I have been working on writing this post for a few days now, and somehow (probably due to late-night blogging) it accidentally was published yesterday. I took it down about an hour after it went up, because it wasn’t ready yet…but a surprising number of people responded in that short time frame.
I decided to re-post it after editing it a little bit more. Sorry for any confusion this may have caused!
—–
Some people have termed FlowerDust.net an ?uber? blog.
I don?t exactly know what that means.
If it means it?s been around for five years, and has a good number of visitors, then yes, I suppose you can call it that.
Over the last two years, it?s been interesting to see how my blog traffic has changed with the seasons.
If I ask questions about sexuality, or talk about controversial church issues, my stats light up.
If I talk about what the Bible says about taking care of the poor, or share stories from trips I?ve taken (Haiti, India, Uganda ? soon to be Moldova and Russia), my stats tank.
Here?s an example of pre-Haiti trip stats and post-Haiti trip stats.
At first, this made me really sad.
And then the sadness turned into a weird kind of angryness. (Angriness? Angry-ness? Is that even a word?)
Anyway, I don’t really ever get angry.
So that was strange for me.
With the assumption this blog has also been categorized as a “church” blog (whatever that means) why do the posts that should be resonating with us the deepest get a third of the traffic?
Angry feelings.
More angry feelings.
Deep breath.
Deep breath.
Then I realized something.
I would much rather have a small group of people who really, really cared than a large group of people who just showed up to just show up.
I don?t want to be a ?church? blog, in the sense that we talk about the stupid stuff that nobody agrees on. That?s not what this blog is designed to be.
I want to be a ?church? blog in the sense that we?re a community that cares for those overlooked.
You know?like?how the church is supposed to be.
If that means my stats suck and the ?uber? blogstar label gets removed, so be it.
I?d choose a hundred readers with big hearts and the action to back it up any day of the week over a million readers who change the channel when it gets uncomfortable to watch.
Comments
130 responses to “I’d Rather Have Fewer Readers”
Thanks for the repost.
Thank you for being you.
Amen, well-said!
You’re awesome. It’s been a looong time since I last said anything on your blog. (For that matter, it’s been a long time since I posted anything on any of my favorite blogs.)
I love your authenticity. I wish I could be that honest.
I wish I could tell my readers why there was a two-month gap between posts when at one point two weeks was too long to wait for a new post.
I wish I could tell people why I withdrew from the ministry (physically I was there, but mentally, emotionally, and spiritually I was all but nonexistent). I’ll tell you this much though: it was partly because I ignored what I read in your book. (Speaking of which, did I ever thank you for the awesomely encouraging three-word note you wrote in my copy? If not, thanks so much!)
You’re so real. I love that about you. Keep writing what you write.
.-= Nate´s last blog ..Missional (pt. 2). . . =-.
It’s weird how that happens, huh? Talk controversy and everybody wants to comment. Go change the world and people could care less. Well, you’re still my fav blogger if that means anything to ya. :)
.-= jackalopekid´s last blog ..sin or love =-.
Good stuff Anne…
.-= Kevin Rush´s last blog ..Learning from Children’s Storytelling =-.
Preach it, girl. Couldn’t agree more. :)
I loooove WordPress, but sometimes the stats overwhelm me–negatively and positively.
I’m probably one of your readers who are more interested in the “taking care of the poor” stories, so I’m your minority! ;)
In any case, I actually started reading your blog to find out what the top female Christian blogger is saying and doing……
I think you should be yourself and write from your heart no matter what the topic is, church or the poor or whatever you want, but thank you so much for raising awareness for at risk children!
If The Church with a capital T & C is the uber church, then do we have to refer to your site as The Blog?
.-= Tim´s last blog ..Is Easter Spring or Fall? =-.
Anne, Very good points. You rock! Keep fighting the battles/struggles that God wants us to fight. Our local church has a thought on getting at least one more person each time to come to God. We all know it would be awesome to have thousands come to know Jesus as Lord and Savior and be able to help out others, etc, but if we can at least get that ONE person that is unsaved each time we go out and seek, then we are on our way to a healthy relationship with our Lord! It’s funny, your post kind of reminds me of Easter and Christmas services in the Church. A lot of folks come because it’s Christmas/Easter, but then they stop coming until the next round. Sort of like the topics that you described in this post. Thanks for sharing these thoughts, and don’t ever stop..even if you only have ONE reader, that’s the ONE reader that really needs someone like you to help them in the spiritual journey and to realize what being a Christian is all about!
.-= Shawn´s last blog ..Excitment is abundant! =-.
Why either/or? By casting your net broader, you have the opportunity to introduce more people to the things that matter to you. Your traffic may suffer on those days, but you may also be introducing new people to those topics that would otherwise never encounter them. Just a thought.
.-= Michael Hyatt´s last blog ..The Five Marks of Authentic Leadership =-.
I don’t think it has to be either/or…as far as the amount of people who decide to visit. I don’t have control over that. What I do have control over is allowing myself to feel the pressure to write something for the sole purpose of getting more traffic or comments and bowing down to that pressure in order to keep my statistics at a number that would keep my ego happy and look attractive to advertisers (which will all be gone in April, but that is another story).
Seth Godin said in a video interview once, “I don’t want to have the biggest blog — I want to have my blog,” and that is the sentiment in which I’ve written this post. I want to be able to write from my heart. There have been times when I (shamefully) have not written about something on my heart because I knew it would cause a low stats day. And that’s terrible.
It’s also keeping with the notion of finding your “1000 True Fans” (ala The Long Tail) and investing and focusing on the smaller, more engaged group of people — your tribe — to carry a cause forward instead of having many people who are apathetic about your cause.
I won’t stop people from coming to my blog. I hope more people do, because you’re right — I want them to see the things I care about the most. But I am getting to the point where I feel like I have sold out in the past to accomplish that, and I can’t do that anymore.
Hope that makes sense…
That totally makes sense, and I agree and support you. I have been feeling the pressure myself and have backed off a bit this last week to try and better understand the dynamic.
When I first started blogging, I wrote for myself. I didn’t care if anyone else read it. I just wanted to record my thoughts—almost like journaling. But more and more, it is feeling like a job.
Maybe it is time for me to re-think the whole thing. Thanks for making me THINK!
.-= Michael Hyatt´s last blog ..The Five Marks of Authentic Leadership =-.
This is a great topic, because I am one of those people who don’t see a lot of traffic, and I selfishly want it. I’m at the stage that both of you were at long ago. But I wrestle with the same thing. I want to post because it’s my blog, not for traffic…but I fight the value in numbers urge.
As a reader, for both of you (Mike & Anne), I want you, not the stuff that you want me to like. In fact, I tend to stay away from the posts that are less personal and more instructive. Part of the attraction of a blog is the personality behind it. When the personality leaves, so does my interest.
