Yesterday, Stacy from StacyMakesCents.com wrote about how she was walking away from Trim Healthy Mama. She used the words “eat crow” and I realized this was probably a nightmare of a post for her to write. I don’t feel she needed to “eat crow”, but that’s because I don’t do Trim Healthy Mama full tilt nor do I believe you have to be the same person forever.
But Stacy’s post did put me in a bit of a panic for a completely different reason. You see, this blogging thing can be scary. I see my world from this side of the screen. I know what I am saying, how I am saying it. I see my bad days, I see my shortcomings. You; however, see only bits and pieces of my life no matter how candid I am.
I often wonder when people meet me in real life are they surprised or maybe even disappointed? Did they read the She Wears Skirts series and I’m in jeans? Did they read the Me Time Myth, yet here I am out with my friends? Did they read my cloth diapering posts, but notice my baby is wearing disposables? Are they filling in the blanks between the lines of my posts with details that make me look way better than I really am, and then find themselves shocked when I don’t turn out to be that person?
I have always set out to be candid here,
but I could never give enough details to sufficiently fill in the blanks.
What you read here is a snippet of who I am right this very second.
a snippet
right this very second
I’ll say it again…
This blogging thing can be scary.
I spend a lot of time praying the Lord will shine through my words and you will see the only One who truly is perfect, who never changes, who is never wishy-washy, and who knows the real me and the real you.
For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
2 Corinthians 10:12
Vicki says
Thank you for your honesty, between the blanks is where the real us lies, our sins hide under the pedestals we are placed on. Each of the thoughts you share can inspire us and lead us to think. We’re all striving to do it better and we need mums like you further down the mothering road to inspire us, you get the balance right between being real and being a Godly example. God bless you in your writing.
Amy says
This is very well said. And thank you. 🙂
Lizz says
I realize that I am very late to this particular party, but I agree with Vicki. Life changes from moment to moment and judging someone on an idea/post/statement made in the past is unfair, and not what God wants from us. We are to give the same grace and understanding to each other that He gives us. What kind of people would we held one another accountable to each and every thing we ever said?
There are no perfect people, only a perfect God, who loves us. Amy, you are a wonderful example to so many. Please know that you are not judged, that you are cherished, and so many look to you for guidance. You are an instrument of direction and sanity to those of us who would be a little lost without your posts, so don’t be afraid to blog – keep fighting the good fight.
Kyndra says
And the line between being encouraging and honest can be very thin! Do people need to know that my 6 year still comes apart and throws things? Yes. Do they need to know every time it happens. Probably not.
Constantly praying to stay honest and clear and to be encouraging and faithful with what I post.
And people do change and I appreciate how you let us walk through your thinking process with you…K
Amy says
Oh, it is indeed, Kyndra! You can end up just being a complainer and we are not called to do that. We do have to keep covering everything we write in prayer.
Nikki @ Christian Mommy Blogger says
Amy, thanks for mentioning Stacy. That poor woman! She is a very dear friend and she is having such a hard time with all of this. Blogging is supposed to be something that is freeing. It is really just a chronological telling of our thoughts. To have our lives become so public is so hard and can really make us question WHY we do it in the first place, you know? I sure know I have been asking myself this lately. Anyway, poor Stacy. She decided to change her approach, share it with her readers like she does everything else, and bam…the backlash. Makes me sad.
And I am a cloth diaperer who has her littles in disposables. So no judging from me 🙂
Amy says
She was on my heart all day yesterday. People don’t often read a blog from beginning to end, so they don’t truly see the progression. They also don’t know how we agonize over posts and hope we are saying enough to make our point clear.
Leslie says
The beautiful thing is that the you one meets in person is an even more likable, personable, godly you than can be seen in short snippets. I am thankful for your friendship! Thank you for being vulnerable day in and day out to encourage and help other moms like me.
Amy says
((HUGS)) Thank you, Leslie – this post was not an easy one to write.
