“Christianity is a statement which, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The one thing it cannot be is moderately important. “ ~C.S. Lewis
I love this quote. I used it as an intro to a discussion I led at a women’s retreat this weekend. I have a feeling many of us park there, in that moderately important arena. And really, that’s not an option.
About a year ago, when I started this blog, I was introduced to a whole new world. I had read different blogs for many years but the back side of things looks a bit different. The learning curve was tough on a non-techie girl like me and I stumbled into a world of metrics and analytics I never knew existed.
You see, blogs are heavily tracked. Clicks are tracked, not specifically, in case you are now worried about privacy, but by numbers. Numbers of readers on each post, in each month and year. Numbers of comments and shares, subscribers and followers are tallied and totaled continually. And each blog is ranked.
All of this information serves to demonstrate your reach and can ultimately determine writing opportunities, collaboration opportunities, advertising and sponsorships options, etc.
And it can mess with your mind, as a writer.
One day, early on, when pretty much only my mom was reading these words (thanks, mom!) I was a bit discouraged and my husband asked me, “would you write if you knew that only one person would read it?”
I stammered back, “Uh, well, no, probably not. It’s too much work.”
He quickly responded. “If you really think this is what God is calling you to do, shouldn’t you be doing it for an audience of One?”
Checkmate. Those words have made all the difference in the building of a brave life.
As I spoke with women over the weekend, one primary fear kept resurfacing in so many different conversations – what will people think. If I put myself out there, what will people think? If I offer up my gifts bravely, what will my friends think, my family think?
I don’t want to minimize that fear for even a second because it’s real. It’s continual and it screams loud, at times. But the antidote is this – I live for an audience of One. Sometimes brave takes tunnel vision. It takes sure focus, determined clarity, and unflinching steadfastness.
But it’s worth it, because, as Lewis said, this life we are living, this One we are living it for, can never be moderately important.
Great post, Katie and such a needed reminder of why I started to blog only two months ago. I wanted a way to get myself writing. Your hubby is so wise….writing for an audience of One! Thank you, thank you, thank you! Blogging is more work than I thought it would be and it can become very easy to get discouraged, but God keeps leading me to blogs like yours to reassure me, “Yes! Write for me!” – Amy
http://www.stylingrannymama.com
Thank you, Amy. And Way to go! Keep writing for Him! 🙂
I love that quote at the beginning too.
FEAR…that word can get the best of us but we have to always remember that God has not given us a spirit of fear and press on even though our knees are shaking
Exactly, Mardene. No reason to be scared of a little knee shaking! 😉
Good thoughts–that “what will people think” fear is so powerful, and I’ve been dealing with it some this week myself. Writing for an audience of One is freeing!
That is exactly right, Leigh. It feels very much like freedom.
I absolutely love this and it’s where YHWH had been leading me in my work, look neither to the left or right.
Distraction comes so easily, doesn’t it, Florence? Fighting to stay focused, right along with you!
sometimes God wants us to step out in faith – and to trust Him for the rest of it all
Indeed, Andrea. Committed to the stepping.
Wow, had me to my knees withe audience of One. Sounds like exactly what my husband has said in different ways, stopped me in my tracks. As a new blogger trying to contribute, I needed this post! All too often I get caught up in the numbers and that’s not what it’s about when it’s what God calls us to. Thank you for sharing.
What a blessing it is to have a husband who will speak truth! Stay focused and obedient, Chelsea; there is plenty of room at the table.
Yes, girl. Lately He is teaching me to hold my little lantern, the one that only shows me what step to take next – and ONLY the next step. I’m a planner, so I want to know ALL the steps. But He says only one. The next one. Who is my audience? Him. Love to you, sweet blogger friend.
I love that visual, Carrie! Only the next step. And thank you so much for your encouragement. <3
NAILED IT! Amen Katie!
Talk about paralyzingly! This fear of, What will people think?? Keeps me running back to my Heavenly Father and being reminded it’s HIM I want to please. Then the other things fall into place.
Bravo Katie! Keep using your gifts for Him! Keep on taking that next Brave step!
Thank you, Rhonda! There is so much freedom in remembering who our audience really is. Fighting hard to keep my focus there. I love knowing I’m not alone in the fight and always appreciate your encouragement along the way!