Great food for thought Anne. I’ve got my eye on you and your blogging next steps.
Mike, I’d LOVE it if you went back to the kind of posts you did years ago. Personally, those are my favorite.
My Lord. I need to re-read my posts before I publish. Sorry for the grammar mistakes.
.-= Kyle Chowning´s last blog ..10 Best Practices for Social Media Success =-.
kyle, i’m available for comment-proofreading…
.-= Jim?s last blog ..Mission Statements that Don?t Suck =-.
Michael, when my first baby was born, I was the receipient of so much advice that I was getting so confused. God spoke to my heart when I cried out to Him with the words–“Pray and then do what is in your heart.” Those words settled me down and have been a mainstay in my life since that time. I want to encourage with the same words. I know you are praying already–just listen to your heart! Do what God is leading you to do and everything else will fall in place. Be strong and of good courage!
.-= patriciazell?s last blog ..#33 THE DOING OF BELIEVING: FAITH (1) =-.
I don’t think Jesus had read Seth Godin, but he did the same thing in John 6 after he fed the 5000. A good occasional dose of discomfort is exactly what the typical American (including the one typing on my computer right now) needs. Thanks for having the courage to make us uncomfortable.
.-= Mike Raburn´s last blog ..Do you know where your ethic is? =-.
God is not a one-dimensional being and neither are we. Since He is multi-faceted, He is interested in giving us knowledge, understanding, and wisdom in every aspect of our lives. Anne, just be careful of judging people. Hear my meaning when I say that many people may be suffering from a poverty and disaster overload. From my teenage years in the 1960’s until now, I have seen countless pictures/videos asking for help–almost so many that I don’t see them any more. The people who aren’t reading your posts about the needy may already be giving to organizations that you know nothing of.
The reason people read your posts about church issues is because that’s where they’re living and they’re dealing with those issues in their own lives.
I want to encourage you to be led of the Lord in writing your posts. Write what He puts on your heart and know that He will lead people who need to hear what you are saying to your posts. After all, we’re writing for Him, not just to hear ourselves talk!
Don’t be discouraged–be strong and of good courage!
.-= patriciazell´s last blog ..#33 THE DOING OF BELIEVING: FAITH (1) =-.
I have returned again, again, to read your words right here.
Because they hit me right here.
Keep writing about poverty and oppression and the ugly and the things we’d rather not think about it. Jesus is in those words. And He knew about rejection too…
I can’t clap any louder for your words…My heart beats with your passions.
One of your 1000
All’s grace,
Ann
I don’t comment on every post, but I read every post and definitely read the comments. These statistics somewhat correlate with that survey you posted about how conservative activists were more concerned with abortion and same-sex marriage than they were about poverty.
It makes me mad when some Christians texted their $10 donation to Haiti decided they were super generous and will not think about Haiti again. In fact, they probably would change the channel if there were a lot of coverage that reminded them of the suffering. Most likely the reason your stats suffer when you post about the least of these is because these same ‘Christians’ look at their Google Reader and say, “Look new Flowerdust! I wonder what its about… Oh, Anne is talking about Haiti again… nothing to see here, move along.”
Don’t worry about any label people attribute to your blog. God knows your heart for the least of these, and that is worth more than any internet popularity!
I so appreciate your heart on this, Anne, and I totally agree with your conclusion. Don’t worry about the stats. Write from your heart. Ultimately, it’s your passion and authenticity that makes this blog so great.
.-= Tony McCollum´s last blog ..Monkeys in the Mail Room =-.
I saw this post on my google reader and tried and tried to come and comment and never could find it. It was the weirdest thing. :) Anyway, I read your blog regularly but rarely post a commen, but had to post a comment today. I also blog regularly, though mine is not nearly as “uber” as yours. :) And I have noticed and been frustrated by the same thing…the posts where I share my heart, what God is teaching me…often asking tough questions, are the posts where there are very few, if any, comments. I’ve had to come to peace with that on my own, and realize that God is teaching me through this whole process too…but I wanted to share with you that I’ve noticed the same thing. Keep up what you’re doing, though, because you are an encouragement to many!!
You’re still “Uber” in my heart…no matter what the stats say. Keep walking it out. I’m reading!
I’ve noticed the same thing (though on a much smaller scale.) But what’s funny is to look at why so many people showed up on the “controversial” days. For me, a lot of people make a Google search (for example, for porn), find me, and click away in 0.03 seconds when they see I’m not what they’re looking for. On the “normal” days, my stats are lower, but it’s not because anyone left. It’s just there weren’t as many first time random visitors. Lots more people searching Google for porn and finding me, than people searching for “Sudan missions” and finding me.
I think of Flowerdust as a “Kingdom blog.” That’s why I read it and love it.
.-= Sam Simmons´s last blog ..Which Multi-site Church Will Be the 1st to … HOLOGRAPH the Pastor? =-.
Yay!!
.-= Jamie, the Very Worst Missionary´s last blog ..Wishing VS Pooping: A More Effective Approach =-.
Anger’s about hurt. Frustration. Fear. Disrespect.
Thanks for re-posting. I felt you hit the nail on the head on the first go round.
And you helped me to re-evaluate my own reasons for blogging.
And my reactions to the stats going up … and then way back down.
And issues of pride. So ugly.
And being obedient to what God’s calling me to do, no matter where the numbers are.
.-= Linda Stoll´s last blog .."Untitled Hymn" =-.
Hey girl–I found your blog when you were getting ready to go to Haiti. If it had been a “controversy of the day” blog, I wouldn’t have added you to my favorites. Don’t be discouraged. God is moving in hearts, and you are one of the kids that He is using to do it.
I heart you.
That is all. :)
.-= AnnieBlogs´s last blog ..City-wide. =-.
I have loved your writing about Haiti and I have appreciated it so much. I’m your new traffic during this time.
Blessings. How is Moby Dick? (I hate it.)
Corrie
Preach it!
I find your honesty engaging and I have also learned things about the Kingdom and about ways to help others via your blog that I might not have come across before.
SO I look at your site as a resource and as an encouragement and yes sometimes as a challenge. Exactly as it should be!
.-= Rick Apperson´s last blog ..Carrying On The Name. =-.
I feel like I cheated and I read this yesterday on my gooreader.
I was hoping you were not just pulling it back and not sharing it, glad to see it today.
I am excited to be apart of this community and what is happening here and all over the spectrum. I would hope that what you talk about inspires others to act, I know it has inspired me.
You go girl. You write and serve from the heart, and one who also does that, I know that it isn’t always “correct” in the political sense…but it is correct in that we are sharing our heart in a way that is passionate and truthful. But we all get caught up in that other stuff like stats, wanting traffic, wanting to be liked, etc.
I believe the one who matters, God, is smiling.
