I saw her as I was walking down the beach. She sat all alone in the surf. I’m sure mom was close by, keeping an eye on her child.
But you could look at this picture and think the child was truly all alone.
That there was no one around.
In truth, the beach was full of people, I was actually surprised I could zoom in and get just the girl.
Sometimes, I feel like this little girl looks. I feel all alone in the big, wide ocean of internet bloggers.
I am not sure I should be here. I am not sure that this is my area of the beach.
On Friday, I wrote a 5 Minute Friday post on the prompt BELONG.
I wrote how our children don’t really belong to us, they are only ours for a while.
I continued to think on the concept of BELONGING because I am beginning to wonder if I really and truly belong in this blogging world.
I typed the previous words last night (Sunday) in preparation for completing the post and publishing it this morning.
Then, I read this by my sweet friend, Diane. Each of us has a story to tell. Diane says that even though our stories may be similar, our perspectives, our hurts, our views are unique. She says it like this, “You are not one of many. Your story, though it may be similar to
others, has your unique spin, your unique emphasis. The time, place,
and people who share your life are different than any other and needs to
be shared to encourage another person walking down a similar path.”
others, has your unique spin, your unique emphasis. The time, place,
and people who share your life are different than any other and needs to
be shared to encourage another person walking down a similar path.”
These days, my mind is foggy. I don’t feel I have the writing mojo that I have had in the past. And I wonder what I am supposed to do with this space.
Sometimes it feels like I am drifting sand, being blown about as the wind desires.
I don’t know if I truly belong online or not, but after reading Diane’s post…well, I’m not ready to throw in the towel just yet.
Lord, I believe each of us DOES have a story to tell.
Please help me determine what part of my story you
want me to share. Help me determine the parts that
will bring you glory and honor. Because, really Lord,
that is all I ever wanted out of this space and out of my life.
One more thing, read this by Michelle DeRusha. She tells you why you need to
leave your electronics at home when you go on vacation. I LOVED it!!
Do you feel like you don’t belong?
If you blog, do you ever get the feeling I tried to
describe here? If so, how did you deal with it?
PLEASE…share!!
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Yes, you DO belong online, Mary. I read your post Friday on belonging, and even though I didn't leave a comment, it moved me, as you'd expect it would. We each have a unique perspective yet often our perspectives are so similar that we feel extra connected. That's how I feel when I "hear" your voice online.
I know you and I have some deeply personal experiences in common, Lisa. I feel the connection when I read your writing too. Thank you for the encouragement friend.
Mary, I am truly thankful you are not giving up on writing/blogging. I know these feelings. I haven't had the motivation to really write for months now. I feel as if I am just limping along. But I know that God has a greater purpose. Whether you blog once a month, once a week, or simply when the inspiration hits, I am here for you!
Thank you, Barbie. I am truly blessed by your encouragement here. Thank you thank you! You are truly a blessing.
You do belong. You write well and you made me not feel so alone by sharing this. Have you read Jennifer Dukes Lee's post today? http://jenniferdukeslee.com/permission-to-stop-trying-so-hard-and-be-satisfied-with-a-non-viral-life/
It talk about this very thing…And sometimes those days you feel like you don't belong are the days you are doing your best work, the work God honors, hidden in a closet, that reaps a surprising reward.
God & I have this same discussion a lot, Mary. I say, "Why am I writing?" and He says, "Because I told you to." So my writing is an offering. The typing, the scribbles, the hitting "publish" is my act of obedience. What happens with the words after is in His hands. So just keep seeking and writing and trusting. Glad to "meet" you today.
Mary,
Don't give up…I'm so glad Diane's words spoke to you and reminded you that your words do matter and your story matters 🙂 You matter 🙂
Mary, I loved Diane's and Michelle's posts, too. Your words here today have encouraged me. Don't stop writing and sharing. We would miss your honestly and grace.
I am grateful to have found you through this bloggy world, Mary. I wonder if this feeling is going around? Having a bit of a rough writing patch myself these days. I need to go over to Diane's and read her words. Grateful for you, lady. Much love.
This was a great post for me to see. I just started a blog and have been wondering since if there is any point. But I guess I have to remember what matters most is am I following God.
You know we are traveling right now ( because, well you just do!) and I'm just reading this post. Everyone is taking a nap and I'm wiping tears. You are and have always been a friend. Love you so much!
Oh I have had these feelings-it seems like every other day. I am learning that part of this comes out of our desire for approval from all those around us instead of seeking our approval only from God. It is a hard lesson and I'm not very good at it but I pray everyday that my words are God-breathed and honor Him. Blessings! Mary