Freedom From FOMO

It may be ‘cause we’re age 78, but we were surprised to learn there’s such a thing as FOMO. Yup. And in the event you’re an old fart also, FOMO means ‘fear of missing out’. OK, go ahead and laugh, but yes, fear of missing out or FOMO is ‘a thing!’.

Why would someone have a concern or be fearful about missing out? Well. Ludicrous as it sounds, like so many in this first life, it’s probably a good idea to avoid rushing to judgment about it. Why? ‘Cause rushing is always a quick key for catastrophe.

What comes to mind though is Solomon’s opine in Ecclesiastes 1:9 “What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun”, and sounds like a good reminder as far as humankind is concerned, nothing of real significance is new…

But a point to consider may be King Solomon’s opinion is regarding the good, the bad and ugly of people. That said, and in an effort at caution to just dismiss FOMO, maybe we should consider the why.

Why would people be so concerned about missing out? … Then comes a sudden “aha” as follows…

Lately all over America, arguably more than ever before, seniors are watching the news to avoid missing out. Missing news about social security. Donkey tears ago, they paid their forty quarters into the system while on the job and are now relying on their monthly check arriving in their mailbox or their bank account.

Sure, in the past, it was always annoying to hear social security apparently being used as a major ‘talking point.’ But who wouldn’t expect things to simply continue as they had for umpteen years in the past? After all, aren’t every one of those “talking heads” soon to retire and look out for their monthly SS check too?

Which is why retirees all over these United States expected something would be done about the deficit. The deficit and social security. After all, both political parties were always talking about the deficit and the future of social security. So, sooner or later. Everyone figured something would be done to fix the problem.

After all, this is America, one Nation under God where big problems always get fixed…

Makes us think about today’s Chapter in Proverbs. Today is April 9, 2025. In Proverbs 9:1, we read: "Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn out its seven pillars." Since the verse doesn’t specify the seven pillars, we did an online search. It suggested:

1.Knowledge: Understanding information and facts. 2. Understanding: The ability to discern and grasp deeper meanings. 3. Counsel: The skill to give and receive wise advice. 4. Might: Strength or power, often in the context of moral and ethical courage. 5. Fear of the Lord: A foundational reverence and respect for God. 6.Righteousness: Living in a morally upright manner. 7. Justice: Upholding fairness and equity.

We love consensus but being a philosophical theologian, we’ll tweak the above list as follows: 1: Knowledge; 2: Understanding; 3: Wisdom; 4: Humility;5: Fear of God;

6: Righteousness; 7: Justice.

And while agreeing FOMO seems OK, Solomon’s ‘nothing new under the sun’ reminds us of Proverbs 3:5,6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge him, and He will direct your paths.” Rather than fear, 1 Timothy 2:1, 2 recommends:

Therefore, I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. I’d say it’s our best ever solution for FOMO… How about you?

Dr B, aka Carlton April 9, 2025laceholder