Just so you know, God has been teaching me over the last few years that “loving others more than yourself” is one of the greatest joys in life. He has taught me much through your blogging about what that looks like. From 40 Days of Water to buying a “Be” t-shirt to support a pastor, and everything in between, thank you for being a voice of challenge to your readers. It has made a difference in me…
As a person who values content over flashy lights, I agree.
You rock Anne! Just keeping doing what you’re called to do and be who you’re called to be. We’ll keep reading, responding and reacting – trust me.
Your friend from the East.
well I guess that makes me an “uber-fan”. especially when you are talking about the poor…
.-= Michelle´s last blog ..game day =-.
Good stuff :)
.-= Danny Bixby´s last blog ..It Can Never Be Good Enough =-.
I think I too am among your minority then. The main reason that I keep coming back is to read the posts on Haiti, on Blood Water Mission, on Compassion, etc. You have been an inspiration and an encouragement.
Thank you for writing about the issues that everyone in the church should be concerned about!
.-= Karen Barnes´s last blog ..We’re Going to Haiti =-.
great post and so true!!! i’d rather read about the real things people are experiencing then some hyped up version of reality. sometimes people turn away to the tough stories, but those are the ones we need to be listening to.
thank you for your honesty and vulnerability! :)
.-= Susan´s last blog ..baby shower recap =-.
Anne, you have a heart that God has shaped for his agendas and purposes. You have allowed yourself to be created and molded into his image so that your heart breaks for those things his heart breaks for.
Thank you for having the courage to stand up for that and not apologizing for it. You won me as a fan. I might visit more than once a day if the conversation is active which increases your stats on those controversial subjects, but I read all your posts. The ones that touch me the most are about how to care for others whether it is in Haiti or by asking if we should hold church during snow/ice storms. We are called to love our neighbor and you are inspiring me to think more and more about how I can live that every day.
.-= Sherie´s last blog ..Bible: metaphor or real =-.
Anne, I found your blog when you were in India last year. Even before your team came home, I signed up to sponsor 5-year-old Pawan in India. Multiply this by hundreds and know that your words set off a ripple of good for so many lovely children. Just wanted to affirm that your words have kingdom-building import. God bless!
Love the post. Keep caring for those who get overlooked where you heart is. Which right now seems like Haiti for you.
Your post hit me right where I am in trying to keep caring for the overlooked in the pews in our own church. Those who aren’t up in front, who aren’t big “producers” to add to church programming, who don’t draw attention to themselves but are hurting, hurting, hurting.
.-= Amber´s last blog ..Mercy Rising Book Release Giveaway =-.
Thank you. I needed to read this. I am one who loved and still loves reading your Haiti posts. My heart was hurting for Haiti long before the earthquake and now is absolutely torn for the country and people. Continue regardless of what you write I look forward to reading even when it pushes, challenges, and stretches me.
.-= Robb´s last blog ..Thirst =-.
I’ve been waiting for your repost so I could comment. ;-)
This is so true. I think this applies not only to the blogoshpere as well as life. Some people collect “friends” like trophies; I’d much rather have community – knowing and being known, and focused on shining Christ in everything.
For what it’s worth, the decline in traffic may be because people don’t like to think about the hard things of life – the fact that some people don’t know where their next meal is from or the fact that some people are regularly disregarded and uncared for. As Christians we should be so concerned with them, but it may not combat our natural tendency to avoid “unpleasantness”.
Keep writing about the things that God places on your heart. May your writing reflect His priorities!
I started reading your blog when you went to India. I rarely comment but I love your blog. You inspire me to break down my pretenses.
Anne, I agree 100%. If we as the church don’t, or won’t, care, then what are we here for? I thought the idea was to take as many with us as we can?
I think it’s the two fish and five loaves thing – no matter how small it may appear (in attention) or otherwise – once it’s in Jesus’ hands, amazing things can happen.
And often He may be multiplying in places where stat counters don’t see.
I love that thought. It comforts me.
~Lisa-Jo
Thank you so much for your honesty and for following your heart in writing about what God places on your heart. I love that you tackle tough, controversial issues. But, what keeps me coming back are the posts about the poor, the marginalized, and how we should respond to that–those are the posts that challenge me and my faith. Those are the posts that make we want to figure out what it means to be The Church.
Totally with you Anne! As Jesus followers, we have to care about the poor, the afflicted, the widow, the orphan. A quick review of Matthew 25 reminds us of who important this is. It ‘echoes’ in eternity.
.-= Tom Davis´s last blog ..Going to the World Cup? So are 40,000 Prostitutes =-.
I can appreciate this. Your passion for alleviating poverty is inspirational.
But are lower blog stats necessarily evidence of your readers’ lack of compassion? Blog stats don’t tell the whole story. At least, not enough of the story to be able to judge the hearts of your readers.
However, I *do* grow weary of being told that I should be doing more/caring more. Or, like a commenter above, that a $10 donation to Haiti wasn’t enough.
Perhaps some of us give in secret. Perhaps some of us express love in ways that don’t make for exciting conversation. Or higher blog traffic.
Just a thought,
EE
.-= Elizabeth Esther´s last blog ..Binding up the bwoken hearted =-.
So where exactly on the stats scale is this post ending up? ;o)
.-= Rocco´s last blog ..Get out of the Boat! =-.
I am going to take this sentence: “I would much rather have a small group of people who really, really cared than a large group of people who just showed up to just show up.” and write it on my hand every Sunday morning before church (a la Sarah Palin?) to remind myself that the empty seats don’t matter, the full ones do. Thank you, Anne!
I like this post. I don’t come from the same place that you do on beliefs. I left the faith a few years back and was on the way out for 38 years. But, I follow you bc you color outside the lines. And, I appreciate that you write about the things that you do–such as this. Keep pushing the boundaries. It’s needed.
I’m a fan of yours…I am. You’re talented and seem very sweet-hearted and passionate about what you believe and I love that.
But, I have to say, that your recent tweets about your stats and saying things like if people don’t read your blogs about Haiti or the needy it’s because they have ‘small hearts’ and don’t really care about the Haitians or the poor have really upset me.
I care about Haiti. I care about the poor. I give veraciously to the needy in my community and around the world. However, I don’t always read your blogs about these topics. Mainly, because I’m already doing. I’m active in them.
But according to you, I have a ‘small heart.’
I like to read your blogs on church topics, life experiences or your new books not because I’m shallow, or greedy but because they’re new perspectives on things that I’m going through or have gone through. They make you more relate-able and we get to experience a sense of shared community through them.
You were an inspiration to me when I needed one. Heck, I even sent you a “Thank You” card in the mail. Yes, the actual mail. Hand-written, stamped, envelope…the whole shootin’ match.
I understand your frustration because I feel the same about ministries that I’m involved with and I can feel myself get upset when others aren’t moved to action the way (and when) I think they should about the poor, the needy and the hurting. But, when you have an audience of so many like you do, it’s not really fair to cast such heavy accusations on us all.
