I’m often blown away by the wonder that is the blogosphere. For years, my ministry has involved my family, the people in my small group, my neighbors; those with whom I come into physical contact on a fairly regular basis. These people are still my ministry, of course, but the ministry itself has been broadened, just as yours has, if you’re a blogger. The World Wide Web has had the effect of making our world not as wide!
In the last 24 hours, I’ve had the privilege of praying for a blog friend whose mother was just diagnosed with cancer, encouraging another whose son was in a car accident and is facing some other challenges that has had her feeling low and, through my dread of writing my last post, found 18 others who were struggling with some of the same issues. Through my comment regarding a past personal battle with my child on another blog, a reader found me and sent me an email, as she is currently experiencing similar struggles. Through my mistakes and my triumphs in that past situation, I was able to minister to her. That’s 21 people in 24 hours that would never have known the others existed, if not for blogging.
Do you realize the massive opportunity that we, the blogging community, have to affect the world for Christ? If we are willing to walk our walk “out loud”, there is no limit to how far it will reach – from Toledo to Tangier to Tokyo, from Las Vegas to Luxembourg to Liverpool. The web does it’s job like threads in a tapestry, woven together all over the world to form something beautiful, extraordinary – hearts knit together in Christ.
Yes, this is a new kind of ministry. To all those whose blogs I frequent and those I’ve yet to discover, I thank you for your transparency and willingness to minister to me. To all those who bless me with your visits, it’s a privilege to travel this road with you…the road home.
Amen my sister….what an opportunity! May we walk in boldness, honesty and side by side…for the finish line which is Jesus! Thanks for doing what you do. May He fling open doors that no man, woman or blogger may shut!
First … so glad you dropped by for a visit. Absent the “tinfoil” thing, you’re definitely not old!
Second … you ask, ” Do you realize the massive opportunity that we, the blogging community, have to affect the world for Christ?”, to which I answer:
“Absolutely!”.
It was a little over a year ago that I really felt the Lord stirring me to reach into cyberspace as the “uttermost of the outermost” parts of the world needing to be reached for Him. I love it that I found so many other cyber-missionaries out here. I love the variety and volumes that speak to God’s amazing ways – so different yet so identifiable in each uniquely distinct life.
Anyway, to Him be the glory, and to us be the joy of doing life together.
Kathleen
This is so true. I can’t believe the friendships that I have formed via the blog world. This is a wonderful area of ministry – a real “Barnabas” opportunity to encourage others and share God’s love.
So glad to have met you over cyberspace.
Blessings,
Joy
The blog world is blessed to have you!!
p
Ditto. You are one of my favorite stops each day. You teach me much about life and love and living a sacred heart’s influence.
I love you and count it a joy to call you friend.
By the way, just home from a fabulous first night of Bible study with Anonymous. “Oh my” is all I can say. The study left 60 other women saying the same thing.
Praise Him!
peace~elaine
This post is so true! Once, I found myself fussing with God over the fact that my comments drop if I’m not out visiting my bloggie friends, and His response was, “it’s not about them coming to you as much as you encouraging them where and when they need it.”
WOW! That summed it up for me, as did this post.
You are a blessing,
Love you!
Sonya
You’re right, Melinda. Blogging is definitely a ministry. I started my blog to develop and advance more as a writer, but I immediately realized what ministry potential had opened up to me. What a blessing! May God continue to bless your ministry!
A ministry indeed. I had no idea when I started what I was in for.
Blessings to you.
~Donna
Oh Melinda I am covered in God bumps and in tears.
I have had such a realization myself in the past week, and it was most heavily on me yesterday.
I shared my torn heart at length with a dear sister in Christ last evening. That I don’t know where God is specifically directing my steps here, but that He has something.
This is such a confirmation of that!
I just love your authenticity, your heart and love for God. Thank you so much for being such a willing vessel and shining His light on this blog – o- sphere!
Gotta run, have babies to get up an to school.
Sending you much love and a big hug,
tammy
I am personally thrilled to know you and call you friend. You have blessed me in so many ways Melinda.
Thank you for your love, support, encouragement, and true reflection of Christ to others.
Hugs and blessings,
Fran
Melinda! Thank you for stopping by my blog…I am enjoying yours and will be back…
I too have been ministered to by others on this blog thing and pray that I will minister to others in the same way…
Blessings!
Teresa
HI,
I found your blog through Sheryl’s blog.
This blog ministry is so amazing. The LORD has carried me through some things that I have been able to help others with. My being able to share my heart has been amazing.
Have a blessed day.
Hi Melinda,
You’ve got a beautiful blog, and this one rings truer than I think anyone can imagine. It’s amazing how many ways are used to bring the good news to the world these days.
Melinda, I have found this same thing since I really got into blogging over the past few months. I have tried to explain it to our women’s pastor at church but I’m not sure she really grasps how huge this is!
Blessings
Michelle
What a beautiful blog you have! I just got started recently having had similar thoughts to what you expressed here, and yet keeping it to myself at first. I went to Beth Moore’s blog this morning and thought I’d click on just one blogger. It was you. And what an encouragement to read this and the entry right before it. I often think of how much I want God to reveal more of Himself to me, but then realize I haven’t been fully obedient in an area He’s already shown me (such as eating, etc.). Thanks for your words and encouragement. May you be blessed today.