I’ve been wondering lately why in the world I blog. I’m not sure if any of you other bloggers ask that question quite as often as I do, but I’ve really been struggling with this.
Actually, there is a lot I’ve been struggling with in my mind, heart, and soul. So – Readers beware — I’ve decided to capture some of this journey on my blog. I’m going to share and not ask – is anyone going to read this, does anyone care, why should I share this, what does this matter? Nope, I’m sharing this journey for me.
I often teach that there is something about putting our thoughts down in written word that helps bring clarity. It is that clarity and understanding that I am longing for. So . . .
Years ago when God snatched me by the collar when I was reading His Word, I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt He was speaking to me and calling me to be more like Him. He continually used a verse in Isaiah 61 to confirm this. First, He gripped my heart with His Word, then in the most off the wall ways people would speak that scripture into my life or pray it over me. I found the confirmations most assuring, however, there was that uneasiness of what this meant in my life. Uncomfortable.
The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.
As I reflect on this journey in hopes to bring understanding into my life today, it seems as if I’ve traveled full circle. I spend days wondering, Did I miss it, Lord? Has my life become so self-centered that I’ve totally missed the boat? How can I be back in the spot where I began?
Lord, I am selfish – please forgive me. Change my heart. Thank you for this journey with You. I thank you for the journey ahead, even though the unknown seems scary and uncomfortable. Thank you, Lord, for loving me – the goofball that I am! Amen.
My friend, it appears that we both are in similar places right now.
Leah
Oh my goodness….I'm with you and Leah. Your title compelled me to read this Alene. God is bringing me full circle in my thoughts on blogging. I have been struggling with my blog for awhile. Maybe discouraged is a good word to use. I love the people I blog with but I question whether I am blogging with and to the choir. Let me tell you what happened to me this morning. Today! How timely this is for us!!!!!!
I received an email this morning from a 23 yr old girl out of state. Through a search on 'following God' she found a blog on that subject. She read my comment below the post. For three hours God would not let her alone until she shared her story with me. God is calling her to some radical steps of faith. She's scared and some people think she is crazy. I know why she shared this with me. I am to encourage this young girl to walk by faith. I gave a message Sunday on that very subject. Remember how you shared about throwing away your journals Alene. I sent you one. That wasn't really from me. It was ordered by God. I just paid the postage. God is using our blogs and comments when we are not looking. It is not about how many followers we have or comments. If it was about that I would have quit a long time ago. Our purpose is to share when we have a word from the Lord for others. We cannot really SEE how He is using it. We cannot measure the effect, but we can be faithful in doing what He asked. I struggle writing. My blog was not my idea. I would rather leave comments on blogs. I see God uses those also when we speak HIS words. I needed a reminder of why I blog. God asked me to do this. I will never be Big Mama or B Moore in the blog world. I will b his girl and that's enough. Actually that is everything. Just be his also. Keep sharing when you need to. God is using you, more than you know. He just shared that with me. Love to you and Leah both. Share God. Go light HIS world!
Blessings! Barbara aka B
Alene and Barbara,
My heart cleaves to this so much. I believe God is working in my heart to strip away anything that does not bring Him glory. Just yesterday or the day before, I removed the Followers gadget and the Site meter from my blog. It just sends the wrong message to my heart and my blog and ministry is NOT about me.
He is doing a major renovation on my heart and life right now and He is doing it in silence. Whew!! IT is hard but it is good.
Love ya both.
Leah
"the goofball that I am"
Oh, Alene, I'm right there with you. So thankful for His perfect and gracious love!
Thanks so much for stopping by today. It's great to see you!
Much love,
Karen
Oh Alene, I have wondered the same thing many times. Let me just say that I can relate to so much that you expressed here. But like Barbara expressed so well, God has a plan and purpose for all of it. Barbara is being used by God to encourage and strengthen True Faith. When I first found your blog a while back, I noticed that your focus was in helping women to find God in the ordinary.
I'm looking forward to reading as you journal. Maybe we will all learn something.
Love you!
About month ago, I felt the same way about my blogging. As a matter of fact God asked me if I would be willing to write but remove the "comments" section for a while.
When I come here,I'm encouraged and from time to time you make me smile.
love and hugs~Tammy