I was reading an old blog post that I found on the internet this morning. It really struck a chord with me. It stated the following:
“Where are the Christian blogs that make mistakes, sometimes give in to temptation, get angry, and admit they aren’t perfect? How can we build relationships as blogger’s, when the platform is the internet equivalent of a podium?”
As Christian blogger’s, we assume that we have to write about happy things with happy endings all tied up in happy bows. We portray Jesus in a manner that makes us feel good about… well, us.
We tend to “preach” instead of lead by example.
We forget that the world needs to know we struggle… we hurt… we get angry…
We are real.
So here is my challenge to you. Stop.
Just stop.
There is a world of people out there who need to know that they are important, that they matter, and that they are not alone in their sin.
How can we minister to them, when we can’t get past our own piousness?
Ya know, it is great that we can all go to church, and we can all raise our hands and we can all worship the Living God… but what about those outside our church? What about those outside our “circle” who are begging for God’s love and all we as Christians give them is … well – shame.
What about them?
We often forget that we are just like them. We sin more than we would like to admit. We curse and yell and cry and get angry… just like them.
We have just learned to hide it behind the mask that we have made for ourselves.
Take off the mask.
Be real in your heartache. Be real in your sorrow. Be real in your pain.
Just Be Real.
And then maybe, just maybe, they will not be so hardened and turned off to the Real Jesus Christ.
Think about it.
Thankyou! I was having a self-imposed pity party yesterday after being tired of reading all the “great” things everyone was doing or being done for them. Yeah, satan was having a good day. I love to read of everyones struggles (don’t get me wrong I love to read the good stuff too) but sometimes I just feel alone that I’m the only one who struggles with just doing some of the everyday stuff.
I’ve just come from reading a blog post that a mom wrote on how her 4 year old has already recognized her need for a savior. Unfortunately, said mom told the world that she basically has told her daughter every day that she was born wretched and can do nothing right. She has been attacked mercilessly for this and accused of child-abuse.
It got me thinking sort of the same thing you were saying. As a christian, I understand what she was saying. But I can also see how it comes across to those who stand on the other side. I wish we were all better at reflecting Jesus to those around us. If they reject Him when they see Him, that is their fault. But if they reject Him, because they’ve seen a distorted version of Him in us…that’s our fault.
:unsure:
Melodys last blog post..When all else fails….post pictures!
Oh, I hope whoever wrote that post would find the Christians who do share their struggles. I have done so many times on mine – in my blog I speak of my worries and anxieties, I share some of our marital difficulties, my disappointments, even my anger, etc. Of course there are good time but there are bad times as well.
There are many out there. I have bookmarked many of those blogs like that. But yes, there are some also that only speaks of positives.
This is a good reminder post. Thanks Heather for sharing it. And Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. You and your blog has always been a blessing to me.
Liza
http://www.lizas-eyeview.com/
Liza’s Eyeviews last blog post..Dear God
I am a Christian, sometimes known as saint Caron by family. Little do they know the thoughts I have, the grumbling I do when I should be praising God for the ability to do acts of service. I am the one that get impatient with my precious grandkids. I am also the one that uncorks on the social worker and gets fired. You can read this story of one very unperfect Christian.
http://oldqueen44.blogspot.com/2008/09/what-cracks-do-you-have.html
Oldqueen44s last blog post..Wordless Wednesday
I am afraid my first comment disappeared and I now have to log off soon.
Thanks for this post. It’s a good reminder.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your Heather. You and your blog has been a blessing to me since I discovered it. Will continue to visit here.
Liza’s Eyeviews last blog post..Dear God
I agree with you Heather, that this is a very important part of blogging. I know for me, my blog is full of the things I can’t say to alot of people IRL (in fact there are very few people IRL who read that I know of), about lots of things that I fear and how anger is a part of how I express my fear. Among so many other things, I worry at times it is too much. But I always pray that someone will see in me a woman who is working to live at peace, in hope, in spite of the trials that have come, still come.
Tammys last blog post..I wrapped some Christmas presents. And unwrapped Thanksgiving.
I don’t exactly fall into the category of “Christian” blogger, but many are aware of my beliefs.
I’ve been pretty open with my struggle with smoking, the death of a loved one, and soon I’ll be making a post about when I recently said something that astonished every single person around me. :blink:
I think this whole blogging thing has more folds than we credit. I follow many blogs whom are authored by believers and nonbelievers. And sadly, even I see why many believe Christians are nothing more than hippocrites.
Stained Glass Masquerade is another great song by Casting Crowns. And very fitting for your post too. :biggrin:
Irish Coffeehouses last blog post..Musical Entourage
They played this video at church a couple of months ago and my 13 year old daughter was moved to tears. It is an amazing song that makes you really think about and look at how you are treating others. Thank you Heather!!
Click on my name if you need a messy, imperfect, wreck of a Christian. Never perfect, always failing, often just plain wrong. But trying every day to overcome the flesh, and rest in God’s plan for my life. Including the cancer and the money issues and the pain in the butt kids. Jer. 19:11 tells me that He knows the plan, and the plan is good. Trusting in that – and having it all together – two totally different things in my world.
