I've had a 'punch' in the solar plexis the last day or so.
Someone who has the same first and surname as I do lives recently died of apparent suicide in the UK. Turns out she is somehow part of a big 'nasty' news item across the pond in the UK. And now my own blog and my Facebook have been affected. I've had hundreds of page views linked to my site... a very nasty comment that left a very bad taste in my mouth.
That poor unfortunate woman, whatever she'd been up to, has created a furor in the media and public eye, and now suddenly I can't get into my own Facebook page because it's in a 'special state of memorialization'... as if I'm the one who's kicked the bucket. We don't live in the same country, but I assume it's because we share the same name. (FB is reviewing my case, so hopefully that will be sorted out soon.)
Needless to say, I feel a little green about it all. I'm minding my own business, trying to add beauty to the world and suddenly I'm linked to someone who seems to have a less benign presence.
That's the downside of all of us living in a global village. And so many of us having our presence on the Internet for the world to see. As with most things, there is a wonderful benefit to being online, but sometimes nasty things happen. I do ask God regularly to protect all that concerns us as we post online, so I'm trusting that this too shall pass and there will be nothing more remaining than a bad memory.
A little lesson out of this:
If you G*oogle your name, you might be surprised how many people share your name. Which means there is the possibility for mix-ups, as in this case. Which is why I've started adding a middle initial to my name. And I'm considering other ways to make my name unique to me.
We don't walk in fear, but it's a good idea to remind ourselves that whatever we post and wherever we hang out online (FB, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, etc.) gets us further into the world wide web.
If you are a praying person, do pray and ask God to protect your stuff, not just for copyright sake, but so everything that concerns you stays safe from all evil intentions. What does it say in Psalm 91?
We shall not be afraid of the terror of the night, nor of the arrow -- evil plots and slanders of the wicked -- that fly by day. ... For He shall give His angels especial charge over you to accompany and defend and preserve you in all your ways...
On a finer note now... the day here in Alberta, Canada is beautiful. Crisp air with wispy clouds in pale blue skies, and the Mountain Ash right outside my window in full tilt autumn colour today.
It's still a beautiful world... a beautiful life. And for a moment, I mourn for that woman whoever she was. That she did not find her life beautiful. God, have mercy!
Wishing you*´¨) > ¸.·´¸.·*´¨) ¸.·*¨) > (¸.·´ (¸.·´ * a beautiful day! *
Hugs,
Brenda
xox
Top Photo: morguefile.com
Botton Photo: Brenda C Leyland, 2014
Brenda
xox
Top Photo: morguefile.com
Botton Photo: Brenda C Leyland, 2014
oh wow! my heart goes out to the family of the other Brenda! Praying that through this kerfuffle God will be magnified!! I often pray when I post 'God, to You honor and glory may these words touch those who need it most'.
ReplyDeleteYes, Janet.... amen!
DeleteWow. Sending hugs your way....
ReplyDeleteGood reminders, Brenda! And meanwhile, we count our blessings and the goodness of God that has made our lives - while certainly not perfect - Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteSadly the 'other' Brenda was found guilty of writing horrible messages on Twitter to the McCann family, whose daughter was abducted some years earlier. I have no use for social media as I think it leaves people open to this sort of nastiness. I'm sorry your name has come under fire through this.
ReplyDeleteI read about that woman and wondered about it...
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for that other Brenda and her unhappiness, and also that it drifted over to you. This is a good reminder to be wise and circumspect in the way we conduct our lives. May God protect his children.
ReplyDeleteWhat a strange circumstance. It has resulted in people praying for That Brenda, though. Perhaps that's God's plan in allowing your account to be messed with.
ReplyDeleteI like your idea of adding an initial. There are quite a few Bobbi(y) Junior's - many of them black men in the US.
Sorry you had to go through this Brenda. I once had some medical test results mixed up with another patient with my name, nothing serious, but still . . . Glad you are enjoying such nice weather.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry that you are going through this unexpected mix up. You do add so much beauty and inspiration to blog land, and for that we are all so grateful. Hopefully, they will fix the mess for you, but for now, thank you for blogging and also for giving us this important reminder.
ReplyDeleteAs all those above have said, this is a good reminder to all of us who blog and use other sites such as facebook and twitter. I wish some younger people who just throw everything out there would take heed. And I like the idea of using your middle initial for a little more identification. - It is sad that the other Brenda abused social media. - Hope this blows over soon for you. - Enjoy your fall weather!
ReplyDeleteHow sad for that unfortunate woman and also for you for being brought into all the drama. I once Googled my name and was scared at how much of my life was out there. I also found out how many of 'me' goes to a book store chain I frequented a few years ago (since closed due to the internet, sadly). It's a crazy world....sometimes I don't know who I am...... Hope you get some peace and quiet soon. xo Karen
ReplyDeleteDear Brenda - this post makes me aware of how mixed up things can be. Your blog is always so uplifting and to get you confused with this unfortunate woman makes me feel for you friend. My prayers will be said that this mess just goes away and everything will be made right in the end. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteOH MY!
ReplyDeleteWhat a icky thing to happen. I bet it took you by surprise at first.
Thanks for the heads up and yes, I will be more careful.