This is my first article in four months. Although that may not sound like a long time, to a blogger it’s an eternity. I have taken a much-needed writing sabbatical in order to rest and get re-energized. Unfortunately, neither has happened. The last year or so have proven to take a huge toll on my heart and mind. Over the last five years, I have seen our culture become increasingly disunified. In the same time span, I have seen the church become more divided. And it doesn’t seem to be getting better anytime soon. My strength has withered and my perseverance seems to be at its end. Whether or not this will be the last article I do not know – only the lord does.
What I do know is that I want to take this time to thank all of my readers. Those of you who have consistently followed and interacted with the articles have been a huge blessing to me. I blog because of you. It is my hope that my writing challenged the status quo, encouraged the believer; and held the Church accountable.
Give a blogger a hug…
Of those in the blogging world, I have come to know over the years many of them write because they love God and care deeply for His people. With that said, being a blogger is perhaps one of the most difficult ministries to serve in. It’s not for the faint of heart. You have to be able to take a punch or two or three or twenty, without losing your footing.
Although blogging can be rewarding; it is oftentimes just frustrating. Bloggers work hard to know their audience. Whether that’s through analyzing traffic statistics for their pages or interacting personally with commentators. The truth of the matter is the blogger knows very little of who their audience is (relative to those who actually interact with an article.) The constant ebb and flow of highs and lows; praise and hate, are debilitating for any writer.
Religious bloggers who write to an audience at the intersection of faith and culture are the most vulnerable. They are constantly mediating between the Church and culture in order to create a bridge to dialogue. And, like me, if you are particularly skilled at constantly having both groups mad at you, then you can become weary very quickly.
So…give a blogger a hug and let them know how much you appreciate the work they do.
Some final thoughts
Five years ago when I began this journey I set out to create a little spot on the internet where I could write down some thoughts of mine; and, if lucky, interact with a few people here and there. As time went on some of the articles grew in popularity (a couple even went “mini-viral”). As a result, within a few years hundreds of thousands of people have read things I have written – silly ole me. The conversations and relationships that I have developed as a result have been incredible and I thank everyone for them.
Please remember me in your prayers!
I love you all…
~ E
What do you think?
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