That is the question. With my blog, that is.
I have been wrestling with this question for awhile. Sometimes I feel like having a private blog is like hiding my light under a bushel. Other times I think being private is the only way to be "safe".
During General Conference a few things stood out to me which Elder Uchtdorf said:
"Brothers and sisters, with the blessings of modern technology, we can express gratitude and joy about God’s great plan for His children in a way that can be heard not only around our workplace but around the world..."
(This next phrase has been ringing in my mind, and will not leave) . . .
"Sometimes a single phrase of testimony can set events in motion that affect someone’s life for eternity."
He also said:
"My dear young friends, perhaps the Lord’s encouragement to “open [your] mouths” might today include “use your hands” to blog and text message the gospel to all the world!
Hmmmmm . . . food for thought.
Do I de-privatize my blog and invite all my facebook friends/whoever . . . or do I stay "safe" in my little private-bubble full of mostly-members of the church??
If you recall a few posts ago, I mentioned a time when I was told by the Spirit to "feed my sheep" and "use your hands" . . . I thought it just meant for family history work -- but maybe it is more than that? When Elder Uchtdorf said that to "open your mouth" might include "use your hands" to blog -- it was like lightning for me.
Should I do it? Should I click the button that will allow others in? Should I let my light shine? Or should I keep it safe and hidden under a bushel?
Any thoughts/feelings/experiences?
From Mom:
ReplyDeleteThe church has "internet missionaries" now. That should give you a clue.
Let your light shine.
ReplyDeleteCharles
Being the paranoid person you know that I am, I lean toward private. I don't necessarily think that having a private blog is hiding your light under a bushel. I've known some people who have gotten some weird comments from people they don't know out there in the blog-o-sphere. My sister-in-law got some comment from someone in the middle east who said something about the Koran...it kind of freaked her out.
ReplyDeleteSome ideas I've seen other people use, if you should decide to go public, is to only use first initials when talking about their kids, spouses, etc. They also keep their town they live in confidential. Maybe that is too much work but I worry about who is peeking in on my family that I don't know.
However, if you feel impressed or inspired to go back to being public, maybe it is right thing for you.
Shine that light in whatever way you feel impressed to let it shine. You won't go wrong doing that.
bottom line is that it's really not that big of a deal. you may get a stray comment, but in the 3 years i've been public i've only had one. while there are many things that are less than desirous about public places (bathrooms, pools...need i say more), this isn't a bad place to be public. just watch out for the riff-raff and you'll do just fine. ;)
ReplyDeleteStill thinking about it!!! Thanks for the thoughts!
ReplyDeleteWell, I already know what you decided, but isn't it funny how personal conference can be. I took away other meaningful things for me in my life and you heard what you needed to hear. Let your light shine Mari!
ReplyDelete