Warning: Some will consider this one of those navel-gazing posts that bloggers are supposed to avoid. Oh well. It’s what’s on my mind. And some might think this sounds whiny or something. There’s no whine behind any of this. Just some thinking and sorting.
I just went back and visited my original blog when it was Two Talent Living. It doesn’t look quite right because all of the pictures were removed when the blog moved to its own domain (www.TwoTalentLiving.com) which it was before it became A Gracious Home. But the content is there. I went back to remember why I started blogging.
I started blogging because I had something to say. Mostly I wanted to encourage other people and have a place to post little things like quotes and recipes and stuff. I hoped a few people would read it but that was about it.
The first time blogging completely changed for me was when I did the Blogs of Beauty Awards in 2005. It was around the holidays and the amount of participation it garnered far exceeded anything I would have even imagined. It also brought out all kinds of people who wanted to tell me what to do and why I was doing things wrong, etc. There was theological controversy. I think that was also when I picked up one of my long-term trolls. It was both very rewarding and very stressful.
The second time I did the Blogs of Beauty Awards (2006) blogging changed for me again. I had the experience of being shunned by some of the winners who would not even mention the awards on their blogs because of my unwillingness to agree with them on certain theological topics. Other winners never posted their awards and I don’t know why. I’m not sure if they didn’t want to toot their own horns or they didn’t want to link to my blog for some reason. It was very disappointing to me that this happened. I could care less about the “publicity” of the winners linking to me, but if you could read the nomination letters that come in and how excited these women are to honor their favorite bloggers, you would understand what I mean. I also experienced more theological controversy and that was draining again.
The next time was the discussion about PayPerPost. And then the whole coupon discussion. Each one has taken something away from the blogging experience for me.
And then there is the thought of having a little girl to protect. It was one thing to blog about her when I was pregnant. It is another thing to publicly expose her to whoever comes to my blog.
And then there are the trolls. I have several that I know of. Apparently some people don’t have anything better to do than make up email accounts at the free services and try to pass themselves off as different people. Some of these even do it while at work. I know because I can see where their mail is coming from and some of them are using their internet connections at work to do this. That’s really dumb, but they keep doing it. I know because I keep screen shots of their visits just in case they come in handy someday.
I’m pretty much a what you see is what you get type person. And more and more I’m realizing that although that may work fairly well in living that way in real life, I’m not comfortable living that way online.
So that brings me to the issue of transparency online. How much do you reveal about yourself? How many of your deepest thoughts to you put out there for anyone to read? How much of your family life do you share?
I wrote one post about the first year of parenting and the lack of support we felt. It brought some good discussion and I’m glad. There were a few other posts that I planned on writing about the first year of parenting, but every time I think about being that vulnerable I have a check in my spirit. Will people think I’m whining? Will people look down at me for being honest about things? I think ever since the PayPerPost discussion I have become more and more reticent to share a lot about my personal life. After the coupon post I’ve become more reluctant to share my thoughts on topics that I know are going to be a lightning rod for some people because I am daring to speak out and say what I don’t like about something.
It’s too bad that bloggers have to make choices about what to share and what not to out of safety issues, whether it is physical, emotional or social safety. It’s disappointing to think of not discussing deeper issues or raising the occasional hot topic because I do think that people should be able to talk about these things in a productive manner. But I’ve really come to question whether it is worth the risk in terms of time, energy and emotion.
So when I said I was thinking about the direction to head with AGH, those are some of the things I’ve been thinking about. I’ve made the choice all along in my blogging to not operate out of fear, but I’m rethinking that. Although maybe it isn’t so much that it is about fear as much as it is about being a good steward of what is entrusted to me. That includes my time, my daughter, my gifts, etc.
So that’s what I’m thinking about. I don’t have a tidy conclusion to this. Those are just my thoughts that I’ve been mulling over recently.
Do You Take Your Own Bible To Church?
I have thought about a number of these issues, too. Especially lately. When I began blogging, I knew that there were some saftey issues associated with the internet, so my husband and I decided that I shouldn’t use the children’s full names (we use initials instead) or post photos of them. If I could go back and start again, I would make up a cute fake internet name for myself and my husband (maybe we’d just go by Mr. and Mrs. Afterthoughts and the children could be our Baby Thoughts).
I am sorry you have trolls. I don’t have any that I know of, which I am sure means blogging is easier on me than you! I must admit that I don’t understand why people insist on reading the blogs of people they don’t like. It just seems like there are better things to do with time.
