Hacked.

Tuesday, May 03, 2011
Hacked. Yesterday something terrible happened via my email account. For the first time since owning that email address which I acquired in 2005, I was hacked. An email was sent to basically everyone in my address book containing links to fake websites. When the recipients clicked on the link, a whole host of Trojan viruses began swarming their computer. This affected a lot of folks, who clicked the link because it came from a trusted source. I’ve apologized every chance I’ve gotten, but that doesn’t change what was done.
How many people trust you? How many people hold you in a place of high regard in their life? How many people hear you say something and just accept it without question? How many people consider you trustworthy?
I think if you’ll stop and think about it for a moment you'll see that there are a lot of people that God has placed within your scope of influence. I believe each of us has been entrusted with a certain amount of trust by others. That is a huge responsibility, and occasionally we will not uphold it too well.
Things happen. From time to time you may say something you regret, or do something you wish you could take back. And when it happens, undoubtedly there will be eyes and ears that observe it from within your small circle of influence. We are broken sinners, whether we are saved by grace already or haven’t made that decision yet. So we will fail (see Failure Pro from yesterday’s blog.) We don’t glory in our failures, or brag about our sin nature struggle. But it’s a very real part of the life we live here.
So what do you do when you fail? We can stick our chest out and refuse to admit we’ve erred. We can make up some excuses as to why we did it, never once admitting we blew it and asking for forgiveness. Have you ever known someone that was never able to admit when they’re wrong? Would your circle of influence say that is you?
So I got hacked, and some folks had major computer issues as a result. No, it wasn’t something I did on purpose or could even control. But I’m still sorry it happened, because it used my name and email address. But the train of thought it has led me down has forced me to a place of choosing: do I want to live a life worthy of being followed by folks trying to find my Jesus or not? The answer: I want my life to lead them to Him. What about you?

PS: If you’d like to donate to the tornado relief efforts one suggested group is the American Red Cross. I’ve seen first-hand that these folks will provide shelter and clothing to people who have lost homes in these types of situations. Visit http://www.redcross.org and click the link at the top of the page, “DONATE FUNDS.”



That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
blake

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