For nearly two years now, I've had the privilege of sharing my thoughts and experiences through this weekly blog, and the ministry has been nothing short of wonderful. I'm continually surprised and deeply touched by the messages that come into the ministry. Sometimes, a reader will write with words of thanks, and those mean so much to me.
What I find even more touching are the personal stories you share about how my writing has impacted your lives. Hearing about your experiences related to topics I write about has been such a gift. Your emails do more than brighten my day—they've sparked new ideas, challenged me to explore different areas, and have even inspired spin-off posts for future blogs.
Recently, I received an email that really made an impact. It came from a pastor who has been a subscriber of this blog for some time. Unlike the usual notes of thanks or personal stories, this email was a critique—and, I must add, a thoughtful, considerate critique with a suggestion for improvement.
At first, receiving such direct feedback could have been unsettling. Yet, I sensed the sincerity behind his words. He didn't simply criticize; he offered a thoughtful perspective that, upon reflection, revealed an important aspect I had overlooked. I sensed that his insight was correct, so it prompted me to reach out to friends nationwide to seek their opinions. Their feedback confirmed the pastor's observations, affirming the importance of the perspective he shared.
To that pastor, I want to extend a heartfelt THANK YOU. Your concern to offer constructive criticism and your willingness to share your perspective are deeply appreciated. It's never easy to provide honest feedback, and receiving it with an open heart can be even more challenging for some people. Your input has not only refined my approach but also reinforced the value of having friends who are willing to challenge us in a spirit of love and growth.
The Bible speaks to the importance of such friendships. Proverbs 27:17 reminds us, "Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend." True friends aren't merely those who share good times but those who help us grow, not by flattering us but by offering honest, constructive feedback and suggestions. They help us see blind spots we might otherwise miss and encourage us to be better.
Writing this blog has been an experience that has offered me opportunities for connection with others and personal introspection. Many times, I've felt moved by the Holy Spirit to address important and sometimes controversial topics that are often avoided in churches. My goal has been to approach these subjects with sensitivity, aiming to help, encourage, and uplift those struggling with complex issues.
However, this experience hasn't been without its difficulties. There have been moments when my writing has led to the loss of a friend who was angry at one of my posts. Yet, it has also sparked meaningful conversations and brought people closer together. These experiences underscore the importance of being open and approachable. By welcoming feedback and remaining open to growth, we build genuine relationships and continue to develop personally.
It is crucial that we make sure we are approachable, as this is the key to fostering meaningful relationships and personal growth. When we genuinely are open to receiving feedback and discussing criticisms or personal struggles, we create an environment where others feel comfortable sharing and helping us. Conversely, if we are defensive or unwelcoming, people may hesitate to talk to us about important matters, and that's not good for anyone. By being approachable, we demonstrate our appreciation for friendships and honest conversations and show a willingness to grow from them. This not only strengthens our relationships but also helps us become better individuals together.
So, let us embrace the value of being approachable and practicing honest communication in our lives. Let's be the kind of friends who not only enjoy good times together but also who offer and receive feedback with grace, knowing that such interactions are opportunities for growth and deeper understanding. Your thoughts and perspectives are not just welcomed; they are cherished. Thank you for being part of this ministry with me.
RETURN TO ALL BLOGS
What I find even more touching are the personal stories you share about how my writing has impacted your lives. Hearing about your experiences related to topics I write about has been such a gift. Your emails do more than brighten my day—they've sparked new ideas, challenged me to explore different areas, and have even inspired spin-off posts for future blogs.
Recently, I received an email that really made an impact. It came from a pastor who has been a subscriber of this blog for some time. Unlike the usual notes of thanks or personal stories, this email was a critique—and, I must add, a thoughtful, considerate critique with a suggestion for improvement.
At first, receiving such direct feedback could have been unsettling. Yet, I sensed the sincerity behind his words. He didn't simply criticize; he offered a thoughtful perspective that, upon reflection, revealed an important aspect I had overlooked. I sensed that his insight was correct, so it prompted me to reach out to friends nationwide to seek their opinions. Their feedback confirmed the pastor's observations, affirming the importance of the perspective he shared.
To that pastor, I want to extend a heartfelt THANK YOU. Your concern to offer constructive criticism and your willingness to share your perspective are deeply appreciated. It's never easy to provide honest feedback, and receiving it with an open heart can be even more challenging for some people. Your input has not only refined my approach but also reinforced the value of having friends who are willing to challenge us in a spirit of love and growth.
The Bible speaks to the importance of such friendships. Proverbs 27:17 reminds us, "Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend." True friends aren't merely those who share good times but those who help us grow, not by flattering us but by offering honest, constructive feedback and suggestions. They help us see blind spots we might otherwise miss and encourage us to be better.
Writing this blog has been an experience that has offered me opportunities for connection with others and personal introspection. Many times, I've felt moved by the Holy Spirit to address important and sometimes controversial topics that are often avoided in churches. My goal has been to approach these subjects with sensitivity, aiming to help, encourage, and uplift those struggling with complex issues.
However, this experience hasn't been without its difficulties. There have been moments when my writing has led to the loss of a friend who was angry at one of my posts. Yet, it has also sparked meaningful conversations and brought people closer together. These experiences underscore the importance of being open and approachable. By welcoming feedback and remaining open to growth, we build genuine relationships and continue to develop personally.
It is crucial that we make sure we are approachable, as this is the key to fostering meaningful relationships and personal growth. When we genuinely are open to receiving feedback and discussing criticisms or personal struggles, we create an environment where others feel comfortable sharing and helping us. Conversely, if we are defensive or unwelcoming, people may hesitate to talk to us about important matters, and that's not good for anyone. By being approachable, we demonstrate our appreciation for friendships and honest conversations and show a willingness to grow from them. This not only strengthens our relationships but also helps us become better individuals together.
So, let us embrace the value of being approachable and practicing honest communication in our lives. Let's be the kind of friends who not only enjoy good times together but also who offer and receive feedback with grace, knowing that such interactions are opportunities for growth and deeper understanding. Your thoughts and perspectives are not just welcomed; they are cherished. Thank you for being part of this ministry with me.
RETURN TO ALL BLOGS