Reminds me of a verse–Eph. 5:16 “redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”
But anyhow…You seem to be a writer at heart. I am, too. So my hope and prayer for you is that you are able to get back to a place where you can again relish your craft without fear.
Don’t you wish we liked something safer, like knitting? 🙂
I’m sorry about the trolls too. I don’t get it either, don’t they have better things to do?
One of the (many) things I admire about you and David and this blog is that you are willing to take stands on controversial subjects. I often agree with your position, but there have been some occasions where I haven’t, but that’s how it is in real life with people. I don’t want to agree with my friends on everything- that would be weird.
The term “like minded people” has seemingly made a comeback recently. That’s a hard one for me. I like to be with people that have the same values as me, but that doesn’t mean they have to have the same opinions as me.
Basically what I’m trying to say is, I’ve always appreciated this blog for it’s independent, well thought out writing and I sincerely hope that you keep at it.
I can really understand what you’re saying, and the fact is, I don’t have a blog and don’t really intend to in the foreseeable future — mostly because of my own desire for privacy, I guess — but I still love to read what you say.
I don’t always agree with you (though I often do), but I have found it refreshing to read your honest, thoughtful opinions. 🙂
And yet, I REALLY understand, because just saying that I’m a mama of 8 makes me feel exposed. 🙂
Susan
Katie wrote: “I’ve always appreciated this blog for it’s independent, well thought out writing and I sincerely hope that you keep at it.” I would like to echo those thoughts! I so enjoy reading your blog for the way you question things and hold up spiritual discernment to many topics and issues. I have especially so appreciared reading your posts on being single and childless — amidst all the “wife and mother are the highest callings of a woman” type blogs. And that post on there being no cookie-cutter type blueprints for Christians was excellent.
I applaud you and encourage you for your willingness to be honest and stand up for biblical truth. You are quite a discerning thinker I believer! Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us.
I do, however, understand why you would want to be less frank about your life and opinions on your blog. I guess it’s something you’ll have to think and pray about. Personally, I think we need more bloggers like you!
Whatever you decide we will support you. God bless you Sallie! Again, thank you for everything you’ve contributed to the blogsphere 🙂
Emily
Dear Sallie,
Back in the day of contests and such, I had to make a decision. I regret now not saying as much, as it wasn’t intended to hurt or unacknowledge anyone.
The problem, as I saw it at the time, was that the contests were somewhat unfair in my own favor. When they were going on, I was blogging regularly and receiving about 3,000+ daily hits. Were I to mention it, I figured I might win a category that I didn’t necessarily deserve to win just for popularity and not for merit. I didn’t think it was the right (or humble) thing to do, when there were so many other lovely ladies whose blogs deserved the category over my own. It was never a snub, just a position I agreed to take at the time.
I do not think you had me in mind (as I know we have no bones between us), but I just thought I`d take a minute to mention it just the same.
Oh, we’re supposed to avoid “naval-gazing”? Why didn’t anyone tell me!?
I am careful not to reveal too much personal information, as I am in a relatively small town (working for a ministry, no less) and a couple of people locally have found me online. However…I have no children at home to protect, and my husband can take care of himself. 🙂 So that makes it a bit easier.
My personal rule…if I don’t want the pastor’s wife to read it…it doesn’t get posted!
Dear Sallie,
I have always appreciated both your openness about your faith and your frankness to stake out opinions with which others might disagree. But I now perceive that some readers may have expressed their opposing view in a non-constructive manner, and if I have been such a reader I express my heartfelt apology. I never meant to take advantage of your hospitality. I greatly respect you and wish you all the best in the future.
Hi Sallie-
I have commented on your blog many times, some of those times I was agreeing with you and sometimes not. I have always enjoyed your blog posts whether or not I agree with you. The coupon post allowed me the opportunity to think deeply about an issue I hadn’t before.
I think you should be completely honest and not worry about others. You can always post something and not allow people to comment on it. After all, this is a blog, a place for you to share YOUR opinions.
As for Caroline, she is still so small… and I’m not sure what you mean about protecting her. Are you talking about the safety issues in having her pictures on the internet or are you refering to her having a mommy discuss issues that others might not agree with. I think it would be awesome for her to grow up watching her momma stand her grand, and hold fast to her convictions while others may publically disagree with her. What an awesome opportunity for her to learn from you!
So, that’s what I think. But, I come to your blog to read about what YOU think and I hope you’ll keep writing your genuine thoughts…just turn off the comment option if you don’t want feedback.
