Blogging is such a unique writing platform, especially for journalists.
Most of the time, we are assigned a topic or news story, and then we do our research, interview all parties involved, and write the facts. We’re supposed to showcase our writing styles without inserting our take on topics. But personality without opinion can be a very tricky assignment.
That’s why most journalists love blogging. We are free to share our feelings and opinions on topics that interest us. It’s total freedom for a writer. Plus, it’s also a chance for readers to get to know us better.
But blogging is a two-edged sword. When we reveal ourselves through our words, readers have the same freedom to react and respond – positively or negatively.
When I started blogging for AFA, it was not a new endeavor. I previously blogged each day in shorter form for my fellow teachers and then shared my work with family and friends outside of school. But my words reached a small audience of people who knew me well. They rarely gave me too much grief over my opinions on my chosen topics.
Likewise, here at The Stand, we are free to choose our topics as long as they fit into the categories of faith, family, or culture. (Honestly, what topic does not fit into one of those categories?) Of course, as Christian writers, our words should reflect our beliefs and bring honor to our Savior.
Beyond these prerequisites, we are free to write as we want – even in the first or second person. For writers, that particular pronoun freedom is like Christmas morning every day.
As I said before, the best part of blogging is connecting with readers when we share our work on social media sites. Again, this can be a great experience, but it can also be a difficult one. One negative comment on a blog that we worked so hard on can be devastating. But it also keeps us humble and our precious little egos little.
I have learned through the years to read those comments (not the ones from liberal trolls who are assigned and often paid to be repeatedly hateful and divisive) and learn from them. The Bible tells us that iron sharpens iron. Valid criticism can help me grow as a writer and follower of Christ.
I have even grown to love and value these dissenting comments. I pray over them and research their substance in the Bible to hone my writing skills – and clean my heart. So I can honestly say these kinds of negative comments do not bother me at all.
But there is one thing I dread when I start reading the comments on my blog. (Again, it is not comments from trolls.) The one thing that drives me insane is when people comment, but they obviously have not read my blog or only read the first portion.
Often, a reader will dispute my topic in a comment. Nine times out of ten, I addressed this complaint in my blog, but they did not read it.
Or sometimes, a person will assume from my title or topic what my opinion is, and they comment accordingly. But since they never read my words, they don’t realize my blog is the opposite of their assumption.
I have even had readers quote a very relevant and timely verse about my topic. If only they had read my blog, they would have seen that exact verse in my blog.
Amazingly, I have also had people complain in their comments and then proceed to write, point for point, what I wrote – in my blog that they never read at all.
It is maddening. I want to scream, “Please just read it before you comment. Please!”
If only we had some app or emoji to stamp those comments from readers who did not read – maybe the exasperated emoji, the one pulling his hair out, or perhaps a big, red-lettered, “READ IT!” sign.
I appreciate it when other readers reply to those comments and gently say, “Go back and read it; it’s in there.” Or sometimes, the rebuke is not so gentle: “DUH, how about reading it first before commenting?”
I know these comments should not bug me so much. But they do. So much so that I began praying about my attitude, and the Lord graciously but bluntly reminded me that I am the same way sometimes about His Words.
If the truth be told, He could scream at me numerous times each hour, “Why won’t you read my Word before commenting?” He could also justifiably plaster a “READ IT!” sign across my mouth. Yep, too many times in my life, I offered my opinion or thoughts on a topic before I took the time to search out scriptures on the matter or even pray about it.
And sadly, I forget that the issues I am blabbing about involve His beloved children. Too often, I take the easy road around those issues and His children by using trite little church-lady responses like, “If it be God’s will,” or “Just pray about it,” or “Give it to God,” and even my quick reply of “Sure, I will pray for your sister (or whomever).” And though I do pray for them, their needs often take a backseat to my own.
Wow! Talk about conviction over my sins. As I contemplated my times of commenting without reading, praying, or seeking His opinion, the reality of my hypocrisy came back to roost with me – through my grown kids, all of whom serve the Lord.
I quickly thought of how often I offer my unsolicited opinion (albeit scripturally based) on things they face in life. When the truth is, I am clueless about what God is doing in their hearts and lives in situations that will affect generations to come.
I forget that God already wrote the story of their lives. He already wrote the story of your life too, and mine. So, God doesn’t need me commenting on aspects of a story I have only partially read. He alone knows the beginning from the end – for each of us. My words pale in comparison to those of the Alpha and Omega, the Author and Finisher of our stories.
So…I wrote all this to say, “Forgive me, dear Readers. I spoke before I knew your whole story.”