Blanket statements are suffocating.
Again, you’ve been given a gift and I love to see that you are using that gift to inspire, inform, make change and create. I just wanted you to hear a different perspective.
Thanks,
Amanda
Hear, hear, Amanda.
It’s not up to anyone except me and God (only because I so choose) what I give, how I give, and to whom I give.
Right now I have been unable to give even to my local church. Perhaps my heart is “small,” too, because my “giving” says to others that I would rather not face auto repossession (so I can, you know, get to work to make money to try to get my family out of this mess?!?) or home foreclosure. Funny that my “heart” is “small” when I have medical conditions that include an enlarged (physical) heart.
I’m the kind who cannot listen to my favorite Christian radio stations during their fundraisers. Why? Because, even when I’ve already pledged what I can or what I feel God has told me to pledge per month, “the need is so great.” I know that! I must be the best steward, though, of what God gives me, in the way that I believe God directs me.
I am very sensitive to guilt, a condition that led me to being in the same pit in which Anne found herself during the situations described in Mad Church Disease. I take over-generalized statements personally. Like you, Amanda, I took this one personally.
Perhaps I need to apologize to Anne for driving her traffic up on the non-Haiti posts, even though I read every single one of her Haiti posts, plus helped that area get needed supplies when she asked everybody to retweet the latitude & longitude of the area.
Perhaps I should stop driving Anne’s blog traffic up entirely?
What are your thoughts on this, Ms. Jackson?
.-= Joe Sewell´s last blog ..Scared for Nothing! =-.
Amanda,
Thanks for your comment and I know we had a brief Twitter convo about this as well.
A few things:
1) When I tweeted the “small hearts” comment I did it in a moment of anger and frustration — the WORST time to tweet anything! After simmering down, I went back and deleted it because I realize that my anger and not my heart was coming through.
2) I do not believe that the people who don’t read my posts on poverty have small hearts – rather, I am pointing out a trend in my blog, also in charitable giving as a whole, and other social media trends that poverty is not given as much attention or response as the emergency demands.
3) The main point of this post was to communicate I don’t care about blog stats anymore. Does it make me sad a post about my former “hate” for a pastor (“I Hate Perry Noble”) received more views in any 24 hour period than any post on my blog ever – in FIVE years? Yes. Because that is the stuff that doesn’t matter. My goal in this post is to show I am not letting statistics dictate my content anymore.
I’m sorry that it was taken so personally by you, and by Joe. I am not a perfect person, I never communicate perfectly (hence the reason I took down the original post yesterday — I still needed to add a lot of grace to it) and I will make mistakes. Not everyone will feel the same about my content, my approach, or my response and I am okay with that. Should that cause me to lose readers, I am okay with that. To each their own. I am going to try to be as obedient and gracious as possible, but please know I will fail many times along the way.
Thanks Anne for writing back about this.
Even though we don’t actually know each other, I like that we can dialogue about miscommunications openly. I hope that my comments weren’t taken as snarky because they weren’t meant as such…just honest.
I read your comment to Michael Hyatt after I posted mine and I sensed more of your heart and direction on the matter after that. I hadn’t noticed that you deleted that previous post. Perhaps I should have read more before I commented.
WHAT!? You aren’t perfect? Dang. I only follow perfect people. :)
For real though, I don’t expect perfect communication from you or anyone else. We all say things in haste or frustration from time to time. However, I give you mad props because you have attempted to clear the air on this issue. So, hats off to you.
I don’t plan on un-following you or not reading your blogs anymore or anything like that. In fact, I just received Mad Church Disease in the mail the other day and will start to read that shortly.
I agree with so many people on here that I’m glad you are and will continue to write what’s on your heart and put stats on the bookcase. They’re OK to look at every once in awhile, but too much will drive you mad.
Thanks again.
Amanda
We both hit each other’s sore spots, Anne. I had also forgotten about our “conver-tweet-ion” over this. I should’ve felt my blood pressure amp up and just closed the window. I didn’t. I’m the stupid one for it.
.-= Joe Sewell´s last blog ..Scared for Nothing! =-.
Oh, you meant Amanda’s “conver-tweet-ion.” Man, I must’ve left my brain in my other … no, never mind, let’s just say it’s not functioning too well and be done with it. :)
You’ll always be “uber” in my book ;)
.-= Lindsey Nobles´s last blog ..Message Received. Loud and Clear =-.
Thank you so much for writing this because it actually expresses the feelings I have been having about my own blog. It’s kind of nice to know I’m not alone out there. You keep writing what’s on your heart and God will take care of the rest.
.-= Kristine McGuire´s last blog ..The Sunshine Girls =-.
I think sometimes I get to caught up in what people think, how they might like or dislike what I write. it’s been so bad at times I just want to quit writing, throw in the word towel. it’s at those times that God reminds me that this writing I do is for no one other then Him. And, if only one person is ever encouraged to seek him, find him, love him then my writing has accomplished something. I dare say that if my life changes because of my writing, it’s accomplished something! We do this for God right?! It’s for him, because of him, he’s the one with the message, we are simply the vehicle and if some folks stop on the highway of life to listen,well, what more can we ask for? Don’t quit writing from the well deep inside because really, those are the things that truly matter, those are the words that will change the world.
.-= Josephine Fast´s last blog ..Finding God =-.
Anne,
Be encouraged today. I honestly think a lot of the decline in your post-haiti posts is simply due to the overexposure Haiti has had in the news which is sad because the news isn’t doing a good job of showing where the need is. They’re just showing destruction. So, in essence, while you’re offering a glimpse of need and hope against an industry that’s offering a glimpse of destruction and despair, you’re likely to meet opposition.
5 Beloved, it is a faithful thing you do in all your efforts for these brothers, strangers as they are, 6 who testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God. 7 For they have gone out for the sake of the name, i accepting nothing from the Gentiles. 8 Therefore we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.
3 John 1:5-8
Keep on keeping on Anne. You’re doing good and Christ is glorified.
.-= Josiah´s last blog ..Launching soon! =-.
Conviction is uncomfortable…and not many people are okay with uncomfortable. Unfortunately for them, that is the life God has called us to. Keep speaking the truth. :)
Anne-
I so agree. Passionate, authentic, and engaging readers are more likely to spread the message versus a broad, shallow audience. Depth is the key and you achieve that with your transparency and honesty.
Thank you for putting your heart out in the open, so we can do the same!
All I can say is keep writing. I’m not an expert and I haven’t done any deep searching to find blogs, but I have read tons of them. You have no idea how compelling and almost unique honest, deeply felt writing is on the Internet.
I love that you were agonizing over just how to say what you wanted to say – and hadn’t decided to publish it quite yet, when fate intervened. That is so human.
