One of the greatest dangers of the blogging world is the temptation to compare ourselves to other women. Although I think all women compare themselves to others to some degree, I think it can be an especially insidious problem for Christians.

Not only are we supposed to look good, have a fabulously decorated home, and raise beautiful children, but as Christians we need to be godly, holy women who manage our homes perfectly, educate our children perfectly, serve God in our churches perfectly, and do a million other things perfectly.

I am very careful about the blogs I read. I’ve learned over time that I have to be discerning. There are too many blogs out there that are fabulous and provide ample fodder for Satan to divert my attention from my calling and unique life situation.

I stopped reading almost all blogs written by women who have large families. Some of the ones I enjoyed reading in the past are written by wonderful women. But the constant theme of large families is not edifying to me. I read very few crafty blogs. The last thing I need is more craft ideas. I don’t need craft ideas. I need time to do the crafts I already have and enjoy doing. I don’t read anything cooking related. I’ve got plenty of recipes here in my home to try already. I don’t read the blogs of women who have all the theological answers. God has the answers and I need to ask Him. I avoid blogs that reduce homemaking down to formulas and lists for success. I’ve got plenty of those books around here already.

Most of my favorite blogs are written by women who write about their faith journey and the questions they have. I like those blogs because they remind me I’m not alone in my journey and that others struggle as they try to understand how to love the Lord their God with all their heart, mind, and soul. I like reading women who are willing to share their struggles and their thinking with the world because I think I can safely assume that they are real women, real sisters in Christ who hunger and thirst for more.

It is my hope and prayer that no woman will ever come to my blog and leave demoralized. I hope no woman will ever read here and think I have it all together or that I have all the answers. Instead, I hope women will come here and be challenged to a new way to think about something, a new idea to take to the Lord in prayer, or a fresh realization of who they are in Christ.

I felt compelled this evening to write this and encourage others to consider where they spend their time online. I think blogs can be a tremendous blessing. But I also want to encourage those who might have an unhealthy or even sick addiction to blogs that leave them feeling demoralized. Walk away from them. If a blog leaves you feeling like you can never measure up, don’t go there. Whether it is crafts, cooking, homeschooling, frugality… If you go places that drag you down, please stop.

Find the places that truly bless you and point you to Christ in whatever way that is meaningful to you. Let the rest of them go. Go to the places that edify and draw you closer to your family and your God. Be wise and avoid giving Satan a foothold in this area of your life.