Leah says
I like you because I KNOW you are real and down to earth, and if I ever came over for a real-life visit, I wouldn’t be surprised at seeing a different Amy!
Amy says
Oh good! 🙂
Leah says
P.S. That new profile picture of you is lovely!
sarah says
As a blogger, I have wondered this too! I even have doubts of writting because I do not want to be held to perfection or that my ideas are carried out 100% in my life. I can see where you are concerned! I love your blog! WIth Stacy, the problem for me was that she did not outline THM correctly and linked up blogs who bashed THM. Knowing how much this plan has saved women and my own family it was hurtful to see someone write like that. Oh well, I love THM and its changed my life completely. 🙂
Amy says
It is so hard for bloggers to fully get their point across. There just are not enough words or time. THM has been a difficult subject for me because there are things in it I just cannot get on board with, yet I cannot deny that it has totally and completely balanced my blood sugars…something not even a whole foods/raw diet could do this quickly. I tweak and I try to be honest about how much I tweak. And yes, I have even walked away from it entirely because I needed something else. I did read many of the links Stacy posted and even pinned Kitchen Stewardship’s post. There just isn’t any good way to handle a change this colossal and public.
Nicole N. says
This post is so ironic. I just finished reading Stacy’s blog and the remarks. And I think most of us “got what she was saying.” I never got on the THM wagon so I don’t have an opion on that. But I usually get upset when someone disagrees with me so I have to becareful with how I respond. The verse about a wise man is careful about his words and a foolish man lets them fly. (Not in quotes since I didn’t look it up but I believe it gives the gest of the verse.) For some reason I feel if someone disagree with me that they are critizing me. Which is so bazzar since I did consider blogging because it would have been such a good fit for my spiritual gifts. But after some thought I believe I will leave it to the you all that are already doing such a good job. Keep being BRAVE.
Cindy says
It does take a while to get past that feeling of being attacked. You do get used to it, though!
Amy says
Blogging does require some thick skin at times because people do disagree, and every now and then they disagree in a way that hurts. I don’t ever want to lead anyone astray, but I know full well just how human and fallible I am. I will be faithful to keep writing here until the Lord says stop. It has most definitely grown me.
Aadel says
Can I just say – you look great! And I think any time we put ourselves out there – in blogging, ministry, leading a group, teaching a class – it can be scary. Because we want to present ourselves authentically without airing ALL our flaws but not making ourselves look perfect either. ^_^
Amy says
Yes, yes, yes!
Denaye Wenger says
Oh, Amy, honey, this post is so sweet. I see you as a very authentic blogger, one I’d love to learn to know offline. And guess what?? Because you are real with us, I feel like I could be real with you. You don’t have a perfect house, figure, husband, children, life…. Thank-you! For someone who is idealistic and never measures up to my own standards, it is refreshing to see you be open, honest, and happy with your life AS IT IS. You exemplify the Proverbs 31 woman, to me. God bless you for your blogging ministry, and may He guide you with this frighteningly vulnerable position you are filling.
Amy says
Thank you, Denaye. I appreciate your words so much.
Rebecca says
This reminds me of one of our conversations – being teachers, encouragers, we will be held accountable at a higher level. Oh, how I pray that God continues to refine me and grow me for Him. Yes, it is hard – being real and yet protecting from those who would do harm when a person unveils the tender parts of our lives… Continuing to pray for guidance, grace and mercy – most of all love – it covers the multitude of sins by his beautiful presence and death.
Amy says
Yes, Rebecca. Such a difficult place to be, but it keeps us humble and constantly in prayer. I do feel like blogging itself is a refining process and this is where the Lord has me NOW. Someday that may change too.