Keep writing. Don’t worry about numbers or who or anything else – just keep writing.
Hi Anne:
I’ve only been reading your blog for a little while but have found posts like this one to draw me back for more.
Recently I picked up a copy of your book thinking that “burnout” was what we might have in common (other than the fact that we live a city away from each other). In the meantime I subscribed to your blog and connected with your heart.
I started writing online before blogging ever became popular. The trend you are experiencing is one that is sadly obvious. Not only when blogging but when doing podcasts or anything else.
For a time I wanted to do all the “right things” to grow my readership, etc. The pressure was totally overwhelming.
Thank you for reminding me that it is right to be read, worthwhile to approach the “don’t go there zone”, and that ultimately it is not my words but His that matter.
.-= Melinda Lancaster´s last blog ..Terrorist attack in Nashville leaves victim searching for truth =-.
Anne, you are a tremendous household name at our home. When Jim and I have coffee I always keep him abreast of your journies, thoughts, writing, etc. It’s like you win an academy award for the best blog because you target EXACTLY what is going on. I wish I could explain how your writings always say exactly what I’m needing to hear. It seems men (I know women could listen to them also) have the talk show sirous xm in the car and others as they get ready; and I have to read your blog to feel such a knowledge of everything and I love it! I totally believe you have brought emotions into this hard to understand world to men and women!!! We want to be the first to be adopted by your tribe, uber, books, blog and a life-time subscriber!!!! You are the THE best for church,non-church subjects and depth of missions! Bottom line we love you Anne Jackson!!!!! (& thank you so much!)
.-= Carol´s last blog ..Remembering?????? =-.
Wow…I so needed to read this today. As several others have mentioned, I find myself in the “envy” shop, honing my blade, wishing for more readers. I have like…5. LOL! So, I need to refocus and write for the sake of writing, listening to the whispers of the Holy Spirit, and simply record my thoughts, heart, fears and dreams.
Thanks, Anne, for being THAT kind of blog – you are TRULY inspiring beyond measure.
.-= heather´s last blog ..a boring tsunami =-.
I would hope that more blogs (like this one) that talk about what the Bible says about taking care of the poor and being Christ to those we encounter through practical means are considered ‘church’ blogs. The ‘church’ (as in- body of Christ) should be known for these things, if anything. So, I may consider your blog as a ‘church’ blog, but that’s only because I believe the body of believers should be known for the positive ripples their blogs can cause.
.-= Emily´s last blog ..Granola =-.
Also, I saw your first draft of this post in GoogleReader… and I want you to know, I mean no negative thing by putting your blog in my ‘Church’ folder. It’s not a box I’ve put you in. It’s a folder full of blogs that I feel can promote what the body of Christ is meant to be.
.-= Emily?s last blog ..Granola =-.
Anne, love the perspective. Stats can be distracting, and I personally struggle with assuming stats directly correlate with quality of work, or depth of work. Sometimes, the deeper the writing, the harder it can be to engage. Keep writing the good, moving stuff and the core readership will continue to champion your causes alongside you.
Those stats make me sick to my stomach. I am going to pray that you stop looking at them, Anne. And, I am praying for the people that shunned your posts due to the content being of a challenge to them.
Peace & Bacon,
Reese
.-= Reese´s last blog ..B.N.H=4 =-.
it’s okay to be angry. =] deep breath. deep breath.
my two cents on this: we all have something in our hearts that we’re extremely passionate about that others might not feel as passionate about. hence why people react and respond to certain “topics” more than others…
i.e. i have such a huge heart for single mothers & the fatherless. so many single mothers are living under poverty level here in america and NO ONE is talking about it… not even the church. my heart breaks for that. that we can help a 3rd world country and feed them when a next door neighbor is selling herself just to feed her kids. (don’t get me wrong…i have a heart for 3rd world countries too coz i came from one…but this is an example of something i feel really passionate about and not a lot of people feel the same way)
we can look at it and say: “the church is a hypocrite… how can we feed others if we can’t even do it in our own backyard?”
or we look at it this way and see that God has distributed His heart & compassion for the hurting world in unique ways that we are all His children are wired to be passionate about certain things differently.
God has put a cry in your heart for Uganda and Haiti and 3rd world countries. keep on reaching out. keep on crying for them. keep on praying for them. keep on writing and raising awareness about them. whether people react or respond to it or not… know that Your Master sees what Your doing and is pleased with You.
and ultimately that’s what counts in the end.
.-= pa3cia´s last blog ..3.8.10 eye. =-.
sorry typo
i meant to say:
or we look at it this way and see that God has distributed His heart & compassion for the hurting world in unique ways that *all His children* are wired to be passionate about certain things differently.
btw… keep on blogging… dont let the stats get to you. you write for an audience of ONE. =
.-= pa3cia´s last blog ..3.8.10 eye. =-.
Anne, I would never call you or your blog “uber”, as it just sounds dirty.
I get what you’re saying totally, and I would say that I line completely up with that thought.
But, I hope I can encourage you to just write what’s on your heart. That sounds like the underlying issue that’s conflicting you at times.
Write the posts on the poor and hurting. They will always get less press than the “juicy” topics. It’s our job as the Church to not forget them. Screw stats, I say….!! :)
.-= Josh´s last blog ..A New Look (in progess) =-.
Seems to the church stats as well. Flashy Sunday spectacle, lots of people. A call to faith in action, crickets.
I get 4 or 5 comments whenever I blog about my son pooping his pants and ate best a single comment when I attempt to cry out for the least of these. Interesting, probably sad, and frightening for the least of these.
.-= Wally´s last blog ..Sacrifice is =-.
Seems to be… and at best (grammar mistakes irritate me).
.-= Wally´s last blog ..Sacrifice is =-.
as a *baby* blogger, i get excited when i have, like 8 visits, and a comment, so i’m not sure i can really relate totally to where you’re coming from.
i do know that as long as you stay true to God first and then yourself, nothing else really matters.
i read your blog most days, but am bad about not always commenting. its my fear of sounding like a dork. its my hang up. not cuz i don’t like or agree with what you’re writing. i’m sorry for that.
peace, love & joy, sweet sister?
.-= Pamela Hunter´s last blog ..Permission To Speak Freely =-.
I never really understood the idea that the number of readers should control how / what you write. I suppose if you are using the idea of making money off the blog by advertising, then this correlation makes sense.
You have to ask yourself (which it sounds like you have), why are you doing this?
I personally don’t read your blog or anyone’s blog because of them, or the popularity. I scan my rss aggregator and if a post interests me, I read it, if it doesn’t I don’t.
You mentioned being known as a ‘church’ blog. I follow yours and a few other Christian blogs that many would consider ‘church’ blogs. I don’t follow them for that reason. I am not that religious a person to be honest. I grew up in a very Christian family with Christian values. That was good and bad. Good in the sense that I still hold those values and still practice them and try and learn more about them.
