Internet Trolls

Posted on by beautybeyondbones

So I got called a “fatty” by someone on Instagram today.

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And now, before I go any further, this is not some lame attempt to fish for complements or whatever. It was a bogus remark by a troll on the internet. I deleted it. But not before I went to the guy’s page, andddd it was all shirtless bathroom mirror selfies with his face scribbled out. So there’s that…

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I wasn’t really hurt. I was just sorta miffed. Frankly, I was disappointed in humanity that people would seriously be so cruel. Calling a former “anorexic” fat? Who does that?

And I was going to just Shake it Off, a la, Taylor Swift, but I actually thought it was a great opportunity for reflection. That, and when the comment came in, I was writing another piece on what recovery has taught me, so I decided to practice what I was literally preaching. I needed to #AllowMyselfToFeel

Because back in the early stages of my recovery, a comment like this would have derailed me. Sent me into a tail spin. Gone all Britney Spears, circa 2007.

But not this time.

Sure, maybe I was a little stung by it. I mean, come on…no person wants to hear that they’re a “fatty,” but I rationally knew that, no…that’s not true. I’m not remotely close to being overweight.

But I felt my mind going to a place I didn’t want it to go. A place where I was concerned with how I look and my body image and being harshly critical of myself. A place that, though I am strong in my recovery, is still my one area of vulnerability to ED and his dirty tricks.

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I needed to reground myself. So I turned to the Word.

And opened up to today’s readings. And wouldn’t you know…it was exactly what I needed to hear.

Ephesians 6: 10-20. AKA, putting on the armor of God.

“In all circumstances, hold faith as a shield, to quench all the flaming arrows of the Evil One.” (aka ED)

When I read that this was today’s reading, I literally laughed out loud at just how amazing God is and how He gives us just what we need, when exactly we need it.

I mean, come on, God. You’ve outdone yourself here 🙂

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But it’s true. Everyday, whether it is in the form of a cruel comment from a cowardly troll on the internet, or a flat tire at an inopportune time, or a detour in our life plan we hadn’t anticipated…there are flaming arrows literally hurling towards us. All the time.

These things make us take our eyes off of the Truth, or worse…doubt in God’s goodness or perhaps even existence. It is a battle out there.

One that I am grateful I don’t have to face alone.

I was reminded tonight of the importance of “suiting up.”

I don’t have to tell you the climate of our culture and our political system right now. After this election, we’re all going to have to truly put on the Armor of God and stand firm in our faith and trust that God’s goodness will prevail, even if it is not reflected in the fabric of the society around us.

This comment tonight, it was a little gnat. A pesky fly that, perhaps was the canary in the the mineshaft of things to come. A little preparatory nudge from God that I can’t be lackadaisical in my faith. In my readiness. In trusting in the Truth.

This isn’t some Braveheart battle cry, I promise. War paint and kilts don’t do nothin for this figure 😉

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God can use everything for good. Even hurtful Instagram comments. He can use anything as an opportunity for growth. For teaching. For communicating His love. We just have to seek His word. Show Him where it hurts so that He can heal and help us grow.

Because I promise, He’ll answer loud and clear. We’ve just gotta seek to listen.

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369 thoughts on “Internet Trolls”

  6. Turning to the word is always the best answer. We often forget to trust in God first and let the world fall away from us. We often times believe what we hear from the world and yes lately it has been so toxic it was bringing me down and putting me into such a foul, dark mood. I remembered that God in the end is in charge and we should turn to him and away from that garbage. It has lifted me out of that darkness and back into his light. Thanks for sharing.

    Liked by 3 people

  7. Unfortunately, the world is full of idiots, and because they are too insecure to go out and show their real faces, they lurk online. You did the absolutely right thing, acknowledge your feelings and then “sat up”! Good job, gorgeous!

    Liked by 1 person

  8. I always wonder what went so wrong i a person’s life that they would wake up and say “Hey! Let me see if I can push someone over the edge of a cliff today!” I would say “Who raises a person like that?” but, sadly, society has a big say in it these days. It’s become “Lord of the Flies” like out there! Put down the game controller and read a book.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Hi friend, thank you so much for this. You’re right…people can just be meanies. But you’re right-gotta just brush it off because the truth is that their mean remark is no reflection on me. Thanks for the encouragement. Hugs and love xox

      Liked by 1 person

  9. Obviously, you are a BEAUTIFUL Woman, inside and out. This man sounds like he has some heart wounds. Always remember this, “Hurting people, hurt others.”
    It’s sad, but true. When people hurt others, it’s because they have been hurt by someone, sometime. And sad to say, usually, to try to make themselves feel better, they try to tear others down.
    Forgive him. Pray for him. Because even though he was mean, he is still a creation of Father God and cherished by Him. If only this man knew this,…

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you so much. Wow what a kind thing to say and my goodness this is such a powerful perspective. So true. I need to pray for him. Because obviously it makes him feel good to hurt others. He needs a friend. And compassion. Thanks for this beautiful wisdom. Hugs and love xox

