it's been whispered in the wind,
it's been swirling in our heads,
persistent questions.
why do i blog?
why do i tell these people these things?
what is a blog for?
who says i have to write oncetwicethreetimes a week?
how much should i say?
have i said more than i should?
i doubt that i'm the only one.
so here are some thoughts from 1 Thessalonians 2.
1. "Just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts." (2:4) Fairly simple. I think we all know that these ramblings are not here to impress anybody. "Nor did we seek glory from people." (2:6a)
2. "We were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us." (2:7-8) I think what we're all struggling/experimenting with is the delicate balance between the building up as the mother does, and the sharing of our own selves.
I am NOT here purporting that all people must blog all things at all times. There are times (for me) when blogging is downright selfish, not in the best interests of the group. Those are the days when I just want to "dump" and feel better for having "dumped," and I take no thought for how this may affect others. (I am not banishing prayer requests for personal struggles, but what is my motivation behind each and every post?)
There are other times, when not blogging (at least for me) is selfish. Those are the times when I know that writing something out will probably help others, but I don't really want the "others" (being translated "you guys") to know that I've ever struggled with whatever it is. I've not yet found the balance; neither have you. But that doesn't give either of us an excuse to quit. I am supposed to edify you. Not edifying is a non-option.
No, I don't know how or when or what's the best strategy. (If you have ideas please, please, please comment.) But what I do know is this: this blogging community allows us to be far more involved in each other's lives than typical college students/adults/church goers who pass on the street. I know that I have been edified, lifted up, challenged by each of you, and I hope that I can do the same for "the community." Please, let's learn that balance together, and not throw blogging to the wind as some trivial hobby. "We exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into His own kingdom and glory." (2:12)
I want to continue learning with you guys. Let us believe the impossible.
Posted by stephanie at November 25, 2003 05:48 PM