It wasn't my intent to become a blogger. In fact, it just kind of happened. Without any technical knowledge, I wanted to put a few thoughts down, all in one spot. Online.
It was an organic by-product of this incredibly hard and sweet season of bed-rest I had while pregnant with my third child. I went into labor at 28 weeks and was ordered onto bed rest for several reasons including his breech presentation. It was awful, painful and scary - but the time I had to really soak in God's word and spend lengths of time in prayer was one of my favorite times of life. Ever. Such sweet time with my Lord Jesus!
With all the richness of that time with the Lord I wanted to catalog some of what I was learning. As bed rest was coming to a close I didn't want to forget the tender way the Lord had dealt with me and all that He'd been revealing. Thus a blog was formed.
It was a little, innocuous blog in the furthest corner of the internet, just for me.
I didn't realize people could find it. I told no one about it. But overnight people read my thoughts. It was strange, almost like someone had read my diary in a very raw, vulnerable sense..
But then I got an email. And another.
The conversations started with people all over the world was beautiful. There was this whole platform of initiating conversations on faith, family and life that was completely unique to blogging. It blew my mind and blessed me in a big way. So I kept the blog up - despite feeling like I may puke with every post. Yep, really. It was that nerve-racking.
So I sat down and prayed, agreeing that as long as the conversations continue, as long as I feel like the Lord is calling me to this, I'll blog.
No idea what I'm doing except showing up, being candid and sorting out life, faith, family and fitness through the lens of grace.
But isn't that just how the Lord loves to use us? When we feel most raw, unqualified or broken. God uses our brokenness and our stories to bring us together. In YoungLife they often say, "God doesn't always call the qualified, he qualifies the called." Now I can't tell you I'm qualified, I'm learning a lot. Daily. But I'm so very, very grateful for my little spot in the corner of the internet. It's been more of a blessing - and more stretching than I could've ever imagined!
Friends, I'm showing up. And you know what? There are all beautiful side effects of being a "blogger" I would've never expected.
1. COMMUNITY
Oh, this was so unexpected. There are all these incredibly authentic communities of women who live to lift each other up and support each other in whatever endeavor or season they're in. These are people, whole communities, who speak life over each other... Where comparison is weeded out, and instead there's compassion and room at the table for conversation for you. And me.
A few of them:
The Influence Network - a collective of creative women who love God and love others well. Creative support, community groups, forums & online classes. To quote them, "Influence started from the idea that every woman has God-given influence in her life, right where she is." Beautiful!
Thrive Moms - They exist to "Empower imperfect moms with God's perfect grace". Oh yes, please! I'll take some extra grace all day long. They have a newsletter called MOMentum that goes out on Mondays and it is sweet salve for a momma's soul. They occasionally have opportunities to work with them and support some great women, creative endeavors and handmade shops.
SHE Reads Truth - I hope you've heard of this. It's this incredible movement of women who really love Jesus and want to be in His word, the Bible, everyday. It's an app, an online community (Instagram, website, etc). It's daily devotionals, free to your email. Or with the Scripture built right in on the App. It's a good, Holy community of women seeking Jesus daily, together, from around the world.
2. FUN EVENTS
In my area there are creative women meet-ups. I confess I haven't gone to many, but I have friends who do and love them! And they're for every sector - food bloggers, fashion bloggers, etc. There are also Facebook groups for AZ Bloggers, for Blogging in general, parent bloggers, you name it! Search within for your niche and you can find a community with fun events to join.
If you're a Mom you can search the CityMOMS Blog to find your local chapter and support your hometown, meet local bloggers and have fun in the process! Painting and wine night? Yes, please! Socializing over brunch with other bloggers.. I mean, twist my arm. Haha!
Source: Accidental Blogger: The Unexpected Blessings of Blogging
No comments:
Post a Comment