Jillian says
Amy, I’ll cry if you stop blogging! For real! Those things you mentioned, the skirts, the diapers THE DIET! mean nothing to me! 🙂
Amy says
((HUGS)) not stopping because this is where God has me. 🙂
Samantha says
When I met you for the first time at the Teach Them Diligently Convention in Nashville, the only thing that I was surprised was how quiet you were, as you are so chatty on your blog. I wasn’t disappointed, but just not what I expected. Once again the perception. With that being said my only regret from that convention was that I didn’t get to spend any time with you. I did gather to courage to walk up and introduce myself to you, as you were one of the reasons I wanted to go. I really wanted to meet you. U think you are one of those people that I would love to sit down with a hot cup of tea and just really get to know. That is the time of person that I’ve “read” you to be in your blog. Thank you for sharing, for being as real as you can be and for continuing to be such a godly example.
Amy says
When I ran into you that day, I was so stressed from trying to figure out where I was speaking and what I needed in order to be ready for that. lol I would have loved to have had more time to talk with you because I actually left there sorry we hadn’t connected at a better time. Please forgive me. Ty and I have talked about how I’m so not good at small talk, so when people come up to me I’m just not sure what to say because a comfy chair and a cup of coffee and a one-on-one deep conversation are more my speed. Not exactly conference fare. 😉 We need to try to meet up again…I’ll bring the coffee/tea!
Samantha says
There is nothing to apologize about. Honestly I’m very nervous when meeting people for the first time, especially people I really want to like me. I’m afraid of saying something stupid. The Convention was loud and with my hearing problems it gives me sensory overload. I really didn’t mean it as a criticism, but just an explanation of a different perception. I would love to sit and chat with you some time. When we have free time. 😀
Amy says
Any chance you’ll be back next year? If so, we’ll just set a time to meet up! I actually sat and had breakfast/coffee w/ another reader while I was there and that was so much more relaxing. 🙂
Jeni says
Personally, I never assume anyone is perfect so no worries from my direction. I’ll never understand why anyone things anyone has it all together. We’re all human. Alas that doesn’t entirely curb my jealousy sometimes, but that’s a whole ‘nother story. 😉
Enjoyed the honesty! 🙂 Keep on keeping on.
<3 jeni
Jeni says
Speaking of imperfection–think not thing. Lol.
And also, I tend to have a horrible time expressing thoughts aloud–so I should probably quit blogging altogether lest I ever pick up a fan to disappoint!!!
Amy says
🙂
Cindy says
That’s the trouble with blogging. It’s a conversation, not an end-of-life biography. You can’t be constantly rewriting yourself on the blog and also improve yourself as a person. That means that not only did something I blog about 4 years ago turn out to be something I don’t do or think anymore, but that somebody out there might decide I’m a hypocrite for not being exactly the same as I was back then. Looking back through some of my blog posts, I can see where I’ve refined my thinking, or dropped a ball that I thought I’d figured out how to keep up forever (hello, scheduling!). But I can’t go back and worry about having to warn people of ever difference, every inconsistency, or even every change of mind. Just because it’s still out in public doesn’t mean I have to defend or denounce it. That’s in the past. It might read as a new thing to random passersby, but it’s just a memory to me and the people who read it long ago. 🙂
Amy says
Yes, I like how you said it’s a conversation, not an end-of-life biography. I would hope others understand that, but unfortunately, many don’t.
Genesis says
Beautifully said. I’m surprised by the people who are getting upset with this woman for saying what didn’t work for HER. I’m also surprised that women online follow other women online. They do what they do, eat how they eat, wear what they wear, etc. I suppose that is our flesh wanting to find the perfect person to emulate. Friends, we are supposed to be following CHRIST JESUS and only Him. He is the only perfect one. Like you said, bloggers can never describe every.last.detail about their lives. Great post! Thank you for your honesty.
Amy says
You are so right. Women can learn so much from other women and truly be inspired, but we must never forget the human factor. Follow Jesus, not me. Be inspired by what I write, but never think it is the Gospel.
lisa says
Thanks.. that’s all ANY of us can too. Ask that the Lord guide our words & our thoughts , & may we always be a witness to Him …. Sometimes use words 🙂
God Bless..
Lisa
Amy says
For those of us who “use words” it’s important to never forget that our words are not always the heart of the matter and our actions speak much louder.
