By helping hate-filled clickbait and Fake News gain revenue from advertising, Google has put money ahead of morality, and advantaged outrage over facts.
The Center for Countering Digital Hate did not respond to email inquiries from The Daily Signal on Thursday or Friday. Stop Funding Fake News did not respond to the submission of an online inquiry form.
Stop Funding Fake News also counts as “wins” its efforts to pressure advertisers to stop buying space on the sites Politicalite, TR News, Evolve Politics, and The Canary.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
It lists numerous companies and organizations that it says stopped advertising on various websites because of its work. These include the World Wildlife Foundation, the University of Oxford, eBay, Adobe, The Week, and The Royal British Legion.
News organizations should be skeptical of a nonprofit that arbitrarily labels another media outlet as “fake news” without learning more, said Hayden Ludwig, an investigative researcher with the Capital Research Center, a Washington-based watchdog group for nonprofits.
Ludwig noted a similarity with media and businesses that unquestioningly accept the Southern Poverty Law Center’s arbitrary labeling of organizations they disagree with as “hate groups.”
“I can see a parallel between so-called fake news and hate groups. No doubt that there are real hate groups and fake news, but what the SPLC does is run an ugly smear campaign against conservative organizations supporting legitimate, mainstream positions,” Ludwig told The Daily Signal in an email. “It’s the same deal as the MSM [mainstream media]. These groups don’t play fair and they aren’t interested in debate over issues; this is a way for activists to shut down all public discourse so the left can ram through its agenda.”
Also raising concern is the aspect of foreign meddling in U.S. media, Ludwig said.
“It should absolutely concern every American that shadowy foreign interests are trying to manipulate our media for political gain,” Ludwig said. “They have no accountability in the U.S., no transparency, no publicly available filings. I think it’s perfectly reasonable for people to expect some basic information about these groups trying to influence our politics.”
2. What Is the Center for Countering Digital Hate?
Founded in December 2017, the organization was incorporated as a nonprofit in October 2018, according to the British government.
Originally founded as Brixton Endeavors Limited, its name was changed in August 2019 to the Center for Countering Digital Hate.
The London-based center says on its website that it seeks to “disrupt the architecture of online hate and misinformation,” adding:
Over time these actors, advocating diverse causes — from anti-feminism to ethnic nationalism to denial of scientific consensus — have formed a Digital Counter Enlightenment. Their trolling, disinformation and skilled advocacy of their causes has resocialized the offline world for the worse. … CCDH’s solutions seek to increase the economic, political and social costs of all parts of the infrastructure — the actors, systems and culture — that support, and often profit from hate and misinformation.
Beyond the project Stop Funding Fake News, the center’s other programs include Don’t Feed the Trolls and Don’t Spread the Virus.
The British government endorsed the center as the entity to correct disinformation about the coronavirus pandemic through its Don’t Spread the Virus campaign.
“CCDH have also forced social media companies to establish precedent and remove hateful or dangerous speech by holding them directly accountable for their tolerance of hateful content,” the website says.
Americans have reason for concern when foreign entities attack U.S. media outlets, said Dan Gainor, vice president of Tech Watch at the Media Research Center, a media watchdog group.
“We’ve spent four years and countless news stories with the left and the press whining about alleged foreign interference,” Gainor told The Daily Signal. “They never really cared. They were just upset it wasn’t advocating for their leftist candidates. Now CCDH comes along and the press is thrilled to the point of doing their bidding — because it’s targeting a bunch of conservative sites.”
Using the “hate” label is just a way to silence others, Gainor said:
All of these fascist anti-hate groups are the biggest hate groups on the internet. They don’t believe in free speech, free press, or anything else in our First Amendment. In the case of CCDH, they want to silence any speech they disagree with — to help fix a presidential election. They should be made to register as foreign agents, just as RT and other foreign propaganda outlets were made to do.
3. Who Founded the Organization?
Imran Ahmed, who has been active in Britain’s left-leaning Labour Party, founded the Center for Countering Digital Hate in December 2017.
Ahmed often appears on British TV talking about what he considers hateful content on the internet and social media. He has focused on misinformation, extremism, fake news, and trolling.
