This little plaque sits on a pedestal near my computer desk where I see it when I sit down to write nearly every morning. Since I began blogging in January of 2011, I have been asked many times, “why blog?” Sometimes people seem shocked that anyone would want to do such a thing – as if it is a complete waste of my time – especially when I have so few followers. “What does it matter in the grand scheme of things?” they seem to imply. The answers are easy to reveal.
1. I blog because I love to write. It is the way I have always processed my feelings and recorded my memories. I have tried scrapbooking and journaling but neither one has ever captured my soul on its pages the way I feel my blogging has. It doesn’t matter how many followers I have. My husband and family members who read my writing regularly have made every letter typed more valuable to our collective family history.
2. I have been reading blogs for years and I can say honestly that other mothers’ stories have changed the direction of my mothering life. These women have shared their post-partum depression, their anxieties, their decisions about whether or not to homeschool, their meal-planning tips and most influential of all, their deep and rich Catholic traditions and faith.
These are simply not cocktail party conversations. It is nearly impossible to cover such meaningful topics with other moms while watching children at the park. Blogs, I discovered, could be read while my babies napped, and their shared stories filled me with encouragement and helped me feel less alone.
3. When I saw the saying, Your story matters (tell it), its meaning resonated deep within me. By blogging my own story, however small and insignificant, I feel like I am reflecting a fundamental belief of the Catholic church: We all matter. Not more than anyone else, but neither less than anyone else. Each of us has a unique and worthwhile story to tell. A story no one else can tell for us. Whether you tell it on the phone to a friend or in a blog post to whomever might stumble across your words, your story matters and you can never imagine how your willingness to share it can affect the direction of someone else’s day.
4. While not everyone is called to blog, we are each called to witness our faith to those around us. I was so inspired by Pope Benedict XVI’s message entitled, “Truth, Proclamation and Authenticity of Life in the Digital Age” because he invites us to proclaim the good news through digital media. He states,
“If used wisely, they can contribute to the satisfaction of the desire for meaning, truth and unity which remain the most profound aspirations of each human being.”
This exhortation from our own Holy Father encourages me to continue tell my story, to share my faith, and to be a small point of light in the galaxy of social media. Have you considered how you might share your own light? Because, you see, your story matters, too.
Misty shares her own story along with her photos and her favorite recipes at her blog mistysmornings.blogspot.com.
This is excellent and succinctly written. Perhaps I like it so much because it mirrors my reasons for blogging. (wink)
Thank you. I will be sharing this widely.
Misty’s whole “why blog” post really resonated with me. Thanks for sharing…and expressing what many others of us are thinking!
I have really come to appreciate others “wearing their Faith on their blog”. I really see blogging as a venue to express our Faith and encourage others to witness to theirs as well.
I have just created a special award that I hope to encourage and build up the network of Faith centered blogs. I’m just not very good at getting the word out, but I would be delighted if people took my “I blog Jesus badge” and awarded others with it, encouraging us all to witness to our Faith.
Here is it: http://www.equippingcatholicfamilies.com/2011/10/new-christian-blog-badge.html
Thank you, Misty! You hit the nail on the head:) I loved this because I an relate as you echo my sentiments perfectly. I think you read the minds and hearts of many bloggers. God Bless you!
Hello my friend. How lovely, and a perfect way to start the day. Believe it or not, you have been my personal cheerleader and inspiration-giver from the time I first hit publish. Thank you, once again, for continuing to be there and for sharing your heart. It is so nice to be encouraged, and in my world, your light shines brightly.
This says it perfectly…because I want a record. And reading other mothers has helped me tremendously. Blessings!
Thank you all for the kind comments and the sharing of this post. It is wonderful to know that I am not alone in my reasons for blogging and that so many of you are spreading your light through new media!
Blessings,
Misty
My thoughts are very similar to yours. I had an msn group for seven years, and now my blog for three years. I can’t tell you the times I’ve had this ‘conversation’ in my head about blogging (or having the group)…why? Does anyone really care? What’s the point?..or like I say to myself at times..bla bla bla bla..lol. the Lord keeps reminding me though..”Angela, people are reading. They may not comment but they are reading. They are being touched. ”
I truly believe that the Lord leads us to certain blogs/ people through the internet. What we share, “Your story matters (tell it),” DOES have an impact. We may never know how much, and other times the Lord will lead someone to email us, or leave a comment to let us know..’I was in a hard place and what you wrote really touched me and helped me.’ “I always thought I was the only one that fel like this and after reading your post, I realized I’m not alone”…Totally God’s doing….we are just His precious vessels…guiding us, to share His love, display His power and His glory to the world. Blessings dear sister of the faith!
Word gets around…
Blogs get around…
Proof positive? Thanks to Allison’s Blog and FB Page, I found Your Blog!
And I must thank both You and Her…
As with all the above comments, your words resonate deeply within me as well.
We All Matter! Our Experiences Matter. If to no one else, they do to Our God ♥
I have found, as beautifully reflected upon above and in your post, that knowing I am not alone in my Challenges, in my Trials, in my Faith, in my Joys, that I am not alone, Period, brings such solace and comfort.
Thank you for sharing. Thank you for saying, er, writing, what we are all thinking!
God Love You ♥
Narda recently posted..A Failed Attempt to Instill Fear
Our story is important and it matters. Love it!