You know, I think your post got through a block in many (it definitely did for me), because of the way you presented it. We are all used to seeing bloggers come down like a hammer; that style easily raises defenses and makes it easy to dismiss the message as legalism (whether it is or isn't). Your post was disarming because you admitted to having all the same defenses as your audience would have. I heard myself in your responses and it made me aware of how proud I am in my own judgements, of my ability to intellectualize as a means of justifying. Whew. That's a cautionary tale unto itself. Where else have I been dismissive?
I also think we are in a different cultural moment. It seems like, with all the talk of "re-enchantment" in the air, people are more ready to discuss the more harmful realities of the spiritual world. I know I am. Thank you for writing it!
Jennifer, your comment really stuck with me and I've been thinking about it for days. I really appreciate the specific feedback as to why my essay caught your attention. It's both encouraging and helps inform what I'm doing well so that I can hopefully (with God's help) continue to do so. Bless you and thank you for your kindness and humility here!
I can hear the tenderness of the Holy Spirit in your words!! So heartfelt and beautiful! Press on towards the upward call of God (Phil 3:14)—this is the narrow road. It's so encouraging to read how cracked-open your heart is toward the Lord. I am in a similar space and I always feel after a bold act of obedience, His presence rushes in. You are a blessing.
Yesterday, my paster said, "God doesn't appoint those He's equipped; He equips those He appoints." The point being that we are often called to God's work before we have the necessary tools, but our merciful Lord always delivers and provides what we need.
Firstly - congrats on the growth that’s come from the Enneagram post! That’s amazing.
And secondly - YES!! Thank you for speaking this truth that I so needed to hear. I have found viral growth to be much more challenging than I thought and I have not been good enough at bringing it to the Lord. Grateful for you bringing this scripture and this conversation to my eyes and ears!
I just love how quickly you have been able to reflect, discern and then articulate the impact of a viral post, and with such sincerity. This insight is gold dust. Thank you 🙏🏼
Your essay on the enneagram was the first post of yours I had read, and, man, was it excellent! Not just in content, flow, or even presentation. No, it was the boldness with which you spoke that locked me in.
In this post, you speak to an aspect of online fame that many aspiring influencers (from various platforms) and Substack writers do not consider. I appreciated your emphasis on the weightiness of the words from Christian writers. What an opportunity to share Christ! What a chance to speak truth into the lives of those who may only ever encounter you once. It is definitely something we should not squander.
Thank you for writing, and as I say, when signing off on my posts, keep your hand on the plow and break up the fallow ground! (Hosea 10:12)
I think because I am surrounded by idolatrous practices, the alarms rang loud when I was introduced to the Enneagram. I repent now because I did not do my research and sound the alarm for others as you have here.
Christina- I came across "the" essay and linked to your page before reading (still haven’t) to decide if I wanted to (lol) and I gained so much from you in reading this post. I am just now gaining the courage to hit "publish" and actually announce to the world I'm a writer despite my quiet pieces mostly to myself over the years. In some ways your post could scare us but it did just the opposite. You're carrying this newfound responsibility as God intends - with Him at your side. Thank you for the kind "warning" and inspiration as a trudge ahead on my own journey. Also because of this piece I don't really care whether or not we'd agree on the more controversial one 😁
Get after it Christina (great name) - one thing to note about the armor - there's nothing covering your back - no running from this battle - the battle belongs to the LORD! "Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of Hosts." - this comes from my favorite chapter of Zechariah 4 - worth the read (NLT version does this chapter justice :)). Finally, keep making your art! The world needs it.
Wonderfully written, encouraging, real humility. Good work and God Bless you sister. I didnt read your viral thing, but this is a great piece! Love in Jesus
Christina, I have always appreciated your words, and am so grateful that you took the time to research this topic. I had looked into it, but kept shying away from finding out my 'type.' I've even wondered about Myers Briggs - sometimes these personality tests remind me of the days I was involved in astrology, before Christ. Again, I am grateful for all you do! God bless you!
You know, I think your post got through a block in many (it definitely did for me), because of the way you presented it. We are all used to seeing bloggers come down like a hammer; that style easily raises defenses and makes it easy to dismiss the message as legalism (whether it is or isn't). Your post was disarming because you admitted to having all the same defenses as your audience would have. I heard myself in your responses and it made me aware of how proud I am in my own judgements, of my ability to intellectualize as a means of justifying. Whew. That's a cautionary tale unto itself. Where else have I been dismissive?
I also think we are in a different cultural moment. It seems like, with all the talk of "re-enchantment" in the air, people are more ready to discuss the more harmful realities of the spiritual world. I know I am. Thank you for writing it!