In April, Ahmed was appointed to the steering committee of the British government’s Commission on Countering Extremism Pilot Task Force.
The steering committee has two roles: to decide which incidents to prioritize for discussion and to meet local stakeholders to help develop responses to incidents of hateful extremism.
Before starting the nonprofit, Ahmed was a senior political adviser to the Labour Party’s Hilary Benn, a member of the House of Lords, from 2012 through 2016. He was an aide during Benn’s 2015 reelection campaign and the 2016 referendum on Brexit.
In 2016, Ahmed went to work for the Labour Party’s Angela Eagle, a member of the House of Commons, who vied for a leadership post.
Eagle and Ahmed co-authored the book “The New Serfdom: The Triumph of Conservative Ideas and How to Defeat Them.” Through a liberal viewpoint, the book attacked the legacy of free market economist Friedrich Hayek, a conservative icon famous for the book “The Road to Serfdom.”
Before working in politics, Ahmed worked for Merrill Lynch as a strategy consultant.
4. What Are the Board’s Political Connections?
The Center for Countering Digital Hate has a five-member board of directors that oversees its activities, one of whom has ties to the progressive movement in the United States.
The organization doesn’t list any staff other than Rachel Riley, who has the title of patron.
If a bus driving round London had skinheads with megaphones shouting these things, no reputable brand would dream of putting their ads on the bus.@GoogleAds almost did the right thing, pulling ads from an internet version of this bus yday. Don’t bow to racists whining about it. https://t.co/04nRunR2Vx — Rachel Riley (@RachelRileyRR) June 17, 2020
Riley, a mathematician and well-known British game show host, also clashed with the left, objecting to the anti-Semitism of far-left media outlets that supported former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.
Board member Simon Clark has been a nonresident senior fellow at the Center for American Progress since May 2018. At the liberal Washington-based think tank, Clark specializes in domestic right-wing terrorism and trans-Atlantic relations.
Clark has a background in investing and venture capital. He joined the Center for Countering Digital Hate’s board only last month.
Board member Siobhan McAndrew is a sociology professor at the University of Bristol. She specializes in “culture, religion and value change,” according to her webpage at the university. She published a paper last year on violence by left-wing extremist groups.
Board member Kirsty McNeill is executive director of Save the Children UK. She was an adviser to former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown of the Labour Party.
Jonny Oates, a member of the Liberal Democrats, serves in the House of Lords. Another board member, Ayesha Saran, is migration program manager at Barrow Cadbury Trust, a London-based charitable foundation that advocates “social justice.”
A sixth board member, Morgan McSweeney, resigned earlier this year to become chief of staff for Labour leader Keir Starmer.
Fred Lucas is the White House correspondent for The Daily Signal and co-host of “The Right Side of History” podcast. Lucas is also the author of “Tainted by Suspicion: The Secret Deals and Electoral Chaos of Disputed Presidential Elections.” Send an email to Fred.
Copyright 2020 The Daily Signal


thestream--2020-06-22--The Church Has Got To Lead in Race Relations — Everyone Else is Getting it Wrong

Voices everywhere are saying the Church should take leadership in the move toward racial reconciliation .
Many churches are .
And we need to .
It ’ s not just because it ’ s a nice thing to do ; it ’ s because just about everyone else is getting it wrong .
I can say that with confidence , not because I claim to understand the minority racial experience , but because I know what the Bible says about human relationships , and there ’ s some common sense involved here , too .
This ought to be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s heading almost exactly the opposite direction .
It ’ s fomenting hopelessness , which inevitably leads to anger , divisiveness and hatred .
The point of the whole thing , supposedly , is to address and correct the injustices whites have long inflicted on blacks .
There ’ s been way too much of that , I agree .
I don ’ t agree with the way this movement is messaging it , though , because it ’ s a shame-based message .
Professor Brené Brown has studied shame more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ publicly .
In her books , her blog , and a famous TED talk , she reveals shame ’ s destructiveness .
Shame differs from guilt , she tells us .
Guilt is a sense of wrongness over what you ’ ve done , shame over what you are .
