Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! I hope the holiday has been full of love, family, friends, and good food!
Now, I know the title of today’s post sounds a little self-serving. This is a blog. I am a blogger. Obviously I am grateful for the existence of the blog form.
However, today’s post is about my appreciation for other blogs. I want to honor their influence in my life, and I want to do this for two reasons:
First, there is a quiet, oh-so-subtle spirit of competition that lurks among us bloggers. In my own heart, it can be hard to enjoy the successes of fellow bloggers and writers. This post is my small contribution toward killing that spirit of competition.
Second, blogging is a valuable ministry of the church.
Now don’t get me wrong–some blogs are just soap boxes. Some blogs are lazy platforms for airing one’s opinions and attacking others. Some are but a shrine to one’s own superiority.
But some blogs are masterpieces. Some bloggers are doing Kingdom work. Some bloggers are really ministering to people, and those bloggers are worth validating.
The one thing I want you to know about blogging is this:
Blogging is an outlet by which writers exercise their gifts of teaching, wisdom, encouragement, and prophecy.
You have probably encountered some of these blogs, and they function as an important arm of the church. That’s why it’s important to validate the contribution of these good bloggers, and their role in the Body of Christ. These aren’t bored housewives or paranoid critics. These are thoughtful, prayerful, godly men and women who are blessing us with their words. God is using them, and I want to name that.
In that spirit, I want to share some of the blogs and bloggers that have blessed me lately. This is not an exhaustive list–there are many more I could include here–but these are just a few that I want to celebrate this Thanksgiving week. And if there are any bloggers that have blessed you this year, please feel free to mention them in the comments section below!
Ed Stetzer–Ed is someone I really look up to. He a Southern Baptist with the remarkable ability to be in charitable conversation with everyone–even those with whom he disagrees. Not an easy task, but one he does very well.
Lore Ferguson–Y’all, pay attention to his woman. She is so wise, so soaked in the Word, and I am regularly challenged by her teaching.
Jen Hatmaker–Many of you probably know Jen. Her writing is absolutely hysterical, as well as poignant. She knows how to nail a point and drive it straight into your heart–in the best way.
Sarah Bessey–All you need to know about Sarah is that she loves Jesus. She is also an insanely talented writer, but mostly just know that she loves Jesus.
Preston Yancey–I am new to Preston’s writing but this year he’s written a few things that were just…so good. I am grateful for the ways God is using him.
Ann Voskamp–Ann is a poet at heart, and she uses her artful language to articulate ideas and truths in an illuminating way. I so often find myself encouraged by her.
And as a final add-on:
Her.meneutics–If you read my blog you probably know I contribute to this site, and I really believe in it. Some of the women contributing to this blog are brilliant, and I am so grateful to work with them.
As I already mentioned, this list is not exhaustive. If I were to name all the writers who influence me, the list would go on and on. If you’re a writer, and you’re reading this, chances are that you have been a gift from God in my life. I do not say that lightly. I am so grateful for each of you.
That is why I am thankful for bloggers. Blogs can be frustrating and distracting at times, but they can also be a powerful tool for the gospel. God has grown and challenged me through the contribution of bloggers, and I value them dearly.
Which blogs/bloggers have been blessing you?
Sharon
Sharon
Thanks my friend! Truly.