The Algorithm We Don't Pay Attention To
Sometimes, I would wake up singing a song I haven’t heard of in a long time and when I check the lyrics, it will be words that I need for that season or a reassurance.
Hello friend,
How have you been? I know this phrase has become one that doesn't carry much weight anymore because the majority have an automated response to it. Sometimes, our response is based on who is asking.
Some people have this response preference because they already weigh whoever is asking and conclude that they cannot help them with their needs. I might not be able to help you with what you need but I will leave you with this question; when you ask for help, do you know when help is here? How active are you in your spirit man to know and see that your help has arrived?
For the non-tech or social media savvy folks, I am sure that you have wondered several times how social media could know your thoughts and show you contents that you have thought about, these contents could be clothing items, gadgets, or a piece of information you searched the internet about or had a discussion with a friend(s) about. Our smartphone has data collection features (voice and search) that use our digital footprint to show us content related and specified to our needs - what we searched for, the audio conversation that it picks (for those who have allowed some apps to use the microphone on their phones).
We can then recall scenarios where we see what we searched for as ads on Instagram, Facebook, and some of the blogs we visit. This is being controlled by an “Algorithm’ and it is not perfect because it feeds on data that you provide consciously or unconsciously.
Let me share a short story with you;
I was in church three Sundays ago and something happened, it wasn't the first time it would happen but at that point, my countenance changed and I was smiling because it was one of those times I was trying to get a hang of things.
It was the children's day celebration service and I was clapping and laughing just like every other person in the auditorium. Suddenly, the children between the ages of 2-4 (I am not sure of the age bracket) whom I have been cheering on started to talk about the words that I have been hearing from the beginning of the year. At that point, I knew those words were reminders for me.
Sometimes, I would wake up singing a song I haven’t heard of in a long time and when I check the lyrics, it will be words that I need for that season or a reassurance. Some days ago, I was seeing a movie and this phrase caught my attention - eyes that can see but are blind, that was the second time in one day I would come across that phrase but the frequency meant something. I have been hearing the phrase for a long time and I keep praying for open eyes and open ears.
We have a father who doesn’t rely on data to help us, his algorithm isn’t based on the present. We just need to be able to pay attention to our environment and notice the phrases that pop up in music lyrics, during conversations, in movies, and during sermons. You will not always hear - Thus saith the Lord. I spoke about how I got Bible passages from the wall clock in my room, for the first time it look so absurd until a friend confirmed it and I had goosebumps right there.
Why not tilt a bit from asking for help and ask that you are spiritually aware when help comes knocking and when the confirmation of your request comes knocking too.
Till I come your way again, do take care of yourself.
PS: My newsletter will be renamed from elphemo’s corner to My Growth Series.