She says , Notice two key words there : disconnection and dangerous .
Shame disconnects us .
Who wants to hang around when he ’ s being shamed ?
If you do show up , do you show up with your whole self @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you hide .
Physically , emotionally , relationally .
You ’ re not all in .
You ’ re not all there .
And is anyone seeing anything dangerous going on these days ?
Property being destroyed ?
People injured ?
People killed ?
This comes from anger , but it ’ s anger that doesn ’ t know how to solve its own problems .
Shaming is not solving .
Still , the message we keep hearing these days is that it ’ s wrong to be white .
It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Those are shaming words , meant to make us feel bad for what we are , not anything we ’ ve done .
It ’ s got to be frustrating , though .
They ’ ve identified a problem that can ’ t be solved .
Not unless they shut down whites forcibly , or ( even more violent ) eliminate them all .
Some of the most radical members of the movement actually say they want that .
I don ’ t think that ’ s the least bit common , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It ’ s just the natural result of thinking you ’ ve got a problem that has no solution .
It ’ s no wonder some of them are so angry .
Frustration will do that to a person .
Meanwhile their shaming tactic is producing all kinds wrong responses .
Think of it : What does a white male do when he ’ s told he ’ s wrong for what he is ?
He could yield to the shame .
He could agree , “ Yes , it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s debilitating , though .
It makes a man give up part of himself .
It certainly doesn ’ t build full-blooded , open relationships .
Or he could get angry .
“ I ’ m not gon na take that * ) # @ !
* from you !
“ I can ’ t help wondering whether this shaming tactic might be contributing to the rise of white nationalism .
Talk about unintended consequences !
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might say , “ I ’ m sorry , but I ’ m not going to accept that from you .
It ’ s not that I ’ m angry , it ’ s just that I know better than to think my whiteness is evil.
” If he ’ d had any inclination to help pursue racial justice , this kills it .
He says , “ This is too messed up , ” and he checks out .
I suspect that ’ s true of a lot of white conservatives .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ problems , not even paying attention , because they don ’ t want anything to do with a movement that would do that to them .
A Better Answer , Starting With a Better Description of the Problem .
That ’ s what shame does .
It calls out a problem , but it makes it worse instead of better .
And this is where the Church can make such a difference .
We ’ ve got a better answer .
It starts in having a better description of the problem : guilt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve done something wrong .
That ’ s you : not your group , not your race , but you .
And here I ’ ll speak as a white man talking to fellow white men .
In my conversations with blacks , I ’ ve learned that a lot of us do things that cause problems in our relationships with them .
We ’ re dismissive or disrespectful .
Some whites are out-and-out racists .
Others are simply oblivious .
There ’ s a difference between guilt for intentional wrong versus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t exactly innocent ; not when we ’ re hurting others , and not when we should know better .
So a lot of us are guilty of doing hurtful things to black men and women .
Guilt is different from shame , though : Shame doesn ’ t have a solution ; guilt does .
God ’ s Answer for Guilt Can Also Repair Broken Relationships Christ died on the cross to resolve our guilt toward God .
If we confess our guilt and repent , He forgives ; and we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ God sets the same model for human relationships , when things go wrong .
The guilty party is responsible to own up to it , the injured person is called to forgive , and then together they can work toward reconciliation and restoration .
How does that work in actual practice ?
I couldn ’ t begin to cover that territory the way it deserves to be .
Imagine whites listening to blacks , though , hearing their pain , and discovering how we ’ ve been a part of causing it .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ help alleviate it when we should have .
Omission can be sin , too .
Then think of whites repenting — making a strong commitment to stop doing wrong and start doing right .
It might even include restitution , making something right after the fact , if we ’ ve done wrong .
( I did not say reparations . )
Then think of blacks forgiving .
That ’ s not me suggesting that ; I have no right to speak that way into another person ’ s experience .
It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He does have the right .
Jesus makes the standard clear : God forgives us ; we must pass that forgiveness on to others , especially to those who are willing to own and repent of their wrongs .
If you can imagine that far , then you can also picture that process setting a foundation for relationship .
