25 May THIS INTERNET!
Its importance cannot be overemphasized. It has eased majority in performance of tasks in our world, information is shared in minutes, communication is much enhanced and connection with the world is fast tracked. The internet has no doubt brought plenty of solutions, and allow me to say “joy” to our world.
I was on the net some 10-12 weeks ago, when a call came in on SKYPE. This particular caller had been calling severally days before and I didn’t want to pick up because I wasn’t sure if I knew the person. But this day, I had a second thought, what if it is someone I knew or someone who knows me and is trying to connect with me? And because of my job I thought: what if this person needs your help? So I picked, big mistake!However, recently I have had encounters of the flip side of this “coin”. I had to work hard to deal with some would have been “hazards to mind” incidents which I have had with this very important aid to our world. I thought I should share these encounters (one is from a sister) with you and how I have been able to deal with them.
I answered and said hello, I enabled video without thinking and what I saw was very irritable. He was nude and had his camera down on him, thank God I ducked so he didn’t get to see my face. I quickly turned it off and got very angry at myself for neglecting the reluctance I had about picking this call. I complained to my husband and a brother who was with us at the time. I was not happy for sometime. How could someone do that to me? I had heard of such sick things and sick people but didn’t think I would have to see any …
Another time, I needed help for my site, something had stopped working and I was searching on a help topic. I saw possible solutions, and I scrolled down to see if I could find one that was a more direct solution for me, and then bam!!! I saw another profane image and wondered what it had to do with the topic under discussion. Of course I left the problem unsolved for that day.
I followed back a lady on my twitter account and one day she sent me some pictures, without any worries or thoughts of negativity; I clicked open and saw several of her nude photos. I was shocked, amazed and petrified that such a beautiful, decent looking girl could do such a sick thing. My first thought was to block her, but on a second thought I decided to send her a direct message and shared the love of The Father with her, and I prayed for her too. I’ve never heard from her since then. I just pray somehow those words will bear fruit in her life.
A sister shared with me of how she exchanged BBM pins with a client and next thing, he sent her a nude photo, with some obscenities I cannot even repeat here.
What is up with all these people? You block one and another one shows up. Sites or images you do not solicit for just appear even when they do not relate with what you are searching for. I know there are ways to block some of these sites and all, but some experts have told me that it is not yet possible to completely avoid coming across them on the internet. Can we please get a onetime remedy, something to just block any nude a profane image on any site at all? All IT personnel please come to our rescue, for the love of our life and our children’s!
All these happened in almost quick successions; my mind was under serious attack because of these things I have seen, the memories just kept coming back. You will agree with me that what we see and hear impacts our minds, the eyes and the ears are like gates into the mind of any person. I remember when I complained to my husband, he told me that one way to deal with those memories is to replace them with good memories and thoughts.
So while we hope for a permanent solution to block these harmful contents, let us look for ways to handle them so they do not affect us in our minds and lives.
-Replacing the profane memories with healthy ones will help a great deal, it may not happen immediately but somehow as you counteract those memory flashes with good thoughts, the former gives way in your mind for the latter.
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
-Reading, studying and meditating on God’s word will definitely
clean your mind. The word of God is the most powerful and cleansing agent, for those who would dare apply it.
Ephesians-5:26
…that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word.
John 17:17
Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
Your mind is a battle ground, protect it, defend it, and attack anything that comes against it!
Copyright© Ugochi Oritsejolomisan 2012
Rocks
Posted at 02:11h, 19 NovemberDuring the early days that I started becoming active in the internet..I have had some of those too and just like you I was shocked and petrified, that’s how I became more careful and aware of the danger this internet can bring us.
Ugochi Oritsejolomisan
Posted at 12:52h, 17 MarchHi Rocks! I can’t believe I didn’t respond to this after these many years! I was just going through my blog, working on some updating when I saw this. I trust you are doing great in Christ. Happy New Years and a great 2017!
Like you, I have learnt to become aware of the dangers of the internet and now more careful how I use it!
God bless you!
Tina @ Girl Meets Globe
Posted at 05:58h, 27 MayI’m so sorry to hear those incidences happened to you. We never realize how vulnerable we all. And oh how I know how images can be stuck in your mind!!! And how I how I love those verses to equip us in times like these!
Ugochi
Posted at 10:51h, 27 MayThanks Tina, I am grateful we have The Word to help us deal with these things.
