My basic personality is a nerd with a tender heart. Unfortunately, the nerd part seems to be a little more dominant (actually, way too dominant). I’ve always found it difficult to express my compassion and understanding to others face-to-face, even when I’m feeling it intensely on the inside. Writing works much better. I can take the time to find the words to communicate more authentically on paper (or screen) than in person. Praise God for the invention of writing and books and blogs!
As a baby Christian, my nerdy “life” verse was Colossians 3:23 (KJV), “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.” Emphasis on doing, not on sharing God’s love. On achievement, not on people. That was how I took this verse.
But during my first experience with suicidal depression, God comforted me in ways that I’d never needed before, and taught me to better express my tender heart. Now my “life” verses (I assume for the rest of my life, but you never know. . .) are 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV, italics added), “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.”
My initial purpose in blogging was to build a platform as a means of attracting a publisher for my memoir. That was the nerdy side of me. Set a goal. Take logical steps to achieve it. But because of my life verses, my tender heart chose suffering as a topic. I wanted to offer my blog as a ministry, not just a rung on my ladder to success.
I pray for each of you to be drawn nearer to Him as you read my words. Even if I never have more than a few page views each week, even if I can never go to a publisher with a long list of followers, even if my memoir never sees the light of day, I pray that this blog will communicate God’s comfort and compassion to those who are suffering.
(We nerds aren’t really cut out for playing the role of salesperson, but nowadays every writer is expected to be a self-promoter. So here goes: If you appreciate my posts, if you’d like to see my book in print, you can help me out by subscribing to my blog and recommending it to your friends. Thank you!!!)
Hi. I rarely comment on blogs even though I wish people would comment on mine LOL. Anyway, I just read your article on Fathom magazine, and came here to find out more about you. I think I’ve been writing in a parallel vein and just wanted to step outside my box and encourage you as others have me. One of us out here “gets you”. I hope to read more since I signed up with my email. Hope you have an amazing day ❤️.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Rachel, for your encouragement. I appreciate it. I just checked out your blog. You're right—we have a lot in common. I love your honesty and your thoughts on prayer. Thanks for getting in touch. It's always fun to meet a kindred spirit, even if it's "just" online.
ReplyDeleteAnn