Katheryn @ The Healthy and Fit Homeschool Mom says
I am my own worst critic. But I also notice that other mommies are pretty critical of each other. Instead of embracing one another, we are competing with each other. You know, God in the Garden of Eden made Eve perfect, she was beautiful. We don’t know her shape or form. But she was made perfect. Satan came along and gave her a lie. Unfortunately, that lie of not being good enough, not being perfect physically is the side effect of one woman’s decision. We all need to do what we can to be healthy, but to stick with something that we are made to feel inadequate and then quit isn’t what we need to do. We need to hug each other, love on each other. Especially encourage one another no matter the season. We should also be allowed to change our ideas and minds as seasons in our lives change. Thank you for being honest, I love your blog more and more each time I visit! God bless.
Amy says
Sounds like a blog post for your blog, Katheryn. 😉
mary says
Thank you for writing this. I hate to admit that I stopped following a lot of blogs recently. There was just too much pressure to be like one of those perfect moms who seem to have it all together and somehow find time to write about how they have it all together. Sometimes I think the blogging world can do a lot more damage than good,even when you are being honest or candid. There is still the perception that you are doing better than others. I have enjoyed following your blog because it is uplifting and encouraging and you keep it focused.
Amy says
Thank you, Mary.
Pamela Leding says
I think Stacy did the right thing!! Too often I see people showing themselves to be so strong on an issue and then it appears that they have abandoned their stance. Meanwhile, others have followed their leading!! It is always better to come clean with who you are. People can always sniff you out and more importantly it clears things with God….He desires truth, not hypocrisy.
Amy says
Truth, most definitely. It is difficult to know when to say something and when to just stay quiet. I think there is time for both.
Roberta Eldridge says
You are beloved and precious to me! I love what you write and know that like me, you are saved by Grace, therefore you are not perfect, though, we TOTALLY strive to be. Not because we want to be or think we are better than anyone, but because we want to LIVE CHRIST so that others will see HIM in us and chose to accept Him as Savior and know REAL joy, love, peace, forgiveness and hope!
I love to read what you write and take the information you share in this context.
God bless your walk with Him, your family, and your blog!
Amy says
Thank you, Roberta. 🙂
Caitlin says
I am new to u. but I believe your prayers have worked I am mainly encouraged when seeing your posts!
Brooke says
I just have to say that I really enjoy your blog because you are so “real”. Not real in a complaining “my life stinks right now” sort of way like some people think real is, but in a visiting a friend sort of way. Real includes good things, bad things, struggles, and strengths. You are a real encouragement to me. You just write about what is helpful to others and what you are learning from the Lord at the moment. I never walk away feeling not good enough from your blog- just encouraged or thoughtful.
Amy says
Thank you, Brooke. 🙂
Sarah Ertzberger says
I love this, it’s so true that when blogging people only get to hear what we’re in that very second, and a lot of times when I’m blogging, I think well, we changed this but I’m nervous that they will think I’m lying but that’s what life does, it changes and we have to show that.
Amy says
I think the same things, especially when someone finds an old post of mine and leaves a comment and I have to explain how I’m not doing xyz anymore.
Christa says
Amy,
Your honesty and openess is the very reason that I have followed your blog for a few years now. You are the first one to say that we each need to do what God is leading US to do in each season of our lives. I even remember seeing in one of your posts about using disposables because life was overwhelming for you at the time. That kind of honesty is real. You aren’t trying to sell us on your way…you are trying to encourage us in our daily walk as moms and as followers of Christ and I LOVE that!
Amy says
Thank you, Christa! I think I’ve had my fair share of guilt trips and don’t want to be that for anyone else.
Naomi Marie says
Amy,
Transparency builds trust. Your willingness to be vulnerable and real before an audience is commendable!
As far as filling in the blanks, I totally hear you. I often say that if the grace of God was anything short of infinite, I’d be the first one to go. His mercy is new every morning!
