Rebirth of the Blog

For the last few days, I have been thinking, praying and seeking counsel from my Husband over a problem visitor to my blog. And I have been busy about setting up shop elsewhere. I have a fun new blog name and moniker to use and have designed a new header. I even had to establish a new email to fake my death just right.

I've also enjoyed a better response than I expected from people around the world who lurk here and want to read on in my new home. Within those inquires has been the confirmation I needed to keep the blog public...

I really enjoy your blog - I scrolled through your archives last week and really enjoyed your wee series on "your tapesty/journey" to becoming a Christian. I'm not a Christian - I grew up with very sincere Christian parents and 3 siblings, but I never was a believer...I started going to church and I feel drawn to going - but it also irritates/unsettles me no end. I know that there is something there and that you people have something that I don't...Anyway, I somehow ended up in the blog world and it is ironic - nearly all of the blogs that I read regularly are, you guessed it, Christians. Can't keep away, I guess! You all certainly get me thinking and often make me feel that, yes, I'm still missing something!

That one came from a far-away continent and, yes, I got permission to quote from it. Maybe it's where I'm coming from, but upon reading that, I just knew that I could not hide HIS LIGHT under a bushel! I don't often understand how others see it through my unyielded self, but He is God that way, and His purposes are bigger than my sin. *happy sigh*

And there were other letters. Some are intrigued by my "weird" ways, some enjoy the "fly on the wall" perspective of my Weekly Round-ups. Still others sent Scripture and prayers my way--because that's what fellowship in the Body of Christ is...instant, glorious, care and concern: love amongst the bretheren.

And it has blessed my soul this week. At every turn, the Lord sent friends. Friends in the flesh, on the phone, and in my Inbox. I wish I could share the details of my trouble only so that you could better understand the impact of your kindness. But I can not.

Someday maybe...in the new Jerusalem, when the outcome serves to glorify God!

But for now, some new developments. I'll try hard not to say too much.

I should first explain the reason I decided to move my blog and put y'all through this tedious exercise. It wasn't because I've anything to hide. Or because I'm running from anyone. Or because I'm shy. Or afraid. It was because I offended someone who is not only unable to forgive, but seems bent on seeking my destruction.

But I love this person.

And so, in love, I felt compelled to attempt to protect my Offended from what I see as a lack of self control. I know what it is to be enslaved to sin, and I thought I heard the Lord telling me to do all I could to spare this person the obsession of checking and digging this blog for things at which to take offense...or print off so that others may likewise, be hurt and offended.

But it didn't work. My offended has found a couple of my cyber friends--ones with whom I share true fellowship and am not willing to give up. Husband points out that Offended will eventually find me again. My Offended is nothing if not determined.

So, I'm staying put. Staying where my growth in the Lord is already well documented. Staying where my record of His greatness to me can be found.

To my Offended I say this:

This is my blog for the Lord. My heart hurts for you in that you feel compelled to seek offense in its pages, and while I understand your hurt and disappointment in whom I have become, my walk with Him is not something I'm willing to give back--ever--not even for you.

I have long wanted to tell you that the fear and sadness that have driven so many of your decisions--large and small--stem from the void in your heart that only Jesus can fill. Only God Himself--in the incarnation of Jesus the Christ--can make you whole. He is True. He is Real.

He loves you and can bind your wounds if you will only humble yourself and allow Him. No one loves you like He does. And nothing but His death and resurrection can save you. Not your truth. Not your education. Not your job. Not your money. Not your alliance of family or friends. Not your copious notes.

And it's not too late. Your rebellion is not too big for Him.

These are hard truths that I want you to hear on this side--because keeping quiet isn't doing you any favors. It is appointed one time for you to die, and then the judgment. And eternity is a very long time to be so wrong.

Only Jesus can make you whole. And I want you to know that we, here in my house, all pray for it, every day. Often morning and night. Because we love you like you can't yet understand. Frankly, sometimes--like this week--we don't even understand it, but that is all the more to the glory of God. Praise His name!

I implore you: won't you let Him bind up your wounds?