My Soapbox (at least for a moment)

Did you know we are moving up on the fourth anniversary of this blog?  I know, pretty noteworthy, right?

No, it's not, but today I have been pondering a thing or two about blogging. 

When I joined the world of blogging, I knew nothing about it.  NOTHING.  I love to write and share my thoughts, I like attention, and we were on the eve of having our first child.  We were living in Denver and our family was scattered across the country.  I had some friends who had delved into the world of blogging, and I thought I'd give it a try, if for no other reason than to share our son with family and friends who didn't get to see him regularly. 

I discovered I love it.  I have really enjoyed my almost four years of blogging.  I have learned SO MUCH about it, I have become a follower of many blogs.  I have found old friends who blog.  I have been able to keep in touch with friends I may never have otherwise.  I follow people who I don't know, but who have become a part of my daily life.  I have spent hours in prayer over perfect strangers because I came across their blog and shared their sorrow or their joy. 

So, why I am telling you all this?  Because I have, in recent months become very burdened by the blogging world.  I follow a very well known blog called My Charming Kids.  I don't always agree with MckMama.  I don't always think that what she says has validity.  But, I followed her through her most harrowing days of learning about her fourth son's heart condition.  I prayed for her and Stellan.  I rejoiced to discover he was born healthy.  I wept when he became gravely ill as a very young infant.  WHY???  Why would I invest in and feel so deeply connected to a woman I have never met?  Why do I follow blogs like hers?  Why have I spent time praying for a woman, her family, and their burdens when I don't know them and will never meet them?  I think the answer is simple, at least for me. 

I am a mother. 

I love my children.  I have invested everything I am in them.  I give thanks to God for entrusting me with my two son's care.  I identify with that part of her.  I have been blessed to have two healthy children, two healthy pregnancies, no miscarriages, no chronic or terminal illnesses.  But, just because I have never walked that road doesn't mean I don't identify with her mother's heart.  I absolutely do.

So stick with me. 

As I have followed her blog, I have been dismayed to discover the ugliness that is so pervasive in the blogging world (well, the world in general).  People hurled accusations at her.  They investigated the most private details of her life and worked to expose them.  They accused her of doctoring photos.  They have called her children ugly.  They have done everything in their power to hurt and destroy this woman.  Thank goodness she has a large amount a resiliancy and a peace that I am convinced is only found through the love of Christ. 

So, here's where I attempt to get to my point. 

WHY?

Why hurt her?  Why attempt to destroy her credibility?  Why do people invest so negatively in the lives of others?  If you don't like her, don't like her blog, her children, how they look, how she teaches, what she chooses to eat, or do as an activity, just leave her alone. 

And let me say, this blog is not done in defense of MckMama, she can and does speak for herself.  This blog post is written in defense of all mother's who are struggling, hurting, in pain, or just trying to get through. I read many mommy blogs where Mom's are seeking answers for their struggles, whether it be a child who won't sleep, a baby who won't eat, a kid who is not gaining weight, a mom who works full time...well the list goes on and on.  And you know what I have discovered?  So many people out there are so mean, so awful, so hurtful.  People don't have nice or supportive things to say.  I have noticed lots of people comparing their situation to others, "You think you have it bad, well you should hear what I HAD TO GO THROUGH (deal with, experience, etc.)!!!" 

If you feel like what you have experienced is so much worse or more horrific than someone else, how about you not say anything if it's not supportive or loving?  How about you offer thoughtful words of encouragement because you can EMPATHIZE?  And if you truly feel like you can't empathize or need to make the world understand that your situation gets the medal for bad, then just keep your mouth shut.  I think I am just so tired of hearing about and reading the awful negativity.  I am disgusted by people who have nothing to offer but painful and hurtful words.

Today I am pondering what it means to be filled, FILLED with the love of Christ.

I came across this verse,

Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord with a pure heart.  Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels and the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 2 Timothy 2:22-24 

If you are a Christ follower, I challenge you to ponder this verse when you feel the need to comment on someone else's blog.  Is what you have to say full of Christ's love?  Is it uplifting or helpful?  Or is it hurtful, judgemental and does it jump to conclusions? 

If you don't have anything nice to say, just don't say anything at all.