For reconciliation .
Racial reconciliation , even .
This is the message of the gospel , applied to human relationships .
This is how the Church must lead .
Not everyone will follow .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the slightest need for confession or for change .
Some blacks would rather hold on to anger than forgive .
If it works for even a few , though , that would be a visible model showing that real heart change is possible .
We need that model .
The Church needs to lead this way , because this is the way of our Lord .
It ’ s how we can stay faithful in our witness of His love , His grace , and His reconciling goodness .
Tom Gilson ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Stream and the author or editor of six books , including the forthcoming Too Good To Be False : How Jesus ’ Incomparable Character Reveals His Reality .

Voices everywhere are saying the Church should take leadership in the move toward racial reconciliation. Many churches are. And we need to. It’s not just because it’s a nice thing to do; it’s because just about everyone else is getting it wrong.
I can say that with confidence, not because I claim to understand the minority racial experience, but because I know what the Bible says about human relationships, and there’s some common sense involved here, too. This ought to be a movement of racial reconciliation, but it’s heading almost exactly the opposite direction. It’s fomenting hopelessness, which inevitably leads to anger, divisiveness and hatred.
The point of the whole thing, supposedly, is to address and correct the injustices whites have long inflicted on blacks. There’s been way too much of that, I agree. I don’t agree with the way this movement is messaging it, though, because it’s a shame-based message.
Shame’s Destructiveness
Professor Brené Brown has studied shame more than anyone else, or at least more publicly. In her books, her blog, and a famous TED talk, she reveals shame’s destructiveness. Shame differs from guilt, she tells us. Guilt is a sense of wrongness over what you’ve done, shame over what you are. She says,
I don’t believe shame is helpful or productive. In fact, I think shame is much more likely to be the source of destructive, hurtful behavior than the solution or cure. I think the fear of disconnection can make us dangerous.
Notice two key words there: disconnection and dangerous. Shame disconnects us. Who wants to hang around when he’s being shamed? If you do show up, do you show up with your whole self, fully alive and engaged? No, you hide. Physically, emotionally, relationally. You’re not all in. You’re not all there.
And is anyone seeing anything dangerous going on these days? Property being destroyed? People injured? People killed?
Shaming is Not Solving
This comes from anger, but it’s anger that doesn’t know how to solve its own problems. Shaming is not solving.
It’s got to be frustrating, though. They’ve identified a problem that can’t be solved.
Still, the message we keep hearing these days is that it’s wrong to be white. It’s wrong to have “white privilege.” Those are shaming words, meant to make us feel bad for what we are, not anything we’ve done.
It’s got to be frustrating, though. They’ve identified a problem that can’t be solved. Not unless they shut down whites forcibly, or (even more violent) eliminate them all. Some of the most radical members of the movement actually say they want that.
I don’t think that’s the least bit common, but the sense of frustration must be. It’s just the natural result of thinking you’ve got a problem that has no solution. It’s no wonder some of them are so angry. Frustration will do that to a person.
Unintended Consequences
Meanwhile their shaming tactic is producing all kinds wrong responses. Think of it: What does a white male do when he’s told he’s wrong for what he is? He could yield to the shame. He could agree, “Yes, it’s bad to be white.” That’s debilitating, though. It makes a man give up part of himself. It certainly doesn’t build full-blooded, open relationships.
Or he could get angry. “I’m not gonna take that *)#@!* from you!“ I can’t help wondering whether this shaming tactic might be contributing to the rise of white nationalism. Talk about unintended consequences!
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Or he might say, “I’m sorry, but I’m not going to accept that from you. It’s not that I’m angry, it’s just that I know better than to think my whiteness is evil.” If he’d had any inclination to help pursue racial justice, this kills it. He says, “This is too messed up,” and he checks out.
I suspect that’s true of a lot of white conservatives. They’re not helping solve race problems, not even paying attention, because they don’t want anything to do with a movement that would do that to them.
A Better Answer, Starting With a Better Description of the Problem.
That’s what shame does. It calls out a problem, but it makes it worse instead of better. And this is where the Church can make such a difference. We’ve got a better answer.