I believe there is value to yours and others posts in most cases, even if you are not a ‘church’ person and that is what counts.
In your effort to figure this out, I’d suggest to make sure what you post is what comes from you, what you feel, what you perceive. Who cares about the stats.
-mike.
.-= Michael Dundas´s last blog ..Verified by Twitter is just silly =-.
I don’t comment much but I am so happy to be one of your “fewer” readers. There are so many words out there on so many blogs. We need to be sure that our words are important words about what touches the heart of God. Thanks for doing that, whatever the cost.
.-= Cyndi Anderson´s last blog ..Manna =-.
Darren Rowse just posted on something similar over at ProBlogger (I think he stole your idea).
As a fellow faith blogger (there’s another categorization for you!), we write to a very specific niche. I make the mistake of thinking it’s a huge niche, but it’s not. All I need to do is take a look at the stats of my sister’s foodie blog to be reminded of this!
At any rate, I think you have the ability to transcend our niche. Big time. Godin thanked you in Linchpin for crying out loud! WTG.
Keep it up, girl. Large, small, medium–God’s raised you up for a purpose!
.-= Justin Wise´s last blog ..The Inerrancy of College Basketball =-.
fast the stats…God has your feed
.-= eddie broussard´s last blog ..CONFESSION…what is it good for? =-.
Amen Sister!! Don’t ever change. We love you for who you are and what you share with us, not because you say WHAT we want to hear. How dull a life some people must have. Keep up the good work, even if I’m the last one to read your blog (and that’s not going to happen).
You have a great heart & perspective. People don’t like to be ‘uncomfortable’ (esp. Christians); we easily forget that Christ cares little about our ‘comfort’ and much about our character. Thanks for being a great example of that.
I echo all that’s been said – be you! Meeting you offline you were the same person I thought you would be from reading your blog because you write your story, who you are, what you’re about. I’ve met others who aren’t the same at all. That’s disappointing and disheartening when they’re crying out for authenticity and honesty. God’s using you, keep sharing your story no matter how many read it.
Anne,
Amen! God bless you for speaking up for those who have no voice!! You are so right about the things that should be resonating with people in the church! Jesus himself said that loving our neighbors was “like unto” loving God, and yet so often that commandment has been either completely forgotten, or at least so trivialized as to be almost meaningless. The Bible emphasizes over and over again, that we are to not just ‘feel’ love, but to reach out and help our neighbors. It seems that in this day and age, people have replaced “how can I help you?” with “I’ll pray for you.” Prayer is a wonderful thing, but often we should be the answer to that prayer.
Our family spent nearly six years living in a pop-up tent trailer, after a layoff – and we were lucky. We met many, many people who ended up sleeping under bridges, or in their cars. These were not druggies, but regular people who couldn’t find work, or whose health failed them, or went through divorces… all different situations, with the same end result. But when we try to tell people about our experiences, we tend to get the same response that you are seeing – people tune out. We don’t know if they don’t believe, don’t care, or just don’t know how to respond, but the end result is the same. The church needs to wake up! We need to remember that Jesus called us to be different – we’re supposed to be part of the answer, not ignore the problem. So often the needs seem overwhelming – as you have so clearly seen, and so eloquently written about – but we have to start somewhere.
One of the ways we try to make a difference is to obey the principles in Deuteronomy 14 and 26 – to dedicate a third of our tithes to helping the poor. Only instead of doing that every third year, we set aside a third of every tithe check. But we’ve learned to be careful where we give it (one church we attended just kept all the money and never spent any of it.) So now we try to listen for God’s spirit, and give it wherever he tells us – which can include places like Haiti.
So we all commend you for your courage in taking a stand, and for speaking out. We’ll all be proud to be a part of your “small group” – and we pray that as you continue to speak out, that God will enlighten the hearts of your readers until your “small group” becomes a large one. Just know we’re cheering for you. God Bless.
Yvette, Bill, Pete & Yvonne
P.S.- (from Bill) You think you’re a bad driver? I think I’m the only driver in this end of the country who managed to (accidently, of course) get his car airborne. And to make it worse, it was in a construction zone (at midnight).
I absolutely love this…I think someone else aready said this, but I was thinking it being a “kingdom blog” as well
.-= Michael´s last blog ..Saving Documents =-.
The only perspective I have to share is that, as a newish reader, the recent stats might also be a reflection of our collective longing for comfort and insight during horrific events. If the stats demonstrate the power of your message of compassion and connection (as shared by others to their readers), then I feel more “linked” to other concerned individuals also seeking solace. As the headlines subside, as other critical heartbreaks arise, we flock elsewhere. Human nature, good bad and indifferent.
I come from a long line of Quakers and Christian Scientists and now consider myself a practicing Buddhist firmly attached to compassionate spirituality. Your words, experience, and journey resonate deeply. I seek grace and insight – it’s what I find in you. I appreciate your community and the communal experience. I believe we share the same source strength.
Have faith that your resonance is exactly what it needs to be, whenever and however it happens.
I’ve been reading your blog since your Compassion Trip to Uganda. I love all the topics you cover. Some are more easily digested than others, granted. But I admire people who aren’t afraid to throw the tough stuff out there! We’ve got to face it.
Apparently you’ve been called by God (similar to Joshua and Samuel and Elijah and Jonah – I could go on and on) to make such proclamations. So I’ll just say, “Be strong and courageous, the Lord is with you.”
Keep up the good work. Those who need to hear will – God will make sure of it.
.-= Cindy Graves´s last blog ..Comfort Isn’t Always #1 =-.
I guess it’s kind of like in the church, it can get dangerous when we focus too much on numbers and less on the heart behind things and really seeing changed lives.
In the end, I’m learning that my blog has more to do with me. I know readers are important and 1000 true fans are, but it has more to do with what God is doing in my life than it is with posts that attract. And this is a daily reminder!
All of us are tempted to look at numbers and be defined by the stats. Ie- whether it causes us to have a good or bad day.
I appreciate your honesty about the struggle Anne. I can’t wait to see what you write in the future.
Hi Anne, I’ve only kept up with your blog for the past month or so and have never left a comment, but this post resonates with me. I’ve got my own blog that only a handful of people read, and truly, the blog is more for myself so most days I don’t care that only my closest friends seem to take the time to read it buuut… seems we’ve had our days when our ego gets the best of us, myself included. Perhaps this sounds weird, but your post reminds me that I’m not alone in my desire to be known, but at the end of the day, that’s not what matters the most. I too, would rather have only a handful of followers and still feel free to write whatever’s on my mind than have hundreds of followers and cave into the pressure (as I know I would!) of only writing to please others. Shalom.
.-= allyc´s last blog ..i was carried to the table seated where i don’t belong carried to the table swept away by His love and i don’t see my brokenness anymore when i’m seated at the table of the Lord =-.
