Often when praying for God’s direction, He talked to me about community. Then He showed me how I can thrive in community and all the wonderful benefits.
Do you struggle with blogger contentment? I certainly do!
One morning I woke at 5:00 a.m. and my heart and mind went straight into how to make my blog better, diving into the joys of creativity. Now for some, this is no big deal. But for me, I was making my blog into an idol. Again.
Before fully giving my life to Christ, I walked in rebellion against God, always pitting my way against His. Since I ended my prodigal life, my walk with God is one of surrender, dotted with momentous yielding to His will over mine. I’ve learned His way really is the best way.
So when His conviction pierced my heart at 5:15 in the early morning, I knew He was hooking me with His staff and saying, “No, not that way. THIS way!”
And that’s when God gave me a perspective shift in contentment.
It’s the mindset that no matter how low or high my numbers are as a blogger, I can learn to be content.
Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. Philippians 4:11-12 ESV
The Benefits of Community
Years ago when I had a different blog, I treated blogging—and community—differently than I do now. I kept to myself and the thought of even guest writing for another site terrified me. I watched God doing amazing deeds though other bloggers as they walked out their call to write and blog.
In awe of it all I thought, There’s no way I could or WOULD do anything like that!
Then after a three-year season of pruning, God led me back to blogging. Often when praying for His direction, He talked to me about community.
He had plans that I didn’t readily embrace!
But He’s been teaching me that when I am in community, I:
- am in an “accepted” place
- benefit from iron sharpening iron
- have accountability
- see the value of others
The thing is, God’s people too often chase fame instead of community.
Fame is people worshiping you for who they want you to be, but not who you really are. And fame is often a trap that leads to disappointing both the performer and the audience. —Jeff Goins
There’s another convicting truth about fame. God shows me that blogger drive for fame means I’m pursuing my glory in place of His.
Ouch, that’s not easy to admit.
But His kindness leads me to repentance, and when I surrender, He allows me to see His perspective. And it’s bigger than the myopic view I held to for so long.
Your Value in Community
God called me near and shared His heart. He wants women like you to be a voice for His glory.
May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. Romans 15:5-7 ESV
In order for that to be a reality, we need to keep our blog as an offering for God’s glory, and not allow comparison to divide us. This is where like-minded friends enter the picture.
God wants women like you to #BeAVoice for His glory.I obeyed God to open the Blogger Voices Network, and I’m inviting women Christian faith bloggers like you into community with me.
The vision of the Blogger Voices Network is two-pronged. The first is that we would “together with one voice glorify God.” The second is the networking that you will see in action in the days to come.
SO blessed by your words, Kelly. I love the four benefits of community you share here. This topic is so dear to my heart for all the ways I have failed to see the importance of it, and God seems to take what I am worst at and insists on making something beautiful from it. He is amazing. Love you friend!
Thank you, friend. I love that about God. Much love! 🙂
I have a hard time diving into the community with both feet , but having met like minded friends especially you has helped me .
Praying for thiis calling and for BVN to thrive and create a beautiful community
Oh friend, you have a beautiful heart and so much to offer others! So very glad to have connected with you. And thank you for those prayers for BVN. 🙂
Love everything about his read…from God’s plans for your blog, to not making it an idol, to community. God has been working on me with these EXACT things. True confirmation. Looking forward to see how your community unfolds.
*this
I’m glad to hear it’s resonating, Brittany, and I hope you’ll pray about joining! 🙂
This is a wonderful post, Kelly. I can SO relate. When I first started to seriously pursue writing, I decided not to tell anyone and to just do it quietly! As time goes on, I find that it’s so important to build community as a writer and connect with other women. Your post was spot on for me right now, and I’m all in! What a great group of women you have gathered! I look forward to connecting more!
Wonderful, Stacey! I’m thrilled you joined! 🙂
Yes and amen!! It truly goes back to writing for One rather than fretting about what we need to do and the numbers of those who read it. Community – YES! Christ modeled community for us. It’s where we thrive! It’s where Iron sharpens iron! 😉
Right, no fretting! When it’s for God and our heart is in the right place, it’s a true joy to serve!
Love the help you’re offering…I need it!
Last night in prayer I told God I need this so much. He’s answering what we need. God is moving among us, and I’m so happy you’re in, Debbie!
Community has been one of the joyful surprises in this blogging life!
Thanks for making this opportunity available–I’ll be praying about it.
Yes, true! I think when we connect more with the Body of Christ as a whole we feel more of a completeness. The door is always open for you, Michele!
I know this will be such a help to so many who need the support of other bloggers, Kelly! Can’t wait to read Meghan’s words next!
Always great to see you here! Thanks for joining us on the hop, friend. 🙂
So excited about this new venture. Community is essential for writers. Sharing this widely, Kelly!
Indeed it is, for all the reasons you mentioned in your last post. Thank you so much, friend! 🙂
This sounds like a great opportunity, Kelly! I’ll have to check it out in more detail. I have been so encouraged by the community I’ve found through blogging.
We’d love to have you, Lesley! Please do when you get a chance. I know we’ve all been busy with GDPR compliance. 😉
Love this so much. God created us to be relational. First with Him and then with each other. When we neglect that part of our life we are denying who He created us to be. And love the idea of the network! I’m signed up. laurensparks.net
Awesome, Lauren! So glad you did! 🙂
What a wonderful idea. I hope the opportunity to join later will still be there. I am getting ready to take a little break from blogging. One of the unexpected things of blogging for me has been a community. I love meeting fellow bloggers and developing friendships.
Thank you for sharing with Grace & Truth Christian Link-Up
Great to see you here, Maree! I might close applications on the Network for awhile and then open it back up later. So there will be chances either way. Enjoy your break! Sounds lovely! 😉
Hi Kelly, I’m excited for you and the community God has put on your heart. I’m spreading the word in my post on friendship and community (https://sunsparkleshine.com/why-is-friendship-important/) and I pray every little bit blesses you! I can’t wait to see what God has in store.
Thank you so much for sharing! Every little bit helps, especially since my computer is broken at the moment!