Lacey
Thanks, ladies. And for the record… I don’t want all of my readers to agree with me. I do prefer that they disagree kindly and for the most part that is the case. People disagreeing with me doesn’t bother me all that much. It is more about how the disagreeing takes place and develops that I find challenging. But if I post something potentially explosive and I get burned, I have no one to blame but myself since I knew going in that would be the case. I’m just starting to think that maybe the benefits of sharing and hosting the conversation might not outweigh the cost of getting burned and/or having people dislike me afterwards.
Diedre – I don’t remember you ever saying anything that offended me or hurt me so don’t give it a second thought.
Amy – Shouldn’t you be off having that baby instead of reading blogs? 😉 That said, I completely understand what you are saying.
Lacey – Regarding the issues with Caroline… It has more to do with all the crazies and p*rve*ts out there than anything else. I’ve read enough about this stuff to make me honestly more than a little apprehensive. But I hate living my life in fear and so I haven’t made any changes as of yet. And part of it has to do with sharing my personal life with people who I don’t know and don’t necessarily have my best interest in mind. If you could read some of the trolling stuff I’ve deleted on the moderation panel, you would understand better. If I could just allow people to read who genuinely care about me and my family on some level, it would be great. Even if they aren’t people I’ve ever met. But knowing that I’m sharing my heart with jerks and weenies (sorry, that’s what I call them) is something different altogether.
Hi Sallie-
I know what you mean about protecting your children from scary people in our sinful world. Because we are a military family, we keep in touch with our extended family by e-mailing them pictures of our daughter. I always wonder whose hands those pictures might end up in by the simple click of a button. I would encourage you to pray about it, as I know you already do. We decided that we also would not live in fear and have our families miss out on watching our daughter grow because of possible dangers. I realize that this is a little different than your situation.
I love hearing about Caroline and seeing pictures of Caroline. I enjoy hearing about you and your family. But, I respect that you are concerned. I pray that God will bless you with wisdom and peace concerning this.
Blessings,
Lacey
I only have a handful of regular readers so it’s not as if I have thousands of potential stalkers reading, but when my DH asked me how I would like it if my posts were hanging up at the local Tom Thumb, I promptly went through my blog and took out all of my boy’s pictures and replaced his real name with a nickname.
It is easier to be more transparent the more anonymous that you are, I suppose. When you open yourself up to the ‘net, you can’t wear your heart on your sleeve. You may have many many readers who agree with you, but because they aren’t so opinionated, you’ll never hear from them. This type of forum thrives on us who love to share what we think – and want to make others think the same way too.
I finally decided that my blog was my blog – my hobby. I post what I find interesting and don’t have the stress of trying pleasing others (though I hope they are). Not having an audience in mind is freeing (and probably accounts to why I only have a handful of readers 🙂
btw – how did I miss the “coupon post?” Off to search your site for it so I can join in the melee…
Well I wasn’t around in the beginning so I have no idea what theological issues you’re talking about.
BUT- here is some of what I’ve come to. I do share about my kids- but in very limited amounts. I went through a time of not saying their names- now I say them. I’m careful about what I share– sometimes it is something silly one of them said- but part of that is because I sometimes feel like the content of my blog can make my readers think I’m not a real mom. I try to use fun or everyday stories/pictures to occasionally “prove” (in a way) that we don’t just sit around and talk about American Christian culture all day long, but that we have a Christian home with normal, everyday moments just like anyone else.
As for controversies and opinions… there are some things that I choose to highlight and feature that I don’t actually take a public stance on. Some people that come to may blog sometimes make comments as though I’ve taken hard stances on certain issues (birth control comes to mind), when in reality up until a few weeks ago, I hadn’t put out any of my personal convictions about that. Even still, I haven’t revealed what our own convictions are- but I have shared the questions and issues that we considered in coming to the place that we are right now.
I guess what I’m saying is that I don’t completely avoid controversy, by any means, but then I also don’t intentionally start fights either. 🙂 Particularly, Sallie, for the issues closest to my heart. I’ve never really systematically thought about it, but it’s something I have intentionally chosen not to do: not to share my personal feelings on things that are particularly sensitive or close to my heart. For example, I’m not going to spend time asking people what they think about interracial adoption or parents with bio kids who adopt as well… because I don’t really want or need other people’s opinions about that. I know that we would like to possibly do those things, so I really don’t want my feelings to enter into a discussion like that.
I MIGHT bring something like that up for discussion, but would bring it in a neutral way so that it wasn’t entirely CLEAR what my view on the thing was. Anyway, all that to say- interesting questions- no easy answers.
