Every time the media publishes something about Linas, it’s followed by an avalanche of angry comments. No matter how much we try to stay away from it all, somehow we still get "hooked" occasionally.
Over time, I’ve had to learn not to take those comments to heart — not to let strangers' judgments affect me when they don’t even know the full story. Then I had to learn to stop reading them altogether. (Though, to be honest, before I knew Linas personally, I also had a very poor opinion of him — but it never would’ve occurred to me to post hateful comments about someone I didn’t know.)
Recently, I said to Linas, “Seriously, your parents' house just burned down, and people are still spewing nonsense in the comments… Classic Lithuanians — happy when the neighbor’s farmhouse is on fire. And your parents are already stressed out!”
Linas just smiled and said, “For some people, the comments are like therapy. They dump their emotions and anger online, and maybe afterward, they’re a little calmer and more gentle with their families. I’m not upset about it :)”
A few days later, Linas received a call from someone offering a large donation of building materials to help rebuild his parents’ house. When asked why he decided to help, the man said, “Honestly? Because of those angry comments. It’s kind of funny — people react the same way to me, even though they don’t know anything about me either.”
So it turns out, even angry internet commenters — when met with calm and grace — might still be playing a hidden part in a much greater plan.
In the end, everything is unfolding in the most perfect way, even when it really seems like, “There’s absolutely nothing good that can come from this…”
4/9/2019