This week I am introducing someone that is not just a friend but a dear sister in Christ to me; Valerie Murray. I have had the great honor to meet Valerie several times and I am so amazed by her sweet love for others and for Christ. She is a true believer that everyone has a great story that must be shared.
That is why this post today means so much for me to share. This is one of Valerie’s Top Post and I can see why. As a Christian Blogger or as someone that is desiring to blog, knowing that we are not alone in the journey and learning how we can use our words for His glory is an important factor. This post is everything I believe in and why I blog. I am so glad Valerie writes this so eloquently for her readers and now for mine.
Learn how to start a blog here.
Becoming a blogger to spread His words and gospel is a tough job, just like Valerie says, “Blogging will stretch your faith” but it is so well worth it!
Hope you enjoy this as much I do!
By: Valerie Murray
When I started my blog two years ago, I had no idea the impact it would have on my own faith and the incredible opportunities it would open up for me to share the gospel.
I really believe we need more faith bloggers on the internet spreading the hope found through having a personal relationship with Jesus and understanding the truth found in the Bible.
Perhaps you feel a nudge like I did to start a blog. But you’re scared. Unsure. You wonder if your words even matter.
If you feel God is prompting your heart to start a blog, I want to encourage you with these reasons why blogging is a great way for God to use you to minister to others. Or maybe you’re a blogger who just needs some encouragement to keep pressing on…
You have a testimony that no-one else has.
You matter. Your story matters. No-one else can tell it better than you. The trials you have been through have deepened your faith in a way that others want to know about. I love this verse about using the comfort we’ve received from God to comfort others:
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 (NIV)
I just finished reading Ann Voskamp’s book, The Broken Way. She shares how we don’t need to be afraid of our brokenness.
And one way He does that is when we use our brokenness to help others in theirs.
Blogging is an excellent way to share how God has worked and continues to work in the broken places of your life.
You can reach a lot of people who are hurting
When I look at the amount of people all over the world I can share my faith with through my blog, Pinterest, FB, Instagram, and Twitter, it always baffles my mind! Of course, this doesn’t mean that I won’t share my faith with people I meet, but because I’m an introvert and struggle to communicate verbally, sharing my faith through writing just makes me so happy! I feel like I’m fulfilling my purpose.
Not only can you reach a lot of people, but you can reach people who are hurting and lonely.
While I don’t think reading Christian blogs should take the place of reading the Bible, I do believe God uses our testimonies to spread the wonder of how He loves us and is involved in the painful places of our lives.
God wants us to attend church, serve and fellowship with other believers. While we can make great friends on the internet and listen to amazing sermons, if we have the ability to attend church, I believe we should.
However, some people deal with illness and disabilities and just cannot physically attend church. Perhaps they are struggling with depression and just can’t get out of bed. Or perhaps the church has wounded them and they’re looking for a safe place to hear the truth. I’ve met some great friends online who, although they cannot attend church, are able to find encouragement online.
Blogging is a great ministry!
When I look at the amount of people all over the world I can share my faith with through my blog, Pinterest, FB, Instagram, and Twitter, it always baffles my mind! Of course, this doesn’t mean that I won’t share my faith with people I meet, but because I’m an introvert and struggle to communicate verbally, sharing my faith through writing just makes me so happy! I feel like I’m fulfilling my purpose.
Blogging stretches your own faith.
I remember the first time my shaking hands pressed “publish.” I was so nervous and insecure. So afraid of making a mistake! God has used blogging in my life to teach me that 1. He will equip me to serve him 2. He uses my weakness for His glory 3. I can obey him when it’s scary and trust him to lead me.
As I’ve researched topics to write about, I’ve been able to dig deep into the Bible and learn so much about who He is.
You meet great friends.
By far one of my favorite things about blogging are the friendships I’ve made along the way. God didn’t leave me alone. He knew I would need strong friendships to stay with me through the ups and downs of blogging. Blogging is wonderful, but it’s really hard work. I’m involved in some Blogging Mastermind groups with other Christians who offer support and true friendship.