I, too, find my spirits and affection for blogging diminishing when a troll comes round or when there’s a discussion that seems to trounce on my views. It’s hard putting yourself out there for anyone to criticize or debunk.
Blogging definitely teaches things… not only to the readers, but to the writers as well.
~Jess @ Making Home
Thoughts on some of what you say: On the question of controversy, as a practical issues, I think you can’t have it both ways, and with due respect, while you often write that you wish to avoid controversy, the things you post don’t always live up to that ideal. If you want to avoid controversy, then you have to avoid writing about controversial topics in an opinionated tone. (This is what Mrs Wilt does, for example. I don’t for a second think that she isn’t opinionated about various things, but she keeps most of those topics off the blog–you’ll notice she never followed up on her suggestion that she was going to write more about the true womanhood issue, and when she does write about a touchy thing, like the downsizing stuff, she does it in an extremely non-opinionated, almost self-chastizing matter. Not saying you have to be this way, but this is one way to deal with the issue you raise). If you publish a post with strong feelings on a topic about which many people have strong feelings, then you should probably expect that some of them will come home to roost. I didn’t respond to your coupon post, although I had strong feelings about what you said, but I did feel that the people who criticized what you waid were justified and not out of line considering the tone of your original post. If you didn’t want to discuss the Pay per Post issue, then why raise it (especially if you have an idea of how people are going to respond)? You raised it (according to your remarks back then) because you thought that fewer people were reading your blog, and the question you asked asked people to express their honest opinion?
For me there is a real difference between trolls, who respond only for the sake of spreading ill will, and readers who disagree with you and respond in the tone of the original post. Seems like if you don’t want those responses you need to be careful not only about what you write but also how you write it; and if you want to write about “how you really feel,” then you need to expect that your readers may also want to do so, and cultivate thicker skin.
Jess – I hear what you are saying and I understand. The way you do it would be much safer. Most of the posts I’ve written where I’ve reveled personal stances on issues (childlessness, stopping at one child, Vision Forum, etc.)I wrote because I felt very strongly that it was something I needed to do. Those haven’t really be controversial or else people just respected my thoughts and didn’t address their own opinions. The PayPerPost I addressed because I felt like after a few comments about it, that I needed to clear the air and just talk about it. I don’t regret it, but it did make me look at some of my readers in general differently. No one specific, but just the whole “why do people read here” thing. The coupon thing I knew some people wouldn’t necessarily agree with me and would probably want to argue their own point of view. I was just taken aback that it seemed some people were so upset that there wasn’t the possibility of a real discussion about it.
SB – Did you read my comment above (#9)? You are right in that I have wanted to avoid controversy and I’ve said that in the past. At the same time, I know there are many readers who appreciate having a safer forum to discuss some of these issues without having it blow up. I know this because I’ve had numerous women write and tell me so. That’s why I wrote this in my original post:
I know I can’t have it both ways. That’s part of what I’m trying to decide. Where do I go from here?
You said:
Yes, and I am well aware of who most of the trolls are. And the more I’ve seen a person comment here or if a commenter has their own blog, the more willing I am to listen to what they have to say. 🙂
I’ll tell you why I read here, if that’s of interest: I disagree with you about almost everything you write about. I can’t imagine two people who, while having a lot of fairly similar personality traits (including a disdain for the complex and pretentious in life) probably have more different intellectual, political, religious, and social views than you and I (insofar as I can know what yours are from your blog). We have perhaps one political attitude marginally in common, which is our interest in women’s issues (and this makes me very interested in the blog, again: I’m fascinated by the world of religious conservative women who reject feminism but also reject hyper-patriarchy, and so I also read the “true womanhood” blog and bloggers). This is one of the greatest aspects of the blogging world for me: the possibility to get an idea of what people are like who are different from we are. Unfortunately, in my day to day world, I meet mostly people who are just like me, and most of them do not think about why they have the sentiments they do. I am in favor of constant reexamination, and in order to do that I need to “meet” a more diverse group of people. I wish I had time for that IRL. So I respect your blog, what you write about, and the fact that you are clearly thinking about what you believe and about what you write. As I wrote in my comments on your Pay Per Post post, I really respect your attitude toward the role of material things in life (which was I found the Pay Per Post posts problematic, as I said then). Still, the fact of our very real disagreements is also why I very much limit my comments: although I read your every post with interest (except PayPerPost) from bloglines and often click in to look at the comments, I think I have commented four or five times max. Because what I consider a “safe” statement of my opinions is considered by others (you, apparently) as controversial and explosive. To me, disagreement does not constitute trolling, and I have never been disrespectful to you on your blog, even if I have disagreed when I thought it was safe to do so (mostly on issues that don’t have to do with religion or politics). I guess I just don’t get why, if you raise a controversial question in a particular tone you get upset by responses that take a similar tone. If all you want to do is discuss questions with people who agree with you already, or are close to being in agreement with you, it would make more sense to limit access to your blog to those people that to get frustrated with the responders.