We can’t be everything at the same time. Life is far too much of an adventure (even for those of us, like me, living through seemingly unglamorous or routine seasons) to allow us to always wear skirts or never go out with friends or exclusively use washable diapers. Sometimes the right thing to do is the exception, not the rule.
God, in his kindness, gives us wisdom and revelation on how to “do life”. You are being obedient in sharing these gifts of understanding and experience with others! While there is a level of outworking these things personally that is to be anticipated by others in view of your life, you ultimately never ever answer to any of us.
Isn’t it comforting to know that although we are blessed by your writing, none of our opinions hold any weight at all against the unconditional love of God? That helps me sleep a little easier at night, for sure.
Anyways, be encouraged in knowing that God DOES speak through you even though you’re not perfect. No one is, and yet…He delights in using us.
Amy says
Beautifully said, Naomi!
Blessed Homemaking says
This is a great post, Amy. I often feel the same way about blogging–are people disappointed when they know me in real life? We can never be perfect, only Jesus is. I pray He can shine brighter through us as we seek to glorify Him and not ourselves.
Melanie says
Thank you for your honesty. I see a wind of honesty going through the blog’s world recently. It’s refreshing, but in my view, it is okay too to write about what we want to achieve, what the Holy Spirit want to say through us. My husband has a french christian blog on sex addiction even if he is still struggling sometimes with the problem. Many times, the devil try to convince him that he was hypocritical and that he should destroy his blog. But God show him how he was using him to instruct, inspire and give hope to others. Many times my husband has told me that writing his blog is a way for him to let God instruct him, inspire him and give him hope. Finally, my husband is only the tool God use, it is the holy spirit that truly inspire his readers and himself. Of course, sometimes pride come in the way, and the holy spirit finish to convince my husband to change some part or erase some article, but most of the time, we believe it is the work of the holy spirit. My point is that even if you are not yet where you want to be, even if there is differences between what you write about (and still believe) and the reality of your life, I’m sure that all is for the glory of God. Probably that Paul wrote many letters in the Bible about what God inspire him to write, but he was still probably struggling in some areas to achieve him. He said himself he was not doing the good he wanted to do and he was doing the bad he didn’t want to do. So continue your good work! But it is still a good idea to talk about what is the reality, the struggles we all have. I hope I was not too long. It’s hard for me to resume my ideas in english because it is not my primary language.
Amy says
Most of what I write here is what God is showing me right now. Sometimes I publish a post and that very thing starts to crop up in my life. Blogging is a very refining process and I am thankful the Lord has allowed this in my life.
Crystal @ Serving Joyfully says
Oh, yes! This is something that weighs on me heavily sometimes as well. Because although I qualify every single thing on my blog, there are still times when things don’t go perfectly, we aren’t perfect people! And there are always going to be people just waiting to say “I told you so.” or just waiting to watch you fall on your face. But, for all of those people, there are those who are going to be inspired and encouraged by the transparency, so it’s worth it in the end for me.
Amy says
Yes! 🙂
Frances says
Life happens 🙂 There are so many variables in this life that throws our world, routines, and “norms” into a tailspin. We grapple for something to grab onto as a temporary fix to the problem. Welcome to “Humanhood” 🙂
Heather says
Exactly. Blogging makes you incredibly vulnerable, and folks need to know we are REAL PEOPLE with real issues, real messes, real children having meltdowns in the middle of the stores, who have put on five pounds due to holiday eating, and have a sinkful of dirty dishes.
And when we are vulnerable and communicate that, it allows the Lord to shine his light of love and grace and mercy through us, and to us.
Loved it and thanks for sharing. <3
~Heather from The Welcoming House Blog
Shana says
Amy,
Thank you for your transparency. I don’t subscribe to many blogs, nor do I want to follow them with every single post- but yours is one that I do want to follow with each post. I believe you are very real and that is one thing that draws me to your blog. You have a lot of wisdom and don’t mind sharing your struggles and flaws. I appreciate that. The Lord has used many of your posts to work in my own life. I will certainly be praying for you as you deal with the blogging world. I admire what you do and am very thankful you are willing to let the Lord use your talents and daily life experiences. Thank you 🙂
Amy says
Thank you, Shana. 🙂
Stephanie says
Sorry but the links at the bottom of Stacy’s post were inflammatory some seemingly written by people who had never read or used Trim Healthy Mama. As well as the fact she wasn’t following what was recommended in the book, that what I didn’t like.
