I’m playing catch-up on my blog this week.
Words matter, my journalism education tells me, so I care a little more than is necessary about precision of language. And far too often, that results in unfinished posts full of loose thoughts and train cars run wild.
But that’s just a part of it.
Our squad has been discussing what it is about blogging that makes it so difficult to just start typing.
Certainly, there is a degree of permanency and publicity when things go online. We’re not exactly sharing the easy, pretty things in our lives. There is a lack of control associated with how the Internet works.
My biggest fear is that my writing will define me.
That my beloved readers, be they squadmates or other Racers, my friends or family, or just complete and utter strangers (welcome, by the way), will read my blog and make a judgment, good or bad, of my character, my theology, my walk with God based on my fears, my struggles, my voice. That you will reduce me to “that kind of person,” someone whose depth of being can be summed up in a sentence or two.
And I can articulate this fear (often, I can’t) because it has happened before. People presume to know me, or get me, based on a single encounter. Of course, I am also guilty of doing it to others myself.
Then again, it is a bit of a self-fulfilling problem.
As scary as it is, I do hope to share authentic parts of my life, and my journey, with my readers, in order to let you, whoever you may be, get to know me a little better.
And as long as I am sitting on a tottering pile of drafts, that is simply not going to happen.
So let’s try this again.
My name is Hannah. In a little over six (!) months, I will be traveling to eleven countries to serve God’s Kingdom, love God’s people, and share the gospel unto the ends of the earth.
I am terrified that my writing will become a singular reflection of who I am.
But Jesus is my all in all, and He is who I want that reflection to show.
It’s really the most important thing you can know about me.
I’m going to try to be better about this blogging business. I’ll start by hitting publish on all my drafts.