      Liked by 2 people

  10. You are wise to rely on such a powerful source of strength. I have been going through something that I’m not ready to talk about and let me tell you in my anxiety and stress, I almost forgot. Then yesterday morning I got this poem that read more like a prayer and the damn broke, I cried and let it all out. Later my sister sent a prayer that was like having her comforting me and I cried some more and all the while I prayed along with them. Help came in many forms, and I know who sent them. I have others helping me carry this load now and what a blessing. The battle is not over, but God is in control.
    So you did well gong back to your true source of strength as I had to.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Jolie:) I really appreciate this. You’re right-Jesus is the ultimate source of strength and truth. I’m so glad you were able to have that release. I will definitely keep you in my prayers and heart. It sounds like you have a pretty awesome sister. Hugs and love xox

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I do. She’s amazing.When we lived together, we would take walks in the park and we would read a scripture or up building story and then say a prayer together. I miss that. We now on complete opposite ends of the country.

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  13. People are idiots and our society has become so vain! You’re beautiful.😉😘I just wrote a post on why I quit Instagram…it’s also because of things like you mentioned. Social media is just so exhausting sometimes. Anyways, great post! XO 🤗💕

    Liked by 1 person

  14. I surely hope you are basking in the glory of YOUR strength tonight. What a phenomenal post, and you obviously have learned something about mindfulness, no? You also wore the Belt of Truth! If you wanted to REALLY suit up, you could actually forgive this person…wear the Breastplate of Righteousness and stand up for this weaker person (NOT a judgment, just sayin’ 🙂 Stand tall, you have defeated a mighty dragon in your life Warrior Woman! I can now die happy…

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    1. Hey Rob, what a kind comment. Thank you. Yes! The belt of truth! I would have loved to get more into the meat of that passage but I decided to just stick with the shield! Thanks for the encouragement. Grateful for you:) Hugs and love xox

      Liked by 1 person

  17. It’s amazing that I read this tonight, as I literally was just thinking (after my Bible Study time) that God speaks to me this way. Some people hear him speak to them, I hear him by things I hear and read. Like, I will open a devotional for the morning and it’ll be exactly what I needed to hear that very moment. And THEN I will hear the same message in some obscure way all day long. And I say, “I hear You”. I don’t know if that makes ANY sense at all but that’s the best I can do to explain. So then, I read your post and, once again today’s message from above to me again is reinforced. Same message I’ve heard all day. Amazing. God is amazing. And, you are amazing too. Cruel people are desperate for light and his comment probably got him more attention than he deserved. (You looked him up right? I so would have too…) but that’s just it, they’re empty. Anyone who is just mean for the sake of being mean is just empty. So shake it off yeah. Then say a little prayer for him. 🤗

    Sending you hugs and all the compliments in the world!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi Amanda! Oh wow, that’s so awesome! It’s true, when we’re looking for it, God will tell us what we need to hear! It makes TONS of sense! I’m so glad that you can hear the loving voice of the Father. Yes, He is amazing 🙂 Yep, gotta pray for those that are hurting. thanks for this beautiful encouragement! hugs xox

      Liked by 1 person

  19. Your unwavering faith in God continues to amaze and inspire me. Stay strong love! Internet trolls gonna troll. Badasses, like you, gonna…badass? 😂

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      1. You’re welcome! I’m glad you appreciated my joke, I’m never sure if I’m actually funny or if I’m the only person who thinks I’m funny. 😛 Happy Thursday evening! XD

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  21. “I needed to reground myself. So I turned to the Word.” This could have been your entire post. I have been reminded several times in this week that the Word IS the weapon we all need in this world’s adversity! Just love, love your posts!

    Liked by 1 person

  22. Wonderful in every way! It is awful when people say things that we know are not true. If we allow it to, the devastation can be overwhelming. But you’re right faith in God can so get us through. And in those really bad times when we do not feel loved by God, I have found that family can really make the difference. Peace to you.

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  24. Good post Caralyn, sucks to hear that you went through that. I used to have a friend who would call his girlfriend “fatty” all the time. I guess some people are just plain stupid or simply inconsiderate of other people’s feelings.

    Sometimes, I really wonder how you come up with some brilliant artistry mixed in with enjoyable writing. For example, putting in that Braveheart reference made me lol. It’s just pure genius.

    Keep fighting the good fight, hugs.