Jesicas last blog post..Blerrgh
That song is one of my favourites from Casting Crowns, it speaks such truth and challenges me personally…as do many of their songs.
We’ve had this conversation at my Bible study group (not about blogging but our lives in general), how people will look at Christians and think to be in the church they must be “better”. Not seeing that we are all at varying stages of life (and that is always subject to change).
I do pray that in my life (including blogging) that I reflect the complete imperfection that I am…but also the perfection Christ is.
Annies last blog post..Things I have done…
I’ve felt this call to be ‘real’ and open intensely lately. In doing this, it sometimes opens the gates for criticism and judgment to fall on you but the one thing I’ve realized is that it is a risk worth taking. I’ve been absolutely rendered speechless by how God is using my openness in my blog to touch so many different people, people whom I’ve never met but have sent me emails and such during this season of struggles in my own life. To think that He could take an ordinary wife and mother and give her a voice to speak of God’s faithfulness and to proclaim the promises He fulfills through the struggles we face, just blows my mind.
Heathers last blog post..Low Points
@Heather : Mine too… to think that He uses little ol’ me to minister to people of all walks of life is humbling and mind blowing..
Yet He does!
Just for you, Miss Heather. I’ve been following for a while, but generally don’t comment. (Plenty of people doing that for me. LOL)
But this blog has been marinating since Sunday morning – and your post this morning brought it out. So here it is – just for you – imperfection! And humble thankfulness that the Father forgives me. Every time.
http://pixiemarierose.blogspot.com/2008/11/why-did-i-come.html
Jesicas last blog post..Why did I come?
That song reminded me of a book I read years ago. It was called Heart Reader and published under an anonymous author. It was a beautiful book and I highly recommend it.
Rebeckas last blog post..So. I heard some famous person on tv said that home-schoolers were demented.
Maybe we’re reading different blogs.
But most of the ones I read are very genuine and open about their struggles, faults, and failings.
Barbara H.s last blog post..What’s on your nightstand?
Interesting you say that. I tend to not blog unless I’m having a bright and lovely day. I keep all those bad days to myself.
I didn’t even think about the fact that it makes my blog look like I’m floating from mountaintop to mountaintop.
I’ll have to start recording some of those valley experiences too…because I DEFINITELY have those days as well.
Thanks for giving me a little perspective.
Interesting you say that. I tend to not blog unless I’m having a bright and lovely day. I keep those bad days to myself.
I didn’t event think about the fact that it makes my blog look like I’m floating from mountaintop to mountiantop.
I’ll have to start recording from of those valley experiences too…because I DEFINITELY have those days as well.
Thanks for a little perspective.
Chandas last blog post..Have I Become A Prude?
@Barbara H. : Oh dont get me wrong.. I am not talking about those! I read many of those too!
I agree with you – to a point. If all a christian blogger does is grumble and complain, how can a lost and dying world see that there is a difference in knowing Jesus? I *think* I get what you’re saying but just want to be sure, especially given that I just commented here yesterday about the new direction my blog was taking. You definitely won’t find a perfect person on my blog but you will find one that (I hope) finds the answers in Jesus.
Karens last blog post..Think on These Things
Thanks for posting the video, Heather…I would have never ever come across it otherwise. Powerful message, but the truth is that more often than not, people don’t want what we have to offer. Though, I guess that makes it more special when the Lord intersects our path with someone who does.
I pray for boldness often, and am embarrassed by it almost as frequently–but that’s o.k. It’s all that will be remembered in 100000 years, right?
@Karen :
Karen Said:
If all a christian blogger does is grumble and complain, how can a lost and dying world see that there is a difference in knowing Jesus?
You are exactly right! Let me explain.. I think that we, as Christians, get so caught up in what others “perception” of us is, that we forget to look at what others “perspective” is also.
The perspective of Christianity in general is not a good one. How did it come to be that? How can we change that? That is what I am trying to get at..
How can we be more real in our Christianity without “grumbling and complaning”…
This is something I’ve tried to keep in mind as I write my posts.
I think that I have always been very transparent on my blog and even in my “about me” note on my home page.
My blog started as a journey through the muck that my life was wading through at the time.
Because basically, I am a Christian who falls her face regularly.
I’d love to send this writer a couple of links to my posts, lol.
xo~K
karla | looking towards heavens last blog post..Holiday Cards and Gift Ideas
Thanks for sharing this, Heather. So true.
Mary
This post reminds me about a post I wrote awhile back. I think it is so important to be real and honest with themselves and others. thanks for sharing this
http://lenatoews.blogspot.com/2008/11/slow-fade.html
Lenas last blog post..It’s Called Trust…
Funny, and I usually feel like I’m TOO real in my posts. And not spiritual enough. But I know the type of post you mean. And you’re right. I does no one any good to pretend you’re perfect. Thanks for this challenge today!
I can’t ever forget how deep in a pit I was and how beautiful our God is to redeem me and set me free. So….constantly keeping that perspective….”Lord help me to be a blessing to someone else.”
Excellent post Heather. And the new design is pretty cool too!
Hugs~
Fran
Frans last blog post..Think of something new….