You have a great point and I agree with you.
It is better to have a core group (Bill Corenlius calls it a “remnant”) than a million who don’t care and will walk away when you need them.
The truths you discussed don’t only apply to bloggers (i.e. not me), but to everyone in their own life situations.
keep sharing your raw, real, beautiful heart, just like you always do. that is what i come here for. and i’ve never been disappointed.
.-= alece´s last blog ..i’m talking to the devil =-.
Go Anne with an “e”. You are a kindred spirit! I love your honesty.
Jana
Great post, Anne. It’s why I’ve decided to remove my blog stats from my sidebar. I’m in a period (going on about 4 weeks) where I’m finding it difficult to write, and I know part of it is simply thinking too much about what others might think rather than just writing for me. Thanks for this…
.-= Andy´s last blog ..Hank is 9 today! =-.
I like your blog, and I think you should continue to write exactly what God places on your heart. It hadn’t occurred to me that it would be anything but that.
That being said, I have been tempted to stop reading for a couple of reasons, neither of which have to do with Haiti. I like that you are fighting toward obedience to God’s calling for you, but I think(and I don’t think it’s something you would want in your truest heart) that any writer must be careful not to judge your readers, past and present. You have, quite simply, assumed a lot about your readers, and much of it favors you.
For now, though, I’m hanging in there with you, because I dig you.
Great post! I love your heart and the generosity you exhibit so freely. You challenge me in my relationship and I appreciate that so much. So thanks for just doing your thing and letting God do His thing through your writing.
Keep posting – we need the reminders!
.-= Megs?s last blog ..Hearts at Home is Coming… Will you be there? =-.
In my blogging life I’ve gone through this thought process numerous times. How badly do I want numbers? Because the reality is it isn’t too difficult to do if you know what you are doing. But in the end, I wanted to be true to myself and blog about what God had placed on my heart. Glad to see he is saying similar things to you as well.
Thank you for talking about the hard stuff. For baring your soul. That is one reason I love you. My heart feels aligned with yours in regards to rescuing those in poverty. You keep doing that and I’ll always be a faithful reader.
.-= Prudence?s last blog ..Washing Away Ungratefulness =-.
1) I love the whole ‘check the stats once a month’ idea. I think it’s more true to the actual stats.
2) I really dig the idea of a smaller more committed and engaged community.
3) I bet you’ll actually make a greater impact through fewer people. Cuts to your committed and helps you focus there.
4) I would be angry, too… in a way… totally from the standpoint that people need to be entertained and coddled. Perhaps the way that you demand more from your crew is exactly the bar that needs to be set.
5) You’ve got my pageview for your stats. Good work. :-)
God Bless,
evan
.-= Evan Blackerby?s last blog ..Why Laughing Together is so Important =-.
Well said – from a reader with a big heart! When all we care about is stats, I think we forget about why we originally started blogging in the first place. Be yourself, don’t play to the stats, and don’t worry about them so much either. People are fickle! Keep on Keepin’ On! =)
.-= Matt B.?s last blog ..Butterfly Circus =-.
Anne, you rock.
P.S. Have you ever attended a church that was the way it is “supposed to be?” I haven’t. If you find one, please let me know—I’m looking for one.
P.P.S. I am reading Mad Church Disease–a book I need to be reading, don’t ya think?
Pam
I love you Anne Jackson. Maybe your blog could be termed “uber-these teachings are hard and who could follow them.”
:-)
.-= Harold?s last blog ..Haiti Relief: Trading Chocolate for Rice =-.
People don’t get what they can’t connect to. When my wife and I came back from our 9 month German missions internship we felt sad. Nobody cared about what we just did. They wanted to talk about cruddy little things like their diet and exercise plan. Now I just shrug it off. I now understand that they couldn’t possibly understand what I have been through because they have never been through it.
We are returning in May for full-time work. I have a blog and the focus on it will change to our ministry in Germany. I get very little blog traffic right now and I am sure when we are over there it may be even less. The blog is mainly for friends and family but none of them show up to it.
I have observed that Pete Wilson will write a post about nothing but it connects with people and he will get couple hundred comments. If he writes a post about some missionary it gets about 10 comments.
I just don’t think people want to feel uncomfortable. And again people just can’t make connections unless they have traveled the same road as you and me.
.-= David Knapp?s last blog ..Books I?ve Never Read But Am Recommending =-.
grace to you as you walk out your obedience Anne. and grace to those of us who walk out our obedience. i am a “church” blogger and i write on issues of the church. i live the message of compassion and endeavor daily to be God’s hand extended as opportunities arise, but i blog on the current condition of the church in hope and love for its future. we can do both without making one less important. taking care of the overlooked is not of sole importance… there are other matters that are also important. i believe that i hear your heart and i encourage you to go forward with the direction you are taking.
i think you’re doing quite well with your re-entry. when i returned from my years on the mission field i had a very difficult time with re-entry. i became angry with our greed and ambition. i had a tough time relating to everyday church folks and to be quite honest, i thought of myself more highly than i ought. after 3 years of being back, i haven’t lost my passion, but i have gained a greater understanding of grace… and God’s mercy, of course.
PS I have determined to blog as if no one were reading and blog responsibly as if everyone was.
.-= JuliaKate?s last blog ..the Risk of Enlisting =-.
Thanks for sharing your honesty. I appreciate your willingness to still cultivate honest and open communication even after finding so much “success” and creating an “uber” blog! While I am newer to the blogging world (about 2 yrs.), I am finding that blogging is much about the art of conversation. In everyday conversations, no one can ever communicate perfectly. We all say things that come out wrong or offend others even when that was not the intended purpose! Just keep sharing!
ps–I have been a follower of your blog for about a year, but this is my first comment on your blog.
As before mentioned, I am one reader, with one heart, and one goal who loves what you’re doing.
.-= Bianca Juarez?s last blog ..post-it’s and prayer… =-.
It only took 12 apostles to turn the world completely and totally upside down. I say light it up. Keep the pressure on.
Well said Anne. I share the same sentiment.
–Terrace Crawford
http://www.terracecrawford.com
http://www.twitter.com/terracecrawford
.-= Terrace Crawford?s last blog ..Manic Monday Minute =-.
I love the variety in your posts. I think the peaks and valleys in traffic pretty much mirror what happens in the church too. One of my friends writes for non-profits. She was getting ready to put out a newsletter for one of her clients right before Easter and she asked them if they would like her to mention Easter … their response was “No, Easter doesn’t ‘Pop’ enough.
