Musings From A Recovering Chat Forum Junkie

I have just recently decided not to return to a website that I frequented for more then 10 years. In the time I was there, I tried, without success, to impart my faith and the wonders of the things that Jesus has done for me to the other subscribers, but was met with scorn and arguments. I'm somewhat saddened, because if the stories I decided to regale the subscribers with were of illicit amorous rendezvous, or drunken antics that cost money and created trouble for the community I live in, they would have welcomed me. Instead being the subject of a mob mentality that fosters the idea that any and all insults were fine to throw at me is acceptable, then it made no sense to continue. I read a comment on Facebook that said, "Don't change so that people will like you. Be yourself and the right people will love the real you."

For the better part of 10 years I have stayed true to who I am, and even though the members of that site kept telling me to "be myself", it wasn't received well. So the conflicting messages kept coming. I finally came to the conclusion, they didn't like me, but they didn't want to appear intolerant. Although that is exactly what and who they are. It became evident when this year, a member suffered a job loss, and in an attempt to ease some financial suffering, I suggested that we make an anonymous gift to him so that the Christmas season would be a little easier. The rancor and venom that came from others in the community was appalling. Scripture has plenty of lessons and warnings about this, but I chose to do it my way. Scripture says:
1 Corinthians 15:33

Do not be deceived: "Bad company corrupts good morals."

Proverbs 14:7

Leave the presence of a fool, Or you will not discern words of knowledge

Psalms 1:1-4

How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers

So Now I have chosen to listen to God, who has always had my best interest in mind. And I am not going back to the den of scoffers. I will pray that they do hear some wisdom, and leave their cynicism behind. But I can't allow myself to be drawn down any longer.