I can’t remember the last time it was worth reading the comments after a news, feature, opinion, or review post. I rarely do, except when there’s something I have I think would add to the conversation. But then I read what other people have written, and it feels like all you’re doing is throwing a slice of fresh bread into an arena where starved tigers are tearing into the flesh of the sacrificed, to the cheers of the drunken crowd.
People sometimes say dumb things, but when they can be anonymous, they often write cruel ones. With atrocious grammar. What I try to keep in mind is that the problem’s rarely the problem. Many people condemning others for their words and actions do so less because of the actual offense, and more because they’re protecting unhealed pain and projecting controlling fears.
The origin of the word “troll” is one who meanders without purpose. The word became used as folklore for creatures who would wander about, looking for people to hurt. Trolls are the epitome of Proverbs 29:18: “When there is no revelation of who God is for them, people lose all sense of identity and purpose, and act out of carnality” (my paraphrase). What I really need to keep in mind is that if I don’t keep choosing to pursue who God wants to be for me, I can become a troll as well. Actually, if I refuse to let God heal my pain and displace my fear, I know I can be a particularly vicious one.
I’ve always loved that in The Hobbit, when the trolls are touched by sunlight, they become stone. To me, it was light revealing their hearts of stone. Before your next comment, take a moment to recognize where it’s coming from. Out of a heart of stone–cold bitterness, or a heart of light and life.
Equip Your Spirit 