Rapid Fire News

How to Guard Your Heart

These are interesting times we are living in to say the least! Current news is coming at a rapid pace - even when we are not looking for it. We do not want to be absorbed by it, but it is important to know what is going on in our world and where we live.

I began my career as an aspiring news reporter where I was blessed to work at a reliable news station. I went on to graduate in communications media. I’m blessed by those who mentored me. Their influence left an impression that effects the media portion of this ministry today.

Words are cheap, so the saying goes. However words are also powerful. Words bless or curse. As Christians we need to be careful of what we hear. What is the message or ongoing message coming at your mind. Does it compel you to bless or pray?

The system of what I call “rapid fire” reading of news: ”Scrolling” through headlines. These words can overwhelm or condition us to lean in a certain direction. Further there can be an agenda to embed an image or opinion in one’s mind.

With experience and training I want to offer just a few things to consider as you read, hear or watch the news. Or, even if information comes firing at you unsolicited. I will add, the following are not political statements.

1. You can bypass any statement that does not reveal a true source. All too often I read “a source says” or “an anonymous source says...” In the journalism world, an unnamed source is no source. The story cannot hold its own without a viable source. Thus it is not a story. Not true until a true source can be revealed. Who knows who the supposed source is? Anyone, or no one. In my earlier years, I would have been disciplined or even fired for running a story without a named source. Even if the statement lines up with my opinion, it does not make it true. A newer way to say we have no source is “as far as we know.” Certain statements are designed for clicks. Clicks make money. My advice is to move on quickly. The story is not worth your time or energy. I see this malpractice on all sides of the political circle.

2. A true story has facts without opinion. Avoid stories that read “this person seemed to say ....” or “seemed to imply....” Read or listen to a topic for facts: who, what, where, when, why and how.

edit: I have added an important point thanks to a reader who reminded me.

2a. Also in the journalism world, a story cannot be aired or printed until there are at least 2 sides expressed: for and against. If the story only posts one view, move on. in this case, the reader or listener is lead to believe one view. That would convey a bias rather than non-biased, balanced reporting.

3. Watch for stories that take down someone’s character and thus slander. The Bible has plenty to say about slander. Again, move on

4. Please do not share a post or story that is not true or does not have a source. However tempting it may be, you do not want the regret of finding out it was not true.

5. If a topic interests you, do your own homework. I have spent many moments watching videos all to find that so and so did not make such a blanket statement. S/he may have implied in sarcasm but the headlines reading like solid rock truth are just not there.

6. Lastly, be open to different news outlets. Legacy outlets are sadly losing their consistency in solid research and balanced reporting. Seek the truth, you deserve to know what really is going on in your world!

A few words about AI - Artificial Intelligence. In my experience: AI may have saved me some time online, however I have found its information is not precise. Again, I have not found AI to name its sources and the information is general, and not always correct.

I will close with a statement from my grandmother, often blunt and focused on practical living. “Don’t believe everything you hear!”

None of this is meant to be exhaustive, but I felt compelled to share these things with you. Feel free to add your thoughts and observations.

Many blessings to you!