ablaze: an introduction.

The sincerity and the support this little blog world provides never cease to amaze me, and this past Tuesday was no exception. Words can't really express how grateful I am for the thoughtful comments so many of you left on Tuesday's post, how comforting it was to know I'm not alone in how I think and feel on topics that sometimes leave me feeling a little lonely. Unfortunately, I've been in and out of town since then, away from computers and Internet access, and unable to really dialog the way I'd like to on a topic with as much depth as feminism and Christianity. Despite that, I hope you'll accept my thanks, hope you'll keep coming back to discuss a topic that means so much to me -- and, based on the comments, means a lot to so many of you, too.

In the meantime, I'd like to let you know about a blog series my friend Annie has thoughtfully initiated, set to run on four different blogs over four different days next week. Inspired by various conversations across the Internet, Ablaze is intended to help us all pursue Christ right where we are, in whatever stage of life we're in. 

So often, I think, we get caught up in this idea that we can't fully pursue or fall in love with Christ until we're where we think we should be. (It reminds me of a kind of hospitality complex, this idea that we can't have people over until our home is perfect, or a marriage complex: we can't start our life until we've found someone to start it with.) God calls us to move and to change and to grow and to love from the moment He sets His eyes on us; from the moment we're in His grasp, we're called to become more fully His. That means we experience His love in all kinds of ways and through all kinds of life's stages; in particular, next week, a few bloggers will discuss what it means to pursue God in singlehood, to pursue Him in dating, in brokenness, and in marriage.

I hope you'll add to the conversation by commenting on the published posts (I'll direct you to them as each post runs next week), and Friday, if you're so inclined, Annie will offer the opportunity for you to link to your own posts on the topic.

The fact is, I'm feeling a bit all over the place this week. My words are running dry, and I'm worried they won't come out quite how I need them to when it's all said and done. Nevertheless, I'm hopeful, because I've seen firsthand how blogging can be used for His glory. I'm confident He'll use the blogs of these four girls next week to encourage and give voice to those who might be feeling voiceless, mostly because I believe in a God who redeems our words and makes them His own despite all we might do to mess that up.

Happy Friday, friends. I can't wait for next week!