The Ministry of Blogging

Have you ever just felt like the mom in this picture? You're tired. You're overwhelmed. You're covered in baby food, possibly spit-up, you're behind in your housework, and you just need some encouragement. So since you're home (and covered in all sorts of baby fluids), you turn to your computer. You try to find just the right blog to give you that boost. Sometimes tracking it down is tough--there are so many; where do you even begin looking? But then you stumble across the one you need most, and it is like salve to your soul. Its words encourage and uplift you. You find the practical help you were seeking. The wisdom you found helps gives your "now" a fresh perspective. You feel like you can do this after all!

In our modern-technological era, I wholeheartedly believe blogs serve a vital ministry function. I know because I've experienced it. I bet you have too. I am not saying we should turn to blogs before we turn to the Lord, our husband, children, and friends. What I am saying is they are an easily accessible source of practical help, which I believe the Lord uses in our lives as He helps us grow in all things.

For example, when a friend of mine (who now has nine children) was early in her motherhood journey, she felt such a void of godly female mentoring in her life. She told me she cried out to God, asking "Where are the Titus 2 women?" In the Bible, Titus chapter 2 (for those who are not familiar with it) instructs the older women to train the younger women to "love their husbands and children [a friendly kind of love], to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God."  My friend said for her, the answer came in books. For me--and probably for many of you--we're finding that training, encouragement and help through the wonderful blogs of moms who love their Lord, their husbands, their children, their homes.

Our church provides a Titus 2 mentoring ministry, which is indeed a blessing. I wholeheartedly agree that receiving one-on-one encouragement, help, prayer, accountability, etc. in person is the way it should be. But sometimes these real-life connections don't happen, or don't happen with enough regularity to really be effective in meeting needs. After all, life is busy. Blogs fill the void.  The insight I receive online greatly ministers to me in my roles as a wife, mother, homemaker, friend. I am deeply grateful for it (as well as the mentoring I receive from friends in real life).

So in keeping with my desire for ministry and mentoring at Moms in Need of Mercy, as I arrive at those "ah-ha" moments in my journey, I'll pass them on here in hopes that they can bless you in turn! 

This post is linked to Gratituesday, hosted by Heavenly Homemakers.