Well said!
stephanies last blog post..A Little Bloggy Giveaway!
I love how Brennan Manning puts it in his Ragamuffin Gospel –
Why do we as Christians insist on putting on unrealistic masks making following Jesus appear as an unobtainable path to this hurting World?
I did a blog post about my reactions recently;
http://blogs.oddsocks.net/ahunt/2008/11/16/lessons-learnt-at-a-market/
Amandas last blog post..Painting again
Ahhhhh…..gotcha girl! Just wasn’t sure I understood. Now I really do – I frequent a few of those ‘perfect’ blogs and they always make me feel like the worlds worst mother! You won’t find anyone perfect on mine
Thanks for the further explanation!
Great post Heather! I am pretty much a tell it like it is person, but I am also this positive, upbeat person…..So I tend to be very positive on my blog. I think your point is well taken…..after all we ALL have days that are just miserable! And this is part of life.
So let’s blog about it. :sideways:
Sandy @ Jesus and Dark Chocolates last blog post..The Great Outdoors
I don’t know what to say to that one except, has that person read your blog?
I can’t take blogs that are only *preachy* either. I need to know we are on the same page or at least trying to be. I think the problem is that it ends up feeling like condemnation or something…I don’t know.
Whatever the case, I posted the other day about exactly where I am spiritually because I have nothing to hide.
Gayle @ thewestiecrews last blog post..All the rest
I’m one of ‘them’. And I see a lot of ‘distorted versions’ as one of your readers put it. It’s nice to see you recognizing the need for people representing Jesus to keep it real. Anything else, is so very nauseating, and a huge turn off.
I completely agree!!
About a month or so ago, I came to the same conclusion about my OWN blog! I felt like I needed to be perfect in ORDER to minister….. but that felt hypocritical… because really, I’m far from perfect.
So, I got real. And it was awkward at first. But… the response has been outstanding… you never know who’s hurting right along with you, as my last blog post (and subsequent comments) showed.
I’m a believer in being real! God uses transparency (or, translucency if that’s all you can do!!).
God bless what you’re doing, and keep on striving!
Heather
Heather @ The Striving Wifes last blog post..Striving for Faith… the Faith to Move Mountains!!
I think I understand where you are coming from Heather. And it’s not just Christian blogs I feel that way about, it’s Christian fiction books. There is one writer I used to read all the time and stopped reading as much because her writing such pie in the sky writing I couldn’t relate to her anymore. It just seeme like everything was so perfect in her characters worlds. Everybody came to Christ, everybody’s marrige was good and they always got along, kids were always obedient and never disrespectful to their parents. I just really couldn’t relate to her anymore. So I think I understand where you are coming from. By the way, thank YOU for keeping things REAL! during your struggle with cancer. You had the courage to still keep posting during the toughest times and keep it real. And if you want to read another blog where she keeps things just as real with her pain and struggle dealing with a triple organ transplant baby, slip on over and try reading Ashley’s Journal@blogspot.com. I promise you Trish Adams keeps thing real.
Heather,
I recently started reading your blog, and I have cried, laughed, been blessed and convicted… so many things.
Your post today hits the nail on the head. Just this past week I wrote, “I need to stop putting disclaimers on my blog and not worry about appearing like I have it all together, because I don’t. I sin in my struggle. I place expectations on myself and others that aren’t healthy.”
Thank you for your candor and honesty. And happy Thanksgiving!
Angies last blog post..The Unthankful Heart…
AMEN!
Susan Ramey Clevelands last blog post..Charisma
I totally agree that taking off the masks is so important… not just in our blogging, but in our LIVING! I read an amazing book called TRUEFACED last year that talks about that (and SO much more… I wish everyone would read it). I have the tendency to get passionate and jump on my soapbox, but have come to the conclusion that the only “preaching” I can do on my blog is when I’m preaching about the lessons God is teaching ME about my problems, etc. And it seems that everytime someone is encouraged because they’re struggling with the same thing. It’s such a lie from the enemy that any of us are the only ones dealing with ________ (fill in the blank) and we all so desperately need to know the truth and be honest with each other… on our blogs and every day of our lives.
Melissa Mays last blog post..Me and My Big Mouth : )
I received your blog information on Randy Peck’s Daily Blessing.
My immediate response was not to the lack of authentic blogs, but dealing with cancer. We supported our daughter, Julie, as she struggled with melanoma cancer that went to her brain and kidney. She lost her fight in Aug. 2007 at age 33. I can truly say that God intervened in our lives and gave us a peace that passeth understanding as we walked through those days. After her death I have struggled with “shoulda”s and I have to attend to something else to get out of doing that.
I am a Catholic, but my blog is very much a warts-and-all account of my life. Although I have my religion clearly marked, I do not fill my blog with solely religious stuff. I find though that, as far as Catholic bloggers go, I do not seem to be able to get any of them to read my blog. They apparently stick to the purely religious blogs!
I started my blog because, apart from my husband and 2 grown-up children (who live with us), I have no close friends who I can confide in, or who can do the same with me. I don’t care what religion other people are, as long as they accept me as I am.
I wish a very happy and blessed Christmas to everyone who reads this.