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I’m a news junkie. Anyone who works in news, or who has ever worked in news, has a little bit of that in them.
It’s a constant desire to know what’s going on, know the latest information, and know as much about what is going on as we can.
Then — us being us — we want to tell everyone about it.
Today, sharing news and information is easier than ever with Facebook, Twitter, and other forms of social media and communication.
Getting more of the latest information is also easier than ever with all of the digital and online channels available to be consumed.
This can be an ever-growing problem that needs to be dealt with.
Whether it’s the constant refreshing of pages and apps, the seeking out of new and different pages and apps, or just the constant emotion of not knowing enough or not being satisfied with the available information, it’s easier to get trapped in a rabbit role of seeking more and more information — to try and make sense of it all.
During one recent evening, it wasn’t one news story, but multiple ones that kept me seeking the “latest” information: Hurricane Laura making landfall, what NBA players were discussing as far as continuing to play during the ongoing tension following the shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, and what the next night of protests and potential riots would look like both in Madison and Kenosha.
Is it really healthy to keep wanting to know all of the up-to-the-second developments of an ongoing story?
Probably not. It’s incredibly distracting and enables us to lose our focus on what needs to be known and what’s really important.
Take a break from the news
The year 2020 has been a gold mine, albeit with mixed emotions, for people who love the news and current events.
There is a lot going on, but, by golly, a lot of people are getting hurt or struggling because of it.
What’s going on is more than just headlines, it’s daily life challenges.
It’s important to know what’s going on in the world, especially during a combination time of pandemic and an election year, but perhaps some patience is necessary.
Prior to news via social media — not all that long ago — the top two options for news were nightly newscasts on television and the morning newspaper.
For those who are constantly updating themselves on current events throughout the day, imagine the less stress, worry, anger, etc. you’d have if you limited your news consumption to just a couple of half hours per day and a glance at a few newspaper pages in the morning?
Don’t have a TV? Don’t get the paper? Limit yourself to “news times” then. Only peruse news pages during 6 p.m. Make it your own “six o’clock news”.
Or just look at online news postings in the morning while you’re eating breakfast as if you’re reading the morning paper.
Chances are, you’ll be just as updated on what is going on and with concise and accurate information.
Obviously the occasional “breaking news” situation will arise where special attention will be needed for a serious news item.
But just imagine the time you’ll have by limiting your news consumption.
Reading God’s ‘Good News’
As I was planning this editorial in my head, I was curious about the use of the term “good news” in the Bible.
Obviously it’s an English language thing, but I was wondering if finding the Biblical roots of the phrase could give us any sort of reflection when it comes to news consumption.
An initial online search of this question proved that I’d probably have to bore you with thousands of words of research results to make my point, so I’ll spare you the time and boredom.
I will say, however, that reading the Bible, especially the Gospels, would make a great substitute to the news.
Every chapter can serve as a breaking news story in your own life as you discover something new and how it applies to where God is meeting you.
Lose yourself in the headlines of the miracles and teachings of Christ.
Follow along with the updates of how Christ’s Apostles are growing in their faith, love, and ability to be disciples.
Be captivated by the multi-part series of his Passion, Crucifixion, and Resurrection.
If you think you’re addicted to news, open the Bible when you get the urge to scroll through digital headlines.
And, if you feel so called, share those stories with others.
They might be the best news you and others heard in a very long time.
Oh, one more thing.
Continue to read the Catholic Herald and encourage others you know to read it too!