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  25. Hey there Glamour Girl, the minute you lower yourself to a troll’s playing field, you have allowed yourself to be a victim… That’s what taking the High road is all about. It’s deflecting the shot like you own the playing field…. Your Instagram, Your Blog, Your content, Your feelings…. Your Determinarion and Your Faith. True Beauty has little to do with physical appearance and is the exclusive domain of the heart… And you’ve got it in spades, baby. Inner strength is mind muscle, sheer will and self-love. It is founded in Christ and nurtured by dialogue with the “Man”. Next time, the stronger response is to merely leave the troll “deposit” there as the trophy it is… Without even a thought. You’ve got this, now own it and grow from it. Cheers!
    – Michael

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  26. I will never understand people who put negative comments on the internet. Do they not realize that it reflects more on who they are as a person then what ever they’re commenting on. Seriously if my 10 yo niece can understand tpnot to put any unnecessary, potentially hurtful comments online I’m sure he could learn that too.. 🙄 I’m glad that you didn’t let his comment bring you down ☺️
    Xojohnnielynn

    http://Www.xojohnnielynn.com

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  29. That’s terrible. Imagine spending your time searching the internet for people brave enough to share their struggles, and then trying to hit them where they might break? What a complete jerk. Glad you deflected it with a blog post :).

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  33. Cyber bullies are everywhere and I’m glad that you did not let this one get to you. Congratulations! I get at least one cyber bully a day on one of my social media’s and you have to learn to be thick skinned. They’re just lowlifes who have no life.

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  36. Beautiful lady, let me tell you that I have had a weight problem (the opposite of yours, just eating too much for comfort and any reason really) and most of my family is large. I am normal weight now because of God’s healing and help and strength, like you. But because of this journey of healing and discovering healthy life and serving God internally first and then outwardly, I, and I am sure from your blogs you also are mature and much stronger in the Lord as a result of going through trials and fires and struggles and re-temptations, etc. And I have found that maturity is a choice. Obviously this idiot chose to be an idiot and not mature, in fact shrink further into oblivious and gross stupidity of the lamest kind, so I would inspire you to remain the strong woman you are on your remarkable and extraordinary journey in the Lord. I know you through your words and I will tell you as another purveyor of words that you impress me. That is not easy to do, and please keep your chin up proudly resting in the loving arms that brought you so far in your journey and will continue to hold you always until the temporal is gone and the eternal remains and then keep on holding you. 🙂 Much love in Him!

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    1. Hi Tony, wow thank you so much for this beautiful response and encouragement. It seriously means so much. And thank you for sharing part of your story. You’re right…maturity is a choice. And amen to that. The Lord is good and will always hold you and i in the palm of His hand. Hugs to you friend xox

      Liked by 1 person

  37. We talked about that Ephesians passage tonight at a home group! One guy pointed out that everything is defensive, and the only offensive weapon is “the Spirit, which is the word of God”. That was an interesting view for me.

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  38. I avoid talking about any physical things with a person who has eating disorders because I’d rather not trigger any issues. (When I read “ED,” I think of something else.) Your troll is the opposite of that. He probably doesn’t think you’re fat any more than the rest of us do. He just wants to push your buttons. I’m glad you didn’t let him do that.

    What I hear in my recovery is “Suit up and show up.” That is, do the work of recovery and get the rewards. One reward is that I have few buttons left to push. I’ve disconnected most of them. Keep suiting up and showing up. You’ll get better and better rewards.

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  40. This is so great! Thanks for sharing this! I really struggle with being reactionary to what people say and think about me, and this was a great reminder. Stay strong! You’re doing great!

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  42. I am sorry to hear someone wrote that – it is awful and untrue! I too wrote a post about this very subject. I read many interviews with self-proclaimed trolls, and they all spoke at length about wanting to get a “reaction.” I am glad you can put on the armor and be shielded from that nonsense. XO

    Liked by 1 person

  44. You are intelligent, wise, thoughtful, smart, gentle, beautiful in and out, and kind, to share your life with us. And you are even sharing it with others who have no class or respect.
    We know that our God can use anyone and anything to draw people to Himself. Even when some troll looks at your sight, and comments, perhaps he has read it first, and sees what Jesus Christ has done and is doing in you, and through you. You have planted seeds in God’s Garden, and Holy Spirit carries on from there.
    Now, to what I had planned to write. You show tremendous Holy Spirit Strength, and wisdom, by turning to God’s Word when troubled. Many people turn to other things, such as anger, depression, oppression, rather than God.
    Thank you again for openly sharing, and being a blessing. Thank you for your encouragement by example as you write. Thank you as always, for allowing the Light of the world, Jesus Christ, shine through you, and brighten many corners of this world.
    God Bless you,
    George

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  47. Triggers can come at any time, triggers that could be devastating. For me with depression, a word or phrase, or even a smell can bring everything back instantly. For a long time triggers were fearful, unnerving. But over time God has now made the triggers signs of His gracious love and redeeming work. Thus, I am still watchful for them, but they no longer are stumbling blocks. It appears the same has happened to you.

    I am so happy to read this blog today. God’s continued blessings in your walk in faith in Christ. Your beauty is a depth of soul and body that God has redeemed.

    In Christ,

    Rich

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  48. Besides being physically beautiful, You are blessed with a beautiful spirit and are submissive to God. There will always be someone to try and knock you back. Stay strong dear sister and keep wearing your armor. “Do the people think that they will be left to say, “We believe,” without being put to the test?” (Surah 29:2)

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