Not just the internet

We've all said it. I've said it as well. It's just the internet, it's not that serious. I remember when I first got online, that's exactly how I felt. For me it was about finding information to make my life easier and that was it. I joined forums and then started interacting with people. I was still able to disconnect and not get too into things. But somewhere along the way things started to change. The people went beyond being screen name xyz and they became human. I saw them as souls who I could show the love of Christ to. I opened up more not because I was weak or didn't have a life but because I knew my life, my story could be a testimony to bless someone else. I wasn't stupid or careless, I was very aware that what I posted could be used against me but none of that mattered.

I chose to be who I wanted to be. Some people don't ever post pics, use their names or locations and that is fine for them. My husband started referring to folks online as my serial killer friends. ROFL But I know there are more crazy people I see everyday versus those I posted and interacted with online. I got to know people, I prayed for them, prayed with them, encouraged them, blessed them. No I wasn't perfect and I got into my fair share of drama and silliness but I've always admitted when I was wrong.

When I decided to step away, it wasn't because anyone ran me off, talked about my kids or me. Chile please!!! It was because I felt it was time for me to go. That's it. But I didn't disappear from the internet world, I am still doing what I can to help and bless people. I still have this blog, I'm on twitter, FB and I'm still me.

I've met some wonderful, amazing, beautiful, smart intelligent people via the internet. You can see someone everyday and not truly "know" them and meet someone online that truly gets it and gets you. If that makes me dumb, lame, or silly then so be it. They have cheered me on, prayed for me, encouraged me, celebrated with me, invited me into their homes, and some of them actually love me. lol

This week, a young lady I have never met in person but interacted with online and spoke to on the phone on occasion, passed away. She was a wife, a mother, a sister, a friend, a daughter, an aunt. Just three days before her passing, I was on her FB page responding to a status and encouraging her. When I found out, it hurt me deeply because it seemed so unreal. I cried and even now as I type tears well up in my eyes. I'm praying for all of those who knew and loved her. I know their lives will be different now that she is gone. I have some peace knowing she was drawing all the more closer to the Lord when she passed and her statuses reflected it. I don't have all of the answers, but I'm trusting God who knows best.

I typed all of this to say I am very grateful for the people that have come into my life via the internet. Some I have parted ways with and others I've formed lifelong bonds with and I can truly call them "friend." They've added to the group of amazing friends and family I already have in my life. I thank God for the all of the souls He has allowed my life to cross paths with. I will never take anyone for granted because in the blink of an eye, they can be gone. The internet is now an extension of the amazing life I have already been blessed with. For some, the internet is just the internet. But for me, it has become so much more.

~RIP Bree~ Q