God bless!
Frugal in WV
Posted at 23:25h, 26 MayThe internet is great in many ways, but there are also a lot of people that use the internet for the wrong reasons. Sorry that you had to experience that!
Ugochi
Posted at 10:49h, 27 MayThanks a lot, God bless you!
Ladies Holiday
Posted at 17:50h, 26 MayUgh. So sorry you had to deal with that!! Best to you from
Local sugar blog hop!!
Ugochi
Posted at 10:48h, 27 MayThanks a lot, God bless!
Life,Twins,DramaQueen
Posted at 14:39h, 26 MayThanks for stopping by and following me. I just wanted to let you know that I am now following you back.
I look forward to reading more from your Blog. I hope you’ll stop by to visit my blog from time to time.
Ugochi
Posted at 10:47h, 27 MayThanks for stopping by and following too, I’ll make a note to visit your blog often.
God bless!
The Pepperrific Life
Posted at 07:13h, 26 MayThere really are a lot of sick lunatics out there who misuse the internet. I shudder at the thought of my daughter coming across any of them as she goes online. It will be traumatic for us both, I can imagine.
Ugochi
Posted at 10:05h, 26 MayIndeed, I am so concerned for our children and their generation. But I am hoping there will be a way out. Thanks for stopping by and have a victorious weekend.
Kendra @ A Proverbs 31 Wife
Posted at 02:08h, 26 MayWhat did you say in the message you sent the girl who sent you nude pics? I had a buddy request in Yahoo and thought it was someone I knew… well I started chatting with her and then she asked if “I wanted to have some fun” well I told her “I don’t roll that way” and she didn’t respond, but later msged me again. I wanted to witness to her but I don’t wish to sound “preachy” and “judgmental”. It’s sad how things are. You can’t even watch “family” channels on TV any more b/c of the ads.
Ugochi
Posted at 04:41h, 26 MayIf I remember correctly, I told her that she is very beautiful and The One who created her loves her and gave Himself up for her… I know how it is Kendra, just tell her of God’s love the best but simple way you can and pray for her, then leave the rest to God. There are so many healthy looking people who are not healthy, God help us and our children. The media has gone crazy!
Thanks for stopping by,
Loads of love!
Tracy
Posted at 23:45h, 25 MayHi Ugochi,
WOW! What awful ways to use the internet and I’m sorry you were exposed to those who obviously have little respect for themselves or others. You follow with great and healthy advice that I’m sure will plant seeds for anyone who may not know that God created us to glorify Him and using the internet in the ways you describe does not honor God and His creations. You are so right that the internet can be used for good, but too many use it in the wrong way too. Thank you for stopping by my recent birthday post and commenting. I’m now following you as well via GFC. Thanks also for stopping by NOBH! 🙂 God bless!
Ugochi
Posted at 04:37h, 26 MayThanks Tracy,it was a fight in my mind but thank God for His Word.Thanks for stopping by with your encouraging words.And for following too.Have a victorious weekend &
God’s grace to You!
Emily Cook
Posted at 22:10h, 25 MayOh wow I am sorry these things happened to you! You give great advice though…Good create in me a clean heart and a clean mind!!
Ugochi
Posted at 04:34h, 26 MayAmen Emily,
In this “media” world we should make it a daily prayer. Thanks for visiting!
Have a victorious weekend.
God’s grace!
Diane
Posted at 18:14h, 25 MayUgochi,
What an insightful, intelligent and disturbing post! I’ve not had these experiences and I shudder to imagine what people could be thinking in posting/sharing them! Unfortunately, the only sure, one-step way to avoid exposure is to completely eliminate the internet and other electronic devices totally from our lives. But I think your way is better. God’s word. In one of my favourite scripture stories, the soldiers of the invading army have been imprisoned. Are they tortured? Are they mistreated? No. They are taught the gospel of Jesus Christ in all its glory. Their actions changed through their conversion. It is one of my favourite stories. I loved that you shared scripture with that woman. Maybe it changed a life . . .
It is so nice to ‘meet’ you. Thank you for stopping by. Blessings to you as well!
Ugochi
Posted at 18:25h, 25 MayIt is unfortunate Dianne, I never had these experiences until maybe 10-12 weeks ago.
But I thank God for His overcoming word.
Thanks for visiting Dianne and for sharing the encouraging Bible story.
Have a victory filled weekend!