As I sit here this day reading a news report about the horrendous tornado that struck East Nashville, Tennessee, in the early morning hours a couple of days ago, resulting in significant damage, destruction, and death in a highly-populated area, I am reminded that Facebook, a medium that is often scorned, has a valuable place in the world.
On my own Facebook feed, I read threads about Bahá'ís whose apartment complexes were damaged beyond salvage, those whose domiciles were completely destroyed, and those who have not yet been heard from.
Leave aside the fact that for Bahá'ís, this is a very spiritual time of the year, our Nineteen Day Fast, and that we pray for divine guidance on every day. Things might change - as I write this, 26 have been killed and many people are still unaccounted for - but so far, none of my Facebook friends have family members who have been injured or worse. The only way I could possibly know is through Facebook. Some share their stories - as much as they can, having just survived something that has, no doubt, shaken them to their core - and some help others in small and large ways without expectation of thanks. They all have a very long, arduous path in front of them.
At times like these for them and their friends, near and far, being able to connect with those friends and for those friends to rally whatever support is needed - like a GoFundMe page that has already been established for one, resulting in several thousands of dollars already - the social medium called Facebook is a valuable helper. And I am sure there are thousands of others sharing stories and support on Facebook beside Bahá'ís.
So what do Facebook, East Nashville, and Ankara have in common?
Facebook. A place where high school friends from 50+ years ago can reconnect with their old chums and meet new ones.
Facebook. A place where those suffering a grievous killer tornado can go to ask for help, no matter how timidly or unwantedly...and have those requests answered quickly by others not in similar situations.
So yes, Facebook can be a bad place, a place easily abused for political, financial, or other nefarious desires. It can also be a place to meet, laugh, cry, ask for and give help when needed.