Amy says
It must be my personality, but I actually found the posts at the bottom helpful and they helped me to hone even more what I thought about the program. But then again, I’m not a 100% THMer.
Tarah says
Don’t sweat it, people can twist your words when you say them in person! Everyone has their own perception of the world and once the words leave our mouth there’s not anything we can do to control how they take it no matter our intent.
priest's wife @Byzcathwife says
whoa! I hear you! my blog is very much a little snippet….and just because I sometimes do things differently than I say I do on my blog- I’m not a hypocrite (but I still have the same fears you do)
Jennifer says
Great post. Even as a friend I strive to find the balance between being real enough that people can relate to me and yet edifying and exhorting my dear friends to press into the kind of relationship with Christ that is revealed by a transformed life. The truth is we will always be judged because of the weakness of the judge, and perhaps because of the judgmental seeds we have sown. We have to keep speaking truth and offering grace, hopefully simultaneously, and trusting God to give our listeners clean filters and gracious hearts.
Stephanie says
I’ve met you IRL and you are as “real” as they come. I love you and your honesty. You are an inspiration and a blessing to many, Amy!
Amy says
Aww, thanks, Stephanie! Love you!
Barry Myers says
As Stacy’s husband, it is HARD to watch people say mean things about my wife when she literally bares her soul for readers. Today, I’ve handled the comments and emails because the 3+ hours last night of reading them took a toll. I plan to close the comments tonight and make one last note for ALL to see. As her husband, protector and friend, I know my wife (and all REAL bloggers) has a huge responsibility, and one she does not take lightly. She has a platform that literally puts her on display in front of thousands of people every day. When you are REAL, some people will watch you, simply looking for a misstep or fault. When you are REAL, you will change, grow and learn, and some will criticize you for it and call it a weakness. When you are REAL, your life won’t be perfect and yet some expect it to be. However, when you are REAL, REAL people want to be a part of the community and fellowship you build, because REAL is a rare commodity in today’s world. I cannot express how proud I am of my wife for telling the world she struggles with controlling food and obsessing about it. I cannot express how proud I am that she is willing to be open, honest and un-apologetically REAL.
Katie@SimpleFoody says
<3 !!!!
Paula says
Barry,
Your comment made me want to hug you both! What a blessing you are to Stacy right now! I applaud her for being honest and open and I applaud you for protecting her. I hope you both have a chance to unplug this weekend and know that there are still hundreds of her fans silently clapping.
MaryEllen@ImperfectHomemaker says
And there are so many of us who so appreciate her realness! And we thank you, her husband, for backing her up and supporting her!
Crystal @ WisdomSeekingMommy.com says
Blogging is scary for exactly this reason. Communication of facts and ideas is only half the battle – we have no control over what others think they read or hear. And often what they remember is their impressions, not the actual words. I too try to be very candid. I’m pretty much the same way in real life, but putting it in writing and not even knowing who is reading it or when – it is scary. And a responsibility we must take to God in prayer constantly.
Heather Anderson says
It is a good reminder for all of us to not put people in a box, or even worse, on a pedestal. While bloggers need to remember to not represent themselves as something they are not, readers must remember that behind every blog is a real person with strengths and weaknesses and in a process of growth just like everyone else. I appreciate that you are real and always enjoy my visits to Raising Arrows.
Danielle @ More Than Four Walls says
Amen.
Some bloggers put on a mask and their lives seem perfect to the reader. I feel this does no justice for the blogger, the reader and more importantly, the Lord. Yet others choose to be honest and transparent and openly admit the likes, dislikes, convictions and shortcomings thereof….and that is a big risk sometimes.
