So, it’s been brought to my attention that I “write regularly to condemn other Christians for what (I) see as flaws in their character.”
This was not on a recent post (in case you go looking for it, which is exactly what I would do), but an old one. You guys widely shared my Starbucks post – thank you for that! – which brought me a lot of new traffic. The nice thing about that happening is that I get a lot of new traffic. And the really crummy thing about that happening is… well, that I get a lot of new traffic. People poke around, old posts get dug up, and new comments get left. It’s all part of the blogging experience, and I accept that.
I didn’t respond to this man (or woman… they used what I’m assuming is a fake name and email) because they were very sarcastic and unkind, and in my experience responding to that kind of person never goes well. However, to anyone reading:
It has never, ever been my intention to condemn Christians – or anyone – for what I see as flaws in their character. I stand before you the most flawed person one could ever meet.
I actually never intended to write about any of the things I write about at all… not parenting, not unschooling, not Christianity. When I originally started this blog, it was just a little snapshot of my life; a “look what fun sorts of things the kids and I did today” daily journal. How and why it morphed and changed over the years I don’t know.
But here’s what I know. Those posts that that commenter is referring to you, the ones where I specifically address my fellow Christians (and I’ll concede for sure that I’ve gathered a lot of them), those posts come from a place of PASSION. I care – too much I’m often told – about how people are treated, about how we’re doing as Christians… and as people and as humans… and I write those posts as a reminder to all (INCLUDING MYSELF) to have more kindness, and to have more compassion. Is it possible that that passion sometimes comes out sideways, sounds offensive, or paints a different picture than I’d intended? Of course! I’m human, and, as I said above, so unbelievably flawed. It’s so easy, for all of us, to be brave and bold and outspoken on the computer when it’s just us and our words. It’s so easy, for all of us, to forget that on the other side of those words are real, living, breathing, flawed people just like ourselves.
I’m just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him… Wait, sorry. Wrong speech.
I’m just a girl who wants people to be kinder to one another. That’s all.
And you guys, I truly am sorry for those times I’ve missed the mark. Please know that I am far harder on myself than I’ve ever been on anyone else.
Jen, you don’t owe anyone an apology! You are pointing out when people are being unkind or hypocritical. If that was a little too close to home for one of the commenters, that’s his/her issue. Not yours. I have never seen you write in a mean-spirited way at all.
Don’t let the haters make you play small. You are here to make the world better – we all are! Keep up the good work! ~Sue
You seem to post your opinion, (which is often times shared by many, including fellow Christians) and of he things that matter most to you and your family. I don’t see how that could be so offensive. I mean, no one is forcing anyone to follow blogs or whatever feeds anyway. When I come across something I don’t like, I don’t waste my time trying to make the author feel guilty and change their ways. I just don’t follow them. I’ve never seen or felt any sort of irrational judgement in your posts or any comments coming from a mean or selfish place. You shouldn’t feel like you need to apologize, or rather, I don’t personally believe you owe anyone an apology for your posts. ♡
When I received your email I had to read it to my husband and daughter and together we really appreciated and enjoyed reading it. These are the types of views and opinions that no one wants to say and I am over and over refreshed that your are saying it. It is unfortunately a true view of how “Christians” are and will be. Keep on speaking the truth! Thank you!
Jen
Love your blog. I’ve found lots of blogs trying to navigate life un-schooling. All have helped in one way or another. But I can honestly say when “religious” issues come up and I see you’ve chosen to write about them. I think oh I gotta remember to read what miss path less has to say it’s always good. Don’t let haters get ya down. Trust me girl, you are on the right path!
When issues arise, and all the other articles are written with narrow minds, I see your viewpoint as one that is able to see more of the big picture. You are able to take a step back and say, “Whoa. What would Jesus do really?”
Thank you. Know that I would give you a big hug if we were to meet in real life. Being a homeschooling Mama of three, and a Christian who is NOT perfect, we share similar viewpoints. Your blog posts are awesome and right on target!
Keep on, Mama! Love you 🙂