Lifelines aren't always long

I'm not really much of a blogger. I've tried to be but, in all honesty, I'm long winded. Finding a way to communicate my thoughts in a manner which is short and concise just doesn't seem to be part of my natural make-up.

I am a teacher. Teachers talk and also use words to provoke others to share.

Many of the people that I know just write blogs. They don't take the time to read others. I'm not someone who just writes blogs. I also enjoy reading them. Most of the time I leave comments. It only seems polite. Besides offering encouragement is a part of my make-up. It is something that I find easy to do. When people bear their souls it takes courage. I like to let them know that I appreciate what they've said.
Over the past few weeks I've been doing a lot of contemplating. During my time spent with God I've been asking Him about His plan for my year. I'm still waiting for answers, of course. All in His time.

I've also been asking God if I should continue to blog. There are so many great bloggers out there. I'm mindful of this because I read their posts on a daily basis. They are refreshing, challenging, and inspiring. Sometimes reading such great posts can be intimidating. How can we, who don't possess the "gift of gab" possibly make a difference online? What's the point? Is it all just a waste of our time?

I had been thinking that perhaps my gifts and time might be better utilized elsewhere. Just today, I was thinking that perhaps my days on social networks are winding down. I've been off them for 14 days and very few people have noticed. Perhaps I am just taking up space and wasting time. Can someone really make a difference in 140 characters or less? I had thought so but was beginning to question that. Until I read a post by some friends which gave me pause...and a case of the what ifs.

What if someone does drop by and reads something amongst my ramblings that grabs their heart? What if just a few words that I've said makes the difference for them on any given day? What if somehow God gives me just the right phrase to rescue them from a sea of discouragement or despair? 

And what if I fail to write it because my words don't seem eloquent enough or powerful enough. Or my posts seem too long or too short?

The key is to be led by God in all that we do. It is His Spirit that empowers us to touch people's lives. Often times we don't realize what we have done or how He has used us. And many times it happens with a very small number of words.

I hope that you will stop by to read 100 three-word power posts to share online via @stickyJesus (Tami Heim & Toni Birdsong). You will be inspired.

It has made me realize that lifelines aren't always long. There is something to be said for the strength of the rope and the proper tying of the knot.

Don't be intimidated by what others are doing or not doing online these days. Just be who you are in Christ. He'll take care of the rest...one word, two words, or even three words at a time!