The Bible says:
As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.
Proverbs 27:17
Blogging challenges your mind
I’m a stay at home mom with four kids. I left a teaching career. While I love staying home, it’s so nice to be able to exercise my mind. It feels so good to learn new things! I’ve been able to hone my writing skills, learn computer skills, WordPress, Canva, Photoshop, In-Design, social media and make graphics! It has NOT been easy. But it’s been so rewarding learning these skills for the purpose of ministry.
I’ve had to depend on some valuable resources to help me along.
If you aren’t sure where to start, I’d love to suggest a few wonderful Christian resources that have helped me learn how to blog as a ministry. Within a week of launching my blog I joined Christian Bloggers Bootcamp. It was the best choice I could have made because it immediately connected me with other writers.
It is such an honor to guest post for Carmen because her ebook, By His Grace We Blog, really ministered to me. I deeply respect how she puts the Lord first in all she does. I was so impressed with her book because she not only shares the how to’s but she speaks straight to the heart of the writer.
She gives Godly advice about what she’s learned along the way in areas such as how to manage time and make wise decisions for your blog. I think every blogger should read her ebook no matter how far into blogging they may be because she helps you remember your purpose for writing and the great impact you can have.
So if you are thinking about starting a blog as a ministry, you’re in the right place!
Carmen even has a post “How to start a Blog” that will help you get started!
Valerie Murray is a wife of 21 years and a busy mom to 4 energetic children. She writes at ValerieMurray.com about keeping faith and family strong through Christ. Her heart’s desire is to offer hope to others and declare the glory of God in her life through her writing. Her mission is to offer encouragement to struggling marriages, overwhelmed moms and people striving to face their fears and know their worth. Coffee, chocolate and a good movie always makes her happy! You can find her on Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, StumbleUpon, Instagram & Google+.
(This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.)
Thanks for your encouraging words. I’m blogging for two years now about christian marriages in Holland. We live in a country that has forgotten Gods truth about marriage. May God bless you on your writing.
I love these points! Thanks so much for sharing this at the #TeaAndWord Tuesday link up. I love reading the content you ladies share. I have not been linking up regularly lately with so many things going on, but hopefully I can get into a rhythm after school officially starts. Blessings to you all!
I loved reading this, and I was actually just talking to my mom about it yesterday! I always sit in awe of God’s provision and faithfulness. Sometimes I write things, go back and reread them, and will think to myself, “There’s no way I wrote that.” Haha Praying that you continue to walk boldly in your calling!
I am so happy it helped you! I use to do the same thing lol. Although I have to admit, I still do that when I write in my journal. If I am on the go and think of something, I quickly write it down. When I go back to it I think, “What was I thinking or trying to write?” lol Thank you for your encouragement to me!
I can’t believe how vulnerable and trusting my life was forced to become once I started blogging. God’s used it in such amazing ways.
Blogging has truly helped me document my struggles with life and open conversations with God. You definitely highlighted so many aspects of Christian blogging here. Sometimes, we don’t appreciate the challenges to our mind as you said or even the stretches to our faith, but God needs us..to save others…to save ourselves.
I have found blogging to be challenging… and a place to grow and minister. It is certainly a blessing. Thank you for sharing. 🙂
This really spoke to my heart, Valerie. Like you, I am an introvert who seems to communicate better through writing. I’m getting ready to launch a new blog, and this was just the encouragement I needed to move forward without doubt and fear holding me back!
This was such a boost. Thank you for sharing.
This post was so encouraging to me. AS a newbie blogger myself, I can already attest to the truth of Valerie’s words. What a great read!
Amen to the many good points here. It’s a ministry to handle with godly care and humility. Encouraging piece, Valerie. Thank you! Thanks also, Carmen, for sharing your space.
I needed this today as I prayerfully consider altering some of my website’s content. Thank you!
All I can say is that you CARMEN never cease to amaze me with your heart for the Lord and your diligence to give your best to God and your family. You are an inspiration to many. It is a true honor to have my words featured on your blog today. Thank you for your friendship.