The Fault in Our Hype

So, I'm sure everyone has heard of this new movie, which was first a book. 

Yea, I'm sure. 

I had never heard of it until it was the only thing I heard of. Social media was blowing up in ways unthinkable over the release of the movie with actual people I actually know making comments in reference to the book and film such as this: 

"prepare to cry for 16 hours. Ugly tears."

"I started crying on the first page and didn't stop until the last"

I'm not sure why I was willing to spend a 10 hour road trip in tears, but I was. I bit the bullet and bought the fancy contraption that transmits my iPhone through the FM radio (no blue tooth option in Ol' Moneypit) I downloaded the audio book, then I hit the road. 

After chaper 3 I texted a friend who swears she hates reading but finished this book in 24 hours. 

So I gave it more time. 

And then some more. I made it about 3 hours from my final destination and realized I had just the right amount of time on my drive to finish the book. 

Instead, I shut it off and turned to my good old faithful country music to carry me home. 

I couldn't decide why, but I didn't have the desire to finish the book. At least not then. I was so worked up about getting to read it, I believe I set my expectations too high. 

Now I know many people could truly start to hate me for this next comment, but - I became bored with the book. 

Yes, bored. 

I went back to my earlier conversation with my friend about the "hype" and started reflecting on other areas of my life. I soon realized I had allowed myself to get caught up in the hype on other occasions as well.

School. Graduation will be worth it. 6 years later - Better be.

Work. Pouring time into a company will build your future! Lies. Give me a one way ticket to India, please! 

Dating. Allow yourself to test the waters, better safe than sorry. Just no. 

Family. Blood is thicker than water. Unless it's Holy Water. Boom. 

Credit Cards. Buy now, pay later! Yes, hundreds of wasted dollars and 15 years after you needed that *to die for* dress because it fit you "just right" it will be paid for.

All of this to say, don't get caught up in the hype of just anything. Take the time to look at what it is you're about to commit to and truly dig down to the root of what it is. Then, and only then, if this is something you find yourself completely incapable of living without - be it a new gadget or a complete way of thinking - should you go on creating chatter among your peers and Instagram followers. 

Be bold enough to only stand for something you are willing to stand alone to support. 

Just a few things I can honestly create hype about and not feel guilty? 

- My 14 year old brother finally wrote me into the book he's writing. Yes, 14. Yes, writing a book. A series in fact.

- Local eateries. Seriously. Food. No guilt when it taste that good.

- Saving Animals. Paws for life.

- Sleeping on the porch in hammocks. Even if it's probably going to come with a tiny lecture in the AM. Sorry mom, couldn't say no.

And of course, my Jesus. No hype is needed really, people just have to experience His love and they will never want to be without.

Kinda silly all of this was brought on by an unfinished book. 

Please don't go runing the end for me-I plan on finishing it on the torturous ride home. I'm sure I'll be ready for the tears by then. 

Now go, be bold enough to stand for something worth the hype.