Last week some not-so-nice person hacked into my email. Suddenly all of my friends and associates started receiving messages that I didn't send.
Bruce and I immediately changed our password.
Then I left a facebook message informing my friends about our problem and not to open any messages from me that looked suspicious.
Next, I had to change to a new email address...and let all of my friends and writing associates know about the change.
Then, I had to switch all of my saved and old mail.
Then, I tried to switch my blog over to the new email address, but it did have any options where I could shut down the old one and simply change to a new address.
Then...
I know this is boring. It's boring to me, too.
And extremely frustrating.
And all because a selfish, probably mentally ill person decided that it would be fun to create a little trouble for someone he or she doesn't even know.
There is a ripple effect to sinful actions.
It rarely stops with just one malicious or mischievous action.
No, it spreads and touches not just the one who is initially harmed, but other innocent people, as well.
A thoughtless word
A vengeful action
A hate-filled acting out
My story is such a small example.
But it illustrates how one sinful act can trigger an entire series of equal and opposite actions to defend and protect the victim from further harm.
I had plans for a productive week.
But now my happy agenda has been put on hold so that I can spend hours putting to right the wrong that has been perpetrated by a stranger on the internet.
Sin has a ripple effect.
But I must remind myself that righteous acts also have a ripple effect.
A kind word
A forgiving attitude
A love-inspired act...
...can spread from the one who is initially blessed, and touch many other people.
Perhaps for eternity.
"The wicked man earns deceptive wages, but he who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward." (Proverbs 11:18 NIV Bible)
Bruce and I immediately changed our password.
Then I left a facebook message informing my friends about our problem and not to open any messages from me that looked suspicious.
Next, I had to change to a new email address...and let all of my friends and writing associates know about the change.
Then, I had to switch all of my saved and old mail.
Then, I tried to switch my blog over to the new email address, but it did have any options where I could shut down the old one and simply change to a new address.
Then...
I know this is boring. It's boring to me, too.
And extremely frustrating.
And all because a selfish, probably mentally ill person decided that it would be fun to create a little trouble for someone he or she doesn't even know.
There is a ripple effect to sinful actions.
It rarely stops with just one malicious or mischievous action.
No, it spreads and touches not just the one who is initially harmed, but other innocent people, as well.
A thoughtless word
A vengeful action
A hate-filled acting out
My story is such a small example.
But it illustrates how one sinful act can trigger an entire series of equal and opposite actions to defend and protect the victim from further harm.
I had plans for a productive week.
But now my happy agenda has been put on hold so that I can spend hours putting to right the wrong that has been perpetrated by a stranger on the internet.
Sin has a ripple effect.
But I must remind myself that righteous acts also have a ripple effect.
A kind word
A forgiving attitude
A love-inspired act...
...can spread from the one who is initially blessed, and touch many other people.
Perhaps for eternity.
"The wicked man earns deceptive wages, but he who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward." (Proverbs 11:18 NIV Bible)
Hi Dena -
ReplyDeleteI'll need your new email address, my friend. It's too bad people with obvious talent don't channel it into more healthy pursuits.
Blessings,
Susan
Hi Susan, the email I use for my blog remains the same for now. But my new personal and professional email is dena.netherton@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteHave a great day!
Dena, you reviewed my experiences of last week. Yes at times the turmoil was frustrating, but oh didn't we learn some lessons?! (i.e., I won't open DM's and links from people I don't know.) Joyful hugs!
ReplyDelete