It starts in having a better description of the problem: guilt, not shame. Guilt means you’ve done something wrong. That’s you: not your group, not your race, but you.
And here I’ll speak as a white man talking to fellow white men. In my conversations with blacks, I’ve learned that a lot of us do things that cause problems in our relationships with them. We’re dismissive or disrespectful.
I suspect that’s true of a lot of white conservatives. They’re not helping solve race problems, not even paying attention, because they don’t want anything to do with a movement that would do that to them.
Some whites are out-and-out racists. Others are simply oblivious. There’s a difference between guilt for intentional wrong versus oblivious wrong. But being oblivious isn’t exactly innocent; not when we’re hurting others, and not when we should know better.
So a lot of us are guilty of doing hurtful things to black men and women. Guilt is different from shame, though: Shame doesn’t have a solution; guilt does.
God’s Answer for Guilt Can Also Repair Broken Relationships
Christ died on the cross to resolve our guilt toward God. If we confess our guilt and repent, He forgives; and we have a reconciled relationship with Him.
God sets the same model for human relationships, when things go wrong. The guilty party is responsible to own up to it, the injured person is called to forgive, and then together they can work toward reconciliation and restoration.
This is the message of the gospel, applied to human relationships. This is how the Church must lead.
How does that work in actual practice? I couldn’t begin to cover that territory the way it deserves to be. Imagine whites listening to blacks, though, hearing their pain, and discovering how we’ve been a part of causing it. Or how we’ve failed to help alleviate it when we should have. Omission can be sin, too.
Then think of whites repenting — making a strong commitment to stop doing wrong and start doing right. It might even include restitution, making something right after the fact, if we’ve done wrong. (I did not say reparations.)
Then think of blacks forgiving. That’s not me suggesting that; I have no right to speak that way into another person’s experience. It’s God’s word, and He does have the right. Jesus makes the standard clear: God forgives us; we must pass that forgiveness on to others, especially to those who are willing to own and repent of their wrongs.
Real Racial Reconciliation
If you can imagine that far, then you can also picture that process setting a foundation for relationship. For reconciliation. Racial reconciliation, even.
This is the message of the gospel, applied to human relationships. This is how the Church must lead.
Not everyone will follow. Some whites will refuse to acknowledge even the slightest need for confession or for change. Some blacks would rather hold on to anger than forgive. If it works for even a few, though, that would be a visible model showing that real heart change is possible. We need that model.
The Church needs to lead this way, because this is the way of our Lord. It’s how we can stay faithful in our witness of His love, His grace, and His reconciling goodness.
Tom Gilson (@TomGilsonAuthor) is a senior editor with The Stream and the author or editor of six books, including the forthcoming Too Good To Be False: How Jesus’ Incomparable Character Reveals His Reality.


The Invisible War

It was the morning of June 2 .
I opened Instagram to find black square after black square flooding my feed .
That ’ s when I learned about “ Blackout Tuesday , ” a collective action protesting racism and police brutality .
The initiative was so popular that before 9 a.m. , I already felt like I was late to the game .
More than that , I felt empathy — but I also felt pressure .
Without question or exception , my predisposition that morning was to show support for my hurting , fellow countrymen .
Yet , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rushed .
Don ’ t get me wrong , I believe what happened to George Floyd should never happen , but I ’ m not sure my response to it had to fit into a black square on Instagram either .
I was still processing our nation ’ s recent events when I was confronted with the social media conundrum .
If I posted , was I preemptively defending myself against misconstruals of what my silence would mean ?
But if that were my motive , was I just appeasing people , hoping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
If I didn ’ t post , would I be judged as calloused , oblivious , or apathetic to the heartbreaking events happening around me ?
That judgment would be slanderous .
Even the thought of it was distressing .
My mind was under attack .
I felt forced to make a choice pitting cheap , superficial appearances against a much more costly heart change , the kind of change no one would see , but which can ’ t be rushed .
I was in a mental guerilla war , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we want to acknowledge it or not , we are all engaged in an invisible war , a war for control of what — and how — we think .
