While I’m a frequent commentor on many blogs, I’m a lurker on far more. Many of those are larger, more spiritually-based platforms like Rachel Held Evans, Sarah Bessey or in this case, Jon Acuff.
I catch his stuff in my Facebook feed a lot — much it rather thought provoking and a piece last week definitely caught my eye. It’s essentially how I view my blog but hadn’t ever articulated as such.
His one striking sentence: “Your blogging platform is not for you.”
I may have started the blog as an exercise in self-reflection or to have fun documenting life but that’s no longer the case. When I started the blog, I actually didn’t even tweet out my posts believe it or not! I said to myself — “this will just be your thing and if anyone happens to find it on the Internet, so be it.”
Well, that didn’t last long. Having an audience is a privilege and a responsibility. It’s an opportunity and a gift. I don’t have a massive readership — but sometimes what you have to say needs only to be delivered to one person for it to make a difference.
This space on the Internet is not for me — it’s for others.
Over time, I’ve used it more and more to spotlight things I think are important. Yes, we talk about fitness but that is NOT what life is about. If I inspire you to exercise, I’m very glad. If something here inspires you to sponsor a child, volunteer on a regular basis, take a mission trip to Haiti — much much better!If it inspires you to practice kindness and compassion everyday — not just a Christmas — well, that is my larger hope. (And let me note, when we treat our bodies well, we are much more likely to do other things that are good for us and the world!)
That’s why I created the “Causes” page of my website.
It’s not going to be the most clicked on. In fact, it’s usually the least clicked on. But this blogging platform is not for me. Thanks to the Internet, I have the ability to speak out for the voiceless in ways that I never could before.
Yes, I’m do-gooder and I’m proud of it and I love it and it’s made my life SO much better. So much so that I want that to be contagious and I want others to realize the blessing it is to give.
What do you care about?
Are you donating your time or money to that cause?
Are you helping it “work” in the world? They need you.
These are the organizations and causes I support to get you started. Take a look, then pick your own. Take something and make it “your thing.” Your blogging platform — or your life platform — is not for you.
- Back on My Feet
- Family & Youth Initiative (foster care & mentoring)
- Compassion, Int.’l
- World Vision
- Global Outreach, Inc.
- DC 127
- Kicheko
- Redeeming Grounds
- Women for Women, International
I welcome comments but don’t have a specific question. If you’d like to share your favorite charities to support, I always like to see that!
I’m loving today’s #CoreCommit video, guys. These 10-minute videos from FitSugar are awesome, quick and really get your core. It goes to show you don’t have to spend hours working on this if you are consistent!
Sorry today’s post is up late — crazy week! I hope it doesn’t cause an issue for those participating. If so, just catch up tomorrow 🙂 Here’s the video:
Totally agree with this–the more influence you have on your blogging platform, the more good you can do in the world! Love that you show your compassion and causes on your blog and are using your blog to help others.
Thanks Kasey! I appreciate your reading and commenting on this one 🙂
I blog because I love to entertain, educate and maybe inspire people! I DO IT BECAUSE I LOVE TO – I don't do it for any other reasons then these!!! I love all the new friends I make through blogging too! I have met some of my best friends this way 🙂
Totally…it can be for so many things — it definitely makes me happy and more fulfilled!
I love what you wrote about treating your body well and a lot of good will follow from that. I couldn't agree more! I often donate money these days since my home life isn't conducive to volunteering right now! However I'm going to volunteer at a race this year for the first time and I cannot wait!
Yes, volunteering can be hard especially if you have a family but there are always ways to do a little something. Have fun volunteering!!
I love this post! I just started my blog so obviously I don't have a huge readership but I was talking to my aunt about this and she reminded me that if I am helping one person it is more than I was before. I want my blog to be so much more than my life chronicled on the web I want to DO GOOD! I loved your question about are you donating your time? Its a good way for me to think about my blog, I am donating my time to help others live well. Thanks for the thought provoking post (:
Of course! Sometimes people just need a nudge and I hope that sometimes, my blog posts are that nudge! It's hard to remmember sometimes so hopefully this is a little motivation for folks! I look forward to checking out your blog!
I think it's important to find something your passionate about and spread the word. For me though I feel that blogging is both for me AND my audience equally. I'm not sure if that's the "right" way, but I get so much out of doing both my blogs. For my personal finance blog it kept me accountable for my actions, and at the same time I hoped to write about things that could help someone else, even if it's just relating to my story.
I don't think there's a "right" way…I definitely get something out of it so in some ways it IS for me. It's so great it can play multiple roles in our lives!
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