Hillary E. says
Now this is why I love you “my” bloggers 🙂 I LOVE to get a glimpse of the real you. It makes me feel so much better to see that I’m not the only one whose life changes constantly or who decides something that I once thought was fantastic isn’t as great anymore. I thought about Stacy all day yesterday and prayed for her. How difficult that post must have been! I was so saddened to see all the negative comments that she took for that. I kept wishing I actually knew her so I could go and hug her, lol. Thank you for your post today! I hope you will all continue to keep it real.
Katie@SimpleFoody says
So true! As a food blogger people tend to think I eat perfectly when in fact I do indulge on occasion…okay, more than just ‘occasionally’. It’s a balancing act to be truthful, yet still provide good content. People don’t come to my site to read that I eat m&m’s they come for real food recipes that lack processed ingredients. Yet sometimes it’s good to be ‘real’ so they can see who really is behind the scenes, and no we aren’t perfect.
Ashley says
The other day I was reading a post by another mom blogger and she said it perfectly. You’ll only ever see a sliver of reality on blogs. You see the foot or two of clean counter space where the picture was taken. I’ve thought about starting a blog so many times I can’t count and after I read that post it hit me, I’m not perfect and thats okay. There might only be a foot of counter space clean, just large enough to take a picture and thats okay because real life goes on every other minute of every other day. Thank you for being real and I can’t wait to finally get mine up and going. 🙂
Monique says
Believer’s often don’t allow for growth.
Or differentiate between the non-essential and the gospel (essential)
They often judge another Man’s servant.
And they like to shoot their wounded.
But not all
some are learning grace. and love.
and some will stumble and judge,
but then ask forgiveness and repent.
and then it’s time for the other one to give grace.
Because we’ve all been given so much of it
and we don’t deserve it.
Sadie says
Jillian I cannot agree with you more. Some people forget this blogging thing is only a birds eye view of who you are. It’s not by any means the full spectrum . You blog is a medium for sharing and bringing glory to The Lord by providing support ,
encouragement through the candidness of your own life .
I for one will raise my cup and rejoice in the blessing of your blog
Sadie says
AmyI cannot agree with you more. Some people forget this blogging thing is only a birds eye view of who you are. It’s not by any means the full spectrum . You blog is a medium for sharing and bringing glory to The Lord by providing support ,
encouragement through the candidness of your own life .
I for one will raise my cup and rejoice in the blessing of your blog
Laura says
WOW, what a real post! Funny thing is I have a post in draft form entitled Eating Crow, for all the same things you mentioned in your above post. I want to be an encourager, real, and free …free to write and be me, without the worry of what others are thinking. Truly what we all should be doing is seeking to just please Christ, in real life and the world of blog. As always love your blog and post, thanks for helping me to in an area I had no idea others where feeling the same way.
Blessings~
Laura
Sonja @ practical-stewardship.com says
Thanks for being real! As bloggers we can recommend things that we do 99% of the time, but there are times when we do the 1% and are wondering, will someone see me? The most important thing is to remember that God knows our hearts and intentions, and we shouldn’t have the fear of men. So easy to say and hard to do! God bless your family! You are being used in a mighty way!
Jamie says
Well said, Amy! This bloggy thing IS scary at times. Ministering in the internet fishbowl requires thick skin. It’s easy for a reader to think he/she “knows” us simply because they have read black and white snippets of our lives. But, at the same time, what a blessing blogging can be…a chance to go into all the world…to minister to the uttermost without ever leaving the couch! Blogging…it’s a mixed bag.
Please know that while your candidness might “offend” some, it encourages so many others. The Deceiver would like nothing else than to end a thriving ministry with a few hurtful words. Keep on sharing TRUTH!
BTW…I agree with Aadel, you look great. I saw you on Lauren’s Google Hangout and thought that you looked so nice. I hope you can continue to be on her panel as you are able. You always share so many nuggets of wisdom!
Amy says
Thank you, Jamie! And I have had such a blast being on Lauren’s panel! So glad she started doing this!