Media-induced “ psy-ops ” include the widespread tactics of broad-brushing , bandwagoning , public shaming , and societal peer pressure .
And just like our other invisible war of 2020 , this one ’ s viral too , and no one ’ s automatically immune to its contagion .
Geri Smith , a friend of mine , is a 25-year veteran of marriage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Recently , she told me , “ Societal peer pressure is an effective mental warfare tactic that can erode confidence and self-esteem through ‘ guilt-tripping , ’ lying , doxxing , cancellation , and call outs .
These tactics can result in negative psychological effects like depression and suicidal thoughts , as well as cause PTSD , apathy , and paranoia .
Currently , I am seeing higher cases of anxiety , depression , and people who are talking about suicide .
Stress is at an all-time high as people wrestle with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our society today.
” Similar to peer pressure , the bandwagon effect is another takeover activity that has gained popularity on social media platforms .
Smith reports that the youth she counsels in her sessions spend a lot of energy worrying about whether their social media profiles show enough anger and protest .
“ If we see our peers consistently posting on a particular topic , we can feel we must get on the bandwagon , ” Smith explains .
“ We fear that not to do so suggests ( a ) that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worse , ( b ) that we don ’ t even care !
We fear we might be alienated from our group.
” Opting out of certain societal bandwagons can have profound social consequences , including public shaming .
Smith points out that public shaming for unpopular opinions can reduce a person ’ s morale and mental well-being .
“ Shame can cause us to capitulate on deeply-held core values and put us into ‘ fight or flight ’ mode because no one enjoys being the subject of constant harassment , so they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stance.
” During times of mental harassment and turmoil , II Timothy 1:7 reminds us that “ God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
” We need to realize that today ’ s mental warfare tactics are aimed at manipulating our thoughts and intimidating us through fear .
Fear of isolation .
Fear of rejection .
Fear of being ostracized or otherwise “ cancelled.
” Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral Issues of Our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrong thing .
I am speaking to fearing man over God .
Proverbs 29:25 says , “ Fear of man will prove to be a snare , but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.
” “ Snare ” also means “ bait or lure.
” This war ’ s endgame is to get you to take the bait .
To jump on that bandwagon .
Broad-brush humanity .
Succumb to peer pressure .
Allow shame to define you .
Capitulate on your core values .
Idolize what other people think of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mental warfare when we fear God more than man , stand firm in our powerful God-given identity , love those who would try to intimidate us , and exercise self-control by rejecting urges to fire back when triggered .
These practices strengthen soundness of mind , while ironically causing confusion and self-doubt to come upon the very ones who aimed and fired those weapons at us in the first place .
Intense mental assaults are here to stay , and they rage on for a winner-takes-all control of our thoughts .
But let @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without our weapons either !
We employ the truth that “ the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds .
We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God , and take every thought to obey Christ ” ( II Corinthians 10 : 4,5 ) .
And when need be , we log out of Instagram .
Who cares what anyone thinks .
Annemarie McLean is a four-girl mom , freelance writer , and co-founder of Brave & Beautiful , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to live purpose-driven lives full of courage and character , while developing Christ-centered inner beauty .
Annemarie holds a journalism degree from Oral Roberts University , with graduate work in organizational leadership at Palm Beach Atlantic University .

It was the morning of June 2. I opened Instagram to find black square after black square flooding my feed. That’s when I learned about “Blackout Tuesday,” a collective action protesting racism and police brutality. The initiative was so popular that before 9 a.m., I already felt like I was late to the game. More than that, I felt empathy — but I also felt pressure. Without question or exception, my predisposition that morning was to show support for my hurting, fellow countrymen. Yet, something about posting a black square felt rushed.
Don’t get me wrong, I believe what happened to George Floyd should never happen, but I’m not sure my response to it had to fit into a black square on Instagram either.
A Mental Guerilla War
I was still processing our nation’s recent events when I was confronted with the social media conundrum. If I posted, was I preemptively defending myself against misconstruals of what my silence would mean? But if that were my motive, was I just appeasing people, hoping they’d think better of me? If I didn’t post, would I be judged as calloused, oblivious, or apathetic to the heartbreaking events happening around me? That judgment would be slanderous. Even the thought of it was distressing.