I don’t blog. I’d like to, I am a single woman and I work about sixty-seventy hours a week because I am the sole income source for my family, which includes elderly parents and pre-school nieces. Reading a selection of blogs is something I can do in breaks from work to improve my awareness of the world, although it’s not perfect, and I am aware that what you read on blogs is just that, a representation of the real world. If I had more spare time, I’d be looking for a husband, probably not blogging, though. If that disqualifies me as a commentator, I can live with that. Perhaps you should limit access to your comments to others who have a blog. Again, it might be helpful, if you don’t want answers to your questions from some readers, that you simply say that: “I am asking a question and I want answers to it from people who are as much like me as possible” or “I only want answers from people who have blogs” or whatever your criterion is
So I will stop now; both writing this post and commenting on your blog in general, since what I think of as fairly neutral answers to your questions are apparently abrasive to you. If you like I will also take you off of my bloglines.
SB – I must have miscommunicated here and I’m sorry if my last comment was confusing. I DO take seriously your comments because you have commented here before and your comments have usually been lengthy and show thought behind them, not just a quick reaction.
My comment about not taking every comment as seriously had more to do with the trolls who are constantly making up new names with new addresses and trying to egg me on. I’ve never felt your comments were intended that way. It was clear you didn’t agree with me and you felt strongly about it, but I think I have tried to respond to your comments in a respectful way. I’ve never felt your comments were disrespectful even though they were of an opposite opinion and strongly stated. I hope you will keep reading here and commenting. 🙂
Hi sallie (again…)
I wanted to post again in light of comments that were just offerred. For full disclosure, I would say I hold political and social views which are probably different from most readers of your site. But like maybe a few others, I love this site because it is a welcoming place where I can read the views of American women who I’d otherwise never come in contact with. Just reading the blogs of people with similar views offers me no education or enrichment. But if I’m coming to the site to examine the views of people with whom I might not agree, then maybe I’m being a troll. I’m a little worried about that. I don’t want to be someone who visits only to stir up controversy. But, I want to find viewpoints which differ from mine. So that’s what I struggle with. In any case, yours is always truly ‘a gracious home’ away-from-home for the world of lonely readers out there.
In peace,
deidre – Thanks for continuing the conversation. I don’t think reading the blogs of people who are different than you makes anyone a troll. There are blogs on my sidebar hosted by women who are quite different from me. I read them because I do want to be exposed to women who think differently from me, albeit most of them still fall into the realm of Christianity. There are plenty of times I read blogs whether they are on my list or not and have to bite my tongue, close the browser window and walk away from the computer. I don’t think that makes me a troll. It just makes me curious about how different people think. Trolls are people who continuously go to a site in order to leave comments designed to irritate the owner. Respectfully leaving a dissenting opinion is not trolling. Of course, what one person considers respectful can differ from what another person considers respectful so I imagine that can be an issue.
In any case I’m glad you enjoy coming here and feel welcome. I know I don’t do this blogging thing perfectly but I do honestly try to do it well and as is honoring to Christ. You know, it is funny because until you and SB wrote these comments I never really thought about the fact that people would come here and read who disagree with me about everything. I don’t know why, but it just never occurred to me. 🙂
Sallie,
I understand the concerns. I don’t post personal pictures and we have no plans to go to digital-gasp! Even if I wanted to post pictures, I would not have the ways to do it.
I also have no plans to reveal my blessing’s name or any other identifying information.
I also decided that my blog would be a mix of topics which is why I say it’s an eclectic blog. Sometimes it’s about family, sometimes it’s about health, faith issues, freedom issues, etc… My last two posts are the most personal ones I’ve done-they are about grief.
When I do post about family, I try to keep it positive or sweet, except for the grief posts.
For me, that was the advantage of deciding upfront that my blog would be eclectic-I can adress all sorts of topics without having to “formally” change direction. I don’t have many readers so I don’t have some of the popularity issues you do. You could always go to a password protected blog-might cut down on some of the trouble-but it also limits new people coming to your blog as well.
