This is a first for me.
I’ve never made a top 10 list of my posts before. However, there were a handful of posts this year that stood out so far from the rest (in terms of resonating with readers), that I decided to give it a try. Hopefully y’all will find it helpful, just in case there were any you missed.
Also, this is a year in which my blog readership has grown a lot, so before I begin I really just want to say thank you. In particular, I want to thank you, my readers, for two things.
First, thank you for being the kind of readers who encourage and sharpen me. There are some places on the internet where comments sections are ugly and unedifying. This is not one of them. With few exceptions, my readers are respectful and kind. Criticism of any sort is always offered with charity, grace, and the aim of building up. A lot of you push me in the best possible way, and I thank you for helping make my blog that kind of Christ-glorifying space.
Second, thank you for contributing to my little ministry. Sometimes I hit “publish” and have no idea if or where it will land. Will this help anyone? Will anyone learn or be encouraged? Many posts are an act of sheer faith and trust in the Lord. Thankfully, many of you have multiplied that humble offering by sharing posts with your friends. When you do that, I consider you a partner in my ministry. Not for the sake of my name, but for Christ’s, thank you.
Now without further ado, the Top 10 Posts of 2013:
#1 Immodesty and Lust: A Man’s Perspective by Ike Miller
This was FAR AND AWAY the most popular post of the year. In fact, it was the most popular post on my blog ever. EVER!!!!! It was written by my husband Ike, and I am so pleased it spread as far and wide as it did. I think it’s a liberating word for women, but it also gives you a taste of the man I married–he is as wise and godly as this post conveys.
#2 Woe to Those Who Make Unjust Laws
This post holds a special place in my heart. A lot of the comments left me weeping. I was humbled by the responses, and hopeful that dialogue can happen on this very important issue. But, there is much more ground to cover, if only we will be people who are slow to speak and quick to listen.
#3 What IF…God is Using Women to Do Something More
Some of you have heard about the IF Gathering. If you haven’t, read this post. God is orchestrating something pretty amazing among the women in our country, and the response to this post is evidence that many of you feel it too!
The Proverbs 31 woman wouldn’t have been possible without the Proverbs 31 man. This post celebrates the good and godly men who sharpen us and make us better women.
#5 Why Porn Addiction Affects Us All
This post was a tough one to write. It’s a hard subject and it’s not necessarily uplifting, but it matters. That’s why I finally bit the bullet and took it on. I’m glad I did, because it hit home with a lot of you.
#6 Jesus and the Post-Baby Body
This one is a personal favorite. With the help of Charles Spurgeon, I’ve been able to view my post-baby body in a Christ-centered way. It really has changed the way I see my body.
#7 I’m Not Playing this Game Anymore
This post was written as a confession of sin. Although I don’t consider myself a divisive person, I realized I had been contributing to division in the church in a subtle but powerful way. I think a lot of us struggle with this.
#8 What I Learned from the Duck Dynasty Fiasco
I know this topic feels way overdone, but this post is not actually about Duck Dynasty. Instead, it’s a reflection on what it means to be a teacher in the church, and how I am afraid that many of us teachers are failing. I felt very strongly about it, and I still do–it’s an important issue for Christian leaders especially.
#9 In Which I Hate God’s Timing Right Now
I think the title of this one speaks for itself.
#10 When You’re Drowning in the Shallow End of Friendship
This post summarizes the last 3 years of my life. I went through a long season of loneliness in friendship, and God taught me a lot through it. I also learned that a lot of Christians are struggling with loneliness too, and we need to be talking about this topic more. I have a feeling I’ll be writing more on this in the future.
Well, those are the top 10 posts of 2013! Thanks again to all of you who read my blog and encourage me to keep writing. Every word of encouragement gives strength to my soul, to keep on running hard and well.
Happy New Year, everyone!
Sharon
Sharon
Sharon