My mind was under attack. I felt forced to make a choice pitting cheap, superficial appearances against a much more costly heart change, the kind of change no one would see, but which can’t be rushed. I was in a mental guerilla war, and I was unprepared for it.
An Invisible War
Whether we want to acknowledge it or not, we are all engaged in an invisible war, a war for control of what — and how — we think. Media-induced “psy-ops” include the widespread tactics of broad-brushing, bandwagoning, public shaming, and societal peer pressure. And just like our other invisible war of 2020, this one’s viral too, and no one’s automatically immune to its contagion.
Societal Peer Pressure
Geri Smith, a friend of mine, is a 25-year veteran of marriage and family therapy in Henderson, Nevada. Recently, she told me, “Societal peer pressure is an effective mental warfare tactic that can erode confidence and self-esteem through ‘guilt-tripping,’ lying, doxxing, cancellation, and call outs. These tactics can result in negative psychological effects like depression and suicidal thoughts, as well as cause PTSD, apathy, and paranoia. Currently, I am seeing higher cases of anxiety, depression, and people who are talking about suicide. Stress is at an all-time high as people wrestle with the deepening ideological schisms that exist in our society today.”
Need to Boost Your Mental Morale? Here are Geri’s “Self-Care Seven” for developing a healthy thought life: Keep positive
Live through gratitude
Stay in the moment
Exercise
Eat nutrient-dense foods
Open up to someone
Make it about someone else A healthy thought life is linked to increased life span, lower rates of depression, less stress, better psychological and physical well-being, and better coping skills.
The Bandwagon Effect
Similar to peer pressure, the bandwagon effect is another takeover activity that has gained popularity on social media platforms. Smith reports that the youth she counsels in her sessions spend a lot of energy worrying about whether their social media profiles show enough anger and protest. “If we see our peers consistently posting on a particular topic, we can feel we must get on the bandwagon,” Smith explains. “We fear that not to do so suggests (a) that we might not agree, or even worse, (b) that we don’t even care! We fear we might be alienated from our group.”
Public Shaming
Opting out of certain societal bandwagons can have profound social consequences, including public shaming. Smith points out that public shaming for unpopular opinions can reduce a person’s morale and mental well-being. “Shame can cause us to capitulate on deeply-held core values and put us into ‘fight or flight’ mode because no one enjoys being the subject of constant harassment, so they tend to give in or surrender their stance.”
Fearing the Wrong Thing
During times of mental harassment and turmoil, II Timothy 1:7 reminds us that “God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” We need to realize that today’s mental warfare tactics are aimed at manipulating our thoughts and intimidating us through fear. Fear of isolation. Fear of rejection. Fear of being ostracized or otherwise “cancelled.”
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Perhaps we are fearing the wrong thing. I am speaking to fearing man over God. Proverbs 29:25 says, “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.” “Snare” also means “bait or lure.” This war’s endgame is to get you to take the bait. To jump on that bandwagon. Broad-brush humanity. Succumb to peer pressure. Allow shame to define you. Capitulate on your core values. Idolize what other people think of you.
We defeat much of the mental warfare when we fear God more than man, stand firm in our powerful God-given identity, love those who would try to intimidate us, and exercise self-control by rejecting urges to fire back when triggered. These practices strengthen soundness of mind, while ironically causing confusion and self-doubt to come upon the very ones who aimed and fired those weapons at us in the first place.
Our Weapons
Intense mental assaults are here to stay, and they rage on for a winner-takes-all control of our thoughts. But let us never forget that we are not without our weapons either! We employ the truth that “the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought to obey Christ” (II Corinthians 10: 4,5).
And when need be, we log out of Instagram. Who cares what anyone thinks.
Annemarie McLean is a four-girl mom, freelance writer, and co-founder of Brave & Beautiful, a ministry focused on challenging young women to live purpose-driven lives full of courage and character, while developing Christ-centered inner beauty. Annemarie holds a journalism degree from Oral Roberts University, with graduate work in organizational leadership at Palm Beach Atlantic University.