Sallie,
I understand your point about making choices about what issues to write about. I think that’s the reason my blog is essentially “dead” I have some strong opinions but they are very close to my heart, If I were to present them in public & get flamed for it, it would hurt me deeply. Is the interesting conversation with the “many” worth the pain and rage from the “few”. If I’m not clear on how I present my opinion, if someone who doesn’t know me doesn’t recognize a “tounge-in-cheek” comment, If I’m misunderstood, Will I be able to survive the flame war?
That’s one reason I appreciate your blog. It’s a “safe” place to politely disagree.
I really think most people would be well served by reading a post that irritates them at least twice, & with the assumption that the writer is being calm & gracious, before they post a comment.
Ones frame of mind while reading a post can make all the difference in “tone”. sometimes the “tone” of a post is changed because we skimmed over a key word or sentance.
I try not to comment (on any blog)while I’m upset. I’ll click away & think over my opinion/position & come back when I’m calm. Anger Never accomplishes what a person wants it to. Trolls don’t seem to realize that for the most part Anger just makes them look foolish.
I hope you can continue to share your treasured thoughts with us.
Mrs. N
Sallie, I love your “realness.”
To be anything else is just putting on airs I think. There are many things that I’d like to discuss at ETJ and I often don’t because of the trolls and such.
Sadly, the trolls I have at ETJ are the hyper-overly-religious crowd bent on making people feel guilty for their choices. Isn’t that sad??
I’ll keep you in my prayers.
That’s really sad about the trolls. People like that need to find something more productive to do. Maybe they’re the ones that need our prayers!
Who knew coupons were so controversial. Interestingly, I was reading through Challies’ archives today and found that thrift stores are also very controversial, who knew that people had such strong opinions on such things (I knew Wal-mart, but not thrift stores or coupons!): https://www.challies.com/archives/articles/another-line-of.php
I got so fed up with controversy that I have given up my other ‘transparent’ blog and am now totally anonymous (well a few blog pals know who I am…but that’s it), I use comment moderation and I am trying to avoid controversial topics…which is hard because I love to know what people think about things.
I think that if you can cope with the trolls and controversy then you should carry on being absolutely transparent and as controversial as you wish – sometimes controversy can be good, it can make people really think about their position on certain subjects – and perhaps even change their position. However, if you are getting hurt or upset by the controversy then perhaps you should pray about it all and reconsider. I have a friend who gave up blogging after one incident with a blog friend that upset her so much she couldn’t even sleep at night and it was making her so stressed she deleted the blog and has not returned.
I do enjoy your blog Sallie, blogging should be fun and interesting and your blog is both.
Blessings.
Dear Sallie,
Just another commenter to say I understand what you’re saying…I’ve got a “troll” at my little blog myself who has made up at least 5 different names in recent months. It can be dispiriting to take the effort to blog — something that should be pleasant — yet know that there are those out there who have nothing better to do with their lives than tear us down. However, when I’m discouraged about that, I remind myself that it’s a comment on the troll having a sad and empty life, not really a comment on me. 🙂
I’ve avoided posting much personal information, including family members’ names, and only post “scenic” photos without family members. The flip side is I’ve met some really lovely people in my years online, even going back many years before I started blogging, so I have very positive feelings about blogging and the Internet to balance out the negative experiences.
I really like the discussions you have here, including those that are more “controversial.” I (perhaps selfishly, because I enjoy them!) hope that you will continue to post on topics you feel strongly about from time to time. I don’t always agree, but you are so thoughtful and articulate, I really enjoy your “take” and the dialogues that follow. I also feel your blog is very “welcoming” — I’m a Christian who enjoys reading a number of Christian blogs but don’t always feel my points of view “fit in” (i.e., college-educated, daughter in college; although I grew up evangelical I worship in a liturgical church; etc.) — but I feel very at home here both reading your posts and occasionally posting, even if I’m sharing a different point of view.
I hope that going forward you’ll be able to find a balance that works for you in terms of what you share, topics, etc. Mainly I just wanted to offer you empathy and encouragement and let you know that your blogging efforts are very much appreciated!
Sincerely,
Laura
I’ve lurked her for awhile, and I am posting for the first time. Sallie, I came across your blog when I was searching for blogs about simultaneously being childless and a Christian (my husband and I have never been able to have children). I have read your blog entries, and I am attracted to reading it because of its Christian content and your open-minded and freewheeling discussions. Please continue to blog with your same authentic heart. We need more avenues to agree and/or disagree agreeably, especially among other Christian women.