By the time I even thought about starting a blog, I was behind. Like way behind on all things regarding the internet and social media.
I was fairly new to Facebook and not yet on twitter. I had always been so skeptical of social media which kept me from jumping in. I am still not on instagram or pinterest. Beats me how I ended up in Google circles and so I will apologize right now to people whom I have not added to my circles. I still am not quite sure just how to go about it. Just being honest.
I started blogging and no one knew I was doing it. I didn’t know about linkups and am not sure how I discovered them. Best way for me to explain it is like this …
If I were Hester Prynne of the Scarlet Letter, the letters I would be displaying would be:
- “C” for chicken
- “I” for insecure or introvert (take your pick)
- “W” for wallflower as I always wait to be asked 🙂
You get the point.
So I began to discover linkups and joined in hesitantly, not knowing what to expect. I waited a long time before I even began to leave comments as I was unsure why anyone would want to hear what I thought. Some advised me to allow comments on my own blog as it would be fun to be interactive. Some told me to disable comments as people would be mean and nasty.
Then I discovered reviewing books and book launches and an online Bible Study group. And here is what I am learning about it all –
There is a whole community of people and encouragers waiting out there. I found community and friends, none of whom I have ever met face to face. None have been mean and nasty. I have found authenticity which has blessed me deeply.
A funny thing happened to me this morning. I received a phone call from a face to face friend where contact had not been recent. Nothing happened other than a parting of ways which life can bring at times. I would have been thrilled to converse and share with this friend but as soon as she heard my voice she remarked, “Oh. I called you by mistake.”
I had not been thought of or called to have conversation. I was a mistake. Rejection is my Achilles’ heel and the enemy knows it. So does my Lord who quickly moved to be sure the arrow did not pierce.
Within minutes, I received a friend request from a woman whose blog I read. There on the screen in front of me, she was requesting me. I hit confirmed but then sent a message thanking her for blessing me with the request. And her response?
“I’ve seen your name around so much, and read your words, and it occurred to me this morning – why are we not fb friends?”
In that split second, I realized the joy which comes from being seen.
And the teachable moment unfolded …..
Jesus saw those who were around Him. The very people who others would walk quickly passed, He slowed down to see them. The blind may not have seen Him at first but they were made aware that they, indeed, were seen by Him. The deaf, the lame, the broken, the lepers, the hungry, the lonely, the outcasts – all of them were seen. Their physical healing became secondary to their interaction with Christ. They knew they were not invisible to Jesus …
“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matthew 9:36, NLT)
“Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick.” (Matthew 14:14, NLT)
When Jesus “saw”, it was for the purpose of action and reaction to the needs and hurts of those He saw.
May we become a people who see others. May we not term people as “mistakes” but realize the potential, the divine appointment, in every interaction. May we part ways leaving people affirmed and noticed and grateful to have been in our company.
May we be like Jesus and see.
And may we be moved with compassion.
Today I am joining … Unite and Testimony Tues. and Titus 2 Tues. and Teaching What Is Good and Tell Me A Story .
Lovely post! And so similar to my journey. I’m not that great at relationships and making friends, so was terrified venturing into this world of blogging. I remember worrying about offending the link up host or being viewed as an intruder because I was new – thought no one would want me in their group. Now I’ve learned what a wonderful community this blog world is and how lovely it is to begin making these connections – especially where I find words easier when writing.
Kathryn, we share many of the same fears. It took me so long to become comfortable. I am so glad we both found courage & our paths crossed!
Don’t we all just want to be seen? I’m often so quick to judge how other people are behaving without realizing that they may just want to be seen too and are uncomfortable and fearful in new situations. Love your words, friend! Thanks for linking up too!
Holly, I am now praying that instead of wanting to be seen, I would see. I want to see & notice others. Always a joy to connect with you!
Ok. So right before I popped over here from Tell Me a Story link up, I was LITERALLY thinking about the awesome community here online– just supporting one another, hanging out and linking up.
Then you write this. I love it. And am SO very blessed that we are in community together, Joanne. (Are we FB friends? If not, I am stalking you… right now. 😉
Sharita, you make me smile. You are just too funny with the friend request 🙂 It is a wonderful community so many are helping to build. It’s a joy to have connected with you!
I am blessed by on-line community, too. And blessed by the Jesus who SEES us. All the time. The next time I call someone by mistake, I’m going to take it as a divine appointment to talk to them! So glad I’ve found you, friend.
Divine appointments can happen in such varied ways. May we have eyes to see them & not miss opportunities to encourage. Betsy, you have blessed me!
Thank you, Jo for sharing yourself so honestly and so beautifully. I have also had some rejections in relationships. I am so grateful that my Lord Jesus will never reject me but will use EVERYTHING is my life to purify me and use me in His kingdom.
Mare, may experience teach us to notice others & be filled with compassion. Actually, I think you have already learned that, my friend!
Amen, sister!
I never thought I needed to be “seen” until one day in college (in the midst of depression), someone called me by name. I felt validated and included, and that struck me. I echo your words as a prayer. May we be like Jesus and see! Visiting you from Teaching What Is Good.
Angela, you are seen by the One Who sees us all. Praying for us both to see others anew. So grateful you shared. May you know I would hug you and sit with you if we were able 🙂
I really have no words for this except-Amen! Your blogging beginnings sound very much like mine-uncertain, small, stumbled my way into link ups but the amazing joy I have found in this community in the last year is beyond words. You truly are one of those people who I count as friend and pray that we meet face to face someday.
Mary, who would think you would have much the same blogging beginning. You seem so outgoing on twitter (#FMFParty & such). I count you as a friend as well and what joy it would bring me to meet you face to face one day too! I still have to work past being a chicken about going to any of the conferences. Baby steps for me 🙂 Thank you for blessing me!