The whole taking care of the poor thing is so messy … and painful … and smelly … and dangerous sometimes. When I worked at different churches, and still now with ministry, I’ve found people are interested in the “exciting” parts of ministry but not so much with the nuts and bolts stuff. I decided years ago though to keep plugging away in my own life and keep stepping out of my comfort zone. I started inviting people to come along. I’ve found that the ones who do might not be a huge number, but most of them are changed when they do and begin a lifetime of seeing the value and the joy of that kind of ministry.
I think you are helping to plant some seeds in many people’s hearts. You go girl!
.-= Linda B.?s last blog ..The Life Creative? =-.
Please forgive me if I am a repeat, as I didn’t read all of the comments above. But I love you and I think you are above all else, a Christ Follower. That is evident. So when we started out on this mission journey (like before we left) I had a high readership…but now that I talk about SA, and feeding people and HIV and AIDS, it has dropped to about 70 a day. This makes me sad sometimes – like it hits my ego, but most days who cares? I figure whoever reads it, God is leading them there and whoever doesn’t then whatever. I am called there for a purpose and if God is my guide, then I seriously can’t be concerned about blog stats. My call is to South Africa and most of the people here don’t even have electricity, let alone know what a blog is. So be encouraged Friend. God is God and He is using you in so many vibrant ways. You have no idea who you are touching- through your words, example and lifestyle even if your stats don’t reflect it.
.-= kristiapplesauce?s last blog ..Run for Mercy =-.
I understand that by “stats” you probably mean hits, but if by that you also mean comments, then it doesn’t surprise me that not as many people comment on your mission trip posts.
Comments on these types of posts seem to pretty much fall into two acceptable categories: either people say “I’m totally on board with this effort, thanks to you” or “You are so brave/strong/etc. for doing this.” If people are neither directly moved to act nor do they feel compelled to sing your praises (because they get that it should be about giving God the glory), then they don’t really find a good reason to comment.
.-= Megan?s last blog ..Progress =-.
Exactly why I like your blog…fresh and honest!
.-= Reading Rosie?s last blog ..Crocheted Barbie Clothes =-.
At the risk of being redundant, I want to say…”great post!” :) I wrote a post 5 years ago titled “Myspace and unintentional teenage prostitution” and it has been tracked more than any post I’ve ever written all because when people search “teenage prostitution” Google picks it up and displays my blog as a link. I suppose it’s good because maybe, just maybe, something convicting will come to those searching “teenage prostitution”.
I’m with you…after years of blogging it’s very tiring to realize that we are a culture hungry for sensation more than beauty, truth, justice…
I’m glad to have found your blog via Lars’ blog while you guys were over in Haiti. I also am now following you on twitter. Enjoy the light that you are to my world and to many others. Have a beautiful day!
Write in obedience to the Spirit, then you don’t need to look at stats or judge the motives of those who come and go. A true servant is only concerned with her master’s approval.
Wow! I cannot believe all the comments and I am not even going to read them….
I HEAR you! I feel similarly about facebook–I do not have a following NEAR the following of your “uber-church-blog” ;) but I hate that I write a post about losing knives and 10 housewives chime in but i ask what miracle has God done in your life and I hear crickets chirping!
AHHHHH!!!!!!
We MUST care about what God cares about OR—-for what!
Thanks for letting me vent :)) Happy to have met you! Happy to have found a new place to visit! (thanks church of no people)
.-= Jen~Beautiful Mess?s last blog ..Hold Fast =-.
I just started following your blog and I am in the minority. I originally came here to see what you had to say about what the BIBLE had to say about taking care of the poor. And I wanted to read more about your Haiti trip too.
Funny you posted this. See, I have a blog, but its just a personal blog – only a few friends read it. But I notice, when I post about fueds within our blended family, my stats go through the roof. When I post about our recent Haiti trip, no one really seems to care all that much.
So, I totally feel your angry-ness. But I still love your blog.
.-= Jenifer?s last blog ..Eccentric ? Or A Public Apology to My Step Daughter =-.
Hi Anne,
As a pastor’s wife of 10 years working in the church to a lady who is now moving to Thailand to help fight child prostitution with a Christian nonprofit, I can honestly say the realities of “church” people not caring for the poor is heartbreaking. It’s been amazing to me (and discouraging) that most of the negative comments we have gotten about our family’s move to Thailand has been from within the church. And yet, I find great encouragment in the fact that there is a small community of true Christ-followers who have been willing to give sacrificially to us going. There is hope in that. But, I totally hear your heart and frustration in the American/human mentality of agreeing with our mouths, but not our actions.
Thanks for sharing. I find lots of encouragement from your writing.
.-= Laura@Life Overseas?s last blog ..A Packing Tip for Moving Overseas . . . =-.
I know I tweeted my support for you when you first mentioned this, but I felt compelled to comment again today. I found your blog right around the time I had my car accident and I loved that you have helped me work through my church burnout issues, as well as show me that not all American Christians are scary with big hair (yes I did think that).
But I don’t want to stay stuck in that burnout, church is bad, miserable place! Not that I was really there… but I think maybe more than a few of your readers are. I want to be part of the answer in a hurting world. I love, I repeat love, your commitment to raising awareness of what is going on and it challenges me all the time.
I’m praying hard right now about how God is going to use me in the future and wanting full healing so He can. I will do it smarter and not burn out hopefully, but there is a poor and hurting world waiting for us to get over ourselves.
I started following you on Twitter because you were in Haiti. I care! Very much. I get angry too sometimes :-) check out my blog if you get a chance. Thanks, Kristen Love
Yea, I feel the same way. When I write, like I did today, about important marriage advice that I have learned from experience, traffic is down. The same when I write about “God” things. I get more mileage out of the posts where I really could care less if they were read, honestly. But, I’m kind of with Michael Hyatt too. I believe if I build traffic on some days so that the traffic on the really important days is bigger then my overall mission is accomplished for more people. I really just want to help people think.
You are awesome. Really…you are.
.-= Ron Edmondson´s last blog ..Monday Marriage Moment: Addressing Major Problems =-.
Thanks for your transparency. Its refreshing and really, Really awesome. Glad to see a blogger who cares more about people than their own statistics. You’re a serious inspiration. Thank you.
It’s all perspective, Anne :)
I’m really delighted to get 3 comments in a WEEK on my blog.
You get 126 just for talking about not worrying about comments.
You have a whole city here, not just a community.
If I may offer my humble opinion….maybe your stats light up on those controversial topics because spiritual people are desperate for someone to share with them on those issues in an open, authentic, and God-honoring way that they just aren’t getting from the church. In the time I have spent on your blog, I find that you do just that, bring truth to topics that many others are afraid to discuss or just don’t know where to start. So maybe it isn’t that low traffic means people care less about poverty and service topics, but maybe that aspect of their life is already being spoken to in meaningful ways.
Just a thought, sorry this is coming so late to the conversation but I gave up blogs for Lent and just getting caught up and didn’t get a chance to read all the comments on this one. Best wishes for many blessings in all your endeavors.