Blogging is…
Why blog?
Many people have asked the purpose of blogging. Some would say that we are a society that will not stop talking. Opinions and comments and advise and rants abound. Guilty.
As I consider the “to blog or not to blog” question, though, a few things come to mind…
Connecting
First, I have found blogs to be an excellent place to connect in our new global community. So many people from so many continents have profound musings to share! Their creativity and speculations offer thought-provoking insights. I’ve appreciated commenting on other peoples’ blogs as well as interacting with commenters on my blog.
Writing
Blogging can develop writing craft.
I love to wordsmith. My blog offers constant opportunity to write. I find curiosities and lessons-learned all around me. I feel compelled to describe what the Lord is doing. Hopefully, readers can glean tidbits from the struggles and successes in my journey.
My first post, My Heart’s Tablet, articulates my vision for this Journal of Missional Living. I want it be a place for “etchings on my heart” while walking the humble journey of faith.
Indeed, my blog has allowed me the space to talk outloud … and then be blessed by the insights from readers and commenters.
Remembering
The scriptures repeatedly tell us to remember what the Lord has done. In ancient times, God’s people built stone altars as reminders of His hand in their lives. Their bookless community also taught children through the rich oral tradition of storytelling.
Remember the day you stood before the Lord your God at Horeb… (Deut 4:10)
Remember this and never forget how you provoked the Lord your God… (Deut 9:7)
Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles… (1 Chronicles 16:12)
Blogging allows me to easily search and re-read my own journaling. When struggles arise, I can recall how God was faithful…even when his response was not the expected one. Remembering is an important reason I blog. Do consider journaling, either online or with pen and paper!
Historically Speaking
Bloggers’ content can be read by next door neighbors or next door continents.
Never before have people been able to share a message with such enormous potential for impact. With the press of a computer key and the connections through social media, the world can literally read one’s writing.
Nevertheless, reality also shows that the world does not read. As we make new connections with like-minded websurfers, our reading community does indeed grow. Our readers, however, are mostly people already connected through personal contact and friends through social media.
So, go out make new friends! The world is a wide open! Visit blogs to comment. Offer to guest post. Deepen online friendships.
Change the world one word at a time!
Your Turn
As a reader, what prompts you to follow or subscribe to a blog? What encourages you to comment on blogs?
If you are a blogger: why do you blog? What have you learned in your blog journey?
Posted by Sharon R. Hoover
My response to the Faithful Bloggers group writing project… Why Do You Blog?
Top Photo Credit: Will Lion via photopin cc
Middle Photo Credit: Mike Licht, NotionsCapital.com via photopin cc
Last Photo Credit: Derek K. Miller via photopin cc
The Faithful bloggers challenge encouraged me to write about why I blog. Usually I blog about the English language. I also keep a journal offline! Sue
The intricacies and complexities of the English language fascinates me, too. I’ll be sure to visit your blog, Sue. Thanks for stopping in! Keep on journaling…off and online!
Blessings, Sharon
Hi Sharon. I very much agree with all your reasons for blogging. Well said.
I, too, am a writer. I have completed a novel that has a lot to do with missional/humanitarian work. Writing can be a lonely business at times, so having a supportive online community helps tremendously. Good luck with your YA novel.
Hi Marney! So fun…I was just at your blog! We are passing by each other in cyberspace. I really enjoy your articles and the connections that you share. I’d love to read your novel! Is it available on your blog or website?
Hi Sharon. I’m searching for a literary agent now. A long road, but I will definitely let you know if I succeed in getting it published. Thanks for being so supportive! Let me know when you finish yours!
Sharon, Now I know why we have not heard from you. You are busy being an authoress! That is wonderful. Anxious to hear more about it. Love, Mother
You crack me up, Mom! :-) Let’s chat tonight!! Love you lots!!
Love this post. I’m going to relaunch my blog soon. I took some time off after feeling like it was a burden. Now, I’ve collected enough inspiration (including this post) to get it going again.
Oh, Stephanie, I’m so delighted you’re inspired to launch again! You made my day! Enjoy the journey as you write. The best bit of advice that came my way was to know that readers prefer shorter posts to long ones. Reduces the burden of creating a lengthy thesis with each post!
Blessings to you!