So what are we going to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us?
But in all these things we win a sweeping victory through the one who loved us. I’m convinced that nothing can separate us from God’s love in Christ Jesus our Lord: not death or life, not angels or rulers, not present things or future things, not powers or height or depth, or any other thing that is created.
Romans 8:31, 37-39
This week I find myself thinking about the “why” of blogging. I post almost every day, I pay a good chunk of change to keep advertising off this space (you’re welcome), and – while I am approaching 7,000 followers and my “views per day” numbers are really good – there is no discernible relationship between readership, subscription numbers, hits, and practical things like somebody actually buying my books! (which you can easily do, for low low prices, at this link!)
So why do it?
Other than the important facts that A) I enjoy writing, and B) journaling is a useful exercise regardless of if anyone else reads, something happened at church recently that goes to the heart of why I continue to share on a quite intimate level nearly every day.
It was after worship at Hudson Memorial Presbyterian, and we were chatting with people nearby. Someone overheard our conversation and caught Rebekah’s attention. “Oh I know you; you’re Rebekah Maul! I heard you preach when Presbytery met at Wake Forest.” She then proceeded to recount a meaningful story Rebekah had shared.
She was talking about July of 2017, almost five years ago! Yet the message still resonated!
My Bucket List’s top item:
It is a powerful privilege to share a word from God. And I believe with all sincerity that this is exactly what I get to do in this space. And knowing – once in a while – that somebody has been inspired, or encouraged, or challenged, or comforted, or unsettled in the right way is a beautiful thing.
What I really want, in the deep places of my soul (if I were to articulate a big picture goal for all of my cumulative writing and speaking and teaching over the years) is to be known as a 21st Century Christian Thinker who actually moved the needle, to have made a meaningful contribution to the ongoing conversation about what it means to be a Follower of Jesus in this 21st Century.
I want the Good News Story to resonant, and I want to do everything I can to keep God’s invitation straightforward and clear, because, “I’m convinced that nothing” – especially not restrictions introduced by people who want to put a fence around Jesus – “has the power to separate us from God’s love in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
I don’t know about you, but I am constantly a work in progress. Sometimes I make more progress than others, but it is a pathway I am constantly traveling.
I would like to think we are all on a similar journey. And I would like to be one of the voices that at least causes people to think more seriously about their path, about who they are walking with, about where we are going, and about the conversations we can have along the way.
Not just a work in progress, but a Pilgrim in Progress – DEREK
“What I really want, in the deep places of my soul (if I were to articulate a big picture goal for all of my cumulative writing and speaking and teaching over the years) is to be known as a 21st Century Christian Thinker who actually moved the needle, to have made a meaningful contribution to the ongoing conversation about what it means to be a Follower of Jesus in this 21st Century.”
For what it is worth, Mr. Maul, in the opinion of this fellow WIP follower, you are indeed hitting the mark with this goal. Thank you for all you have contributed, and for continuing to keep this goal going. – Your friend, David
“What it’s worth…” David, is a lot!
Thanks for the good words, and for your constantly positive perspective!