Jennifer, your comment really stuck with me and I've been thinking about it for days. I really appreciate the specific feedback as to why my essay caught your attention. It's both encouraging and helps inform what I'm doing well so that I can hopefully (with God's help) continue to do so. Bless you and thank you for your kindness and humility here!
It's amazing that some people want to argue it's okay despite the fact that you so articulately explained it's from a demonic spirit!!
Your mum sounds awesome btw. I did not grow up in a Christian home, so I can only marvel at a mum who reads scripture to her daughter.
My mum is a national treasure indeed. 🥹
Literally came here to say what a gem your mom is!
I can hear the tenderness of the Holy Spirit in your words!! So heartfelt and beautiful! Press on towards the upward call of God (Phil 3:14)—this is the narrow road. It's so encouraging to read how cracked-open your heart is toward the Lord. I am in a similar space and I always feel after a bold act of obedience, His presence rushes in. You are a blessing.
YOU are a blessing. Thank you so much, Marisa.
Yesterday, my paster said, "God doesn't appoint those He's equipped; He equips those He appoints." The point being that we are often called to God's work before we have the necessary tools, but our merciful Lord always delivers and provides what we need.
Firstly - congrats on the growth that’s come from the Enneagram post! That’s amazing.
And secondly - YES!! Thank you for speaking this truth that I so needed to hear. I have found viral growth to be much more challenging than I thought and I have not been good enough at bringing it to the Lord. Grateful for you bringing this scripture and this conversation to my eyes and ears!
So grateful to have you in my little corner of the internet, Holly. You're such a blessing.
I just love how quickly you have been able to reflect, discern and then articulate the impact of a viral post, and with such sincerity. This insight is gold dust. Thank you 🙏🏼
Your humility and encouragement is constantly a gift, sweet Anna. Thank you.
Your essay on the enneagram was the first post of yours I had read, and, man, was it excellent! Not just in content, flow, or even presentation. No, it was the boldness with which you spoke that locked me in.
In this post, you speak to an aspect of online fame that many aspiring influencers (from various platforms) and Substack writers do not consider. I appreciated your emphasis on the weightiness of the words from Christian writers. What an opportunity to share Christ! What a chance to speak truth into the lives of those who may only ever encounter you once. It is definitely something we should not squander.
Thank you for writing, and as I say, when signing off on my posts, keep your hand on the plow and break up the fallow ground! (Hosea 10:12)
Thank you so much for your encouragement, Levi! And for sharing about my essay in one of your more recent posts. I truly appreciate it!
I think because I am surrounded by idolatrous practices, the alarms rang loud when I was introduced to the Enneagram. I repent now because I did not do my research and sound the alarm for others as you have here.
God's grace is so much bigger than us, friend. Bless you. <3
Well spoken and congratulations on more subscribers. I love your honesty-you are very relatable.
Thank you, Debi!
Christina- I came across "the" essay and linked to your page before reading (still haven’t) to decide if I wanted to (lol) and I gained so much from you in reading this post. I am just now gaining the courage to hit "publish" and actually announce to the world I'm a writer despite my quiet pieces mostly to myself over the years. In some ways your post could scare us but it did just the opposite. You're carrying this newfound responsibility as God intends - with Him at your side. Thank you for the kind "warning" and inspiration as a trudge ahead on my own journey. Also because of this piece I don't really care whether or not we'd agree on the more controversial one 😁
So kind of you, Marquel. Thank you so very much!
Get after it Christina (great name) - one thing to note about the armor - there's nothing covering your back - no running from this battle - the battle belongs to the LORD! "Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of Hosts." - this comes from my favorite chapter of Zechariah 4 - worth the read (NLT version does this chapter justice :)). Finally, keep making your art! The world needs it.
Thank you so so much, Jay!!!
this is lovely, wise, and vulnerable, and something I really needed to read. I learned from it. Thank you!!
Thank YOU!
Wonderfully written, encouraging, real humility. Good work and God Bless you sister. I didnt read your viral thing, but this is a great piece! Love in Jesus
Thank you so much, Andrew!
There are more of us than people realize.
Christina, I have always appreciated your words, and am so grateful that you took the time to research this topic. I had looked into it, but kept shying away from finding out my 'type.' I've even wondered about Myers Briggs - sometimes these personality tests remind me of the days I was involved in astrology, before Christ. Again, I am grateful for all you do! God bless you!
You've been reading my work since the really early days, Mary, and I'm so grateful to have you here. God bless you!
What a joy it is to see a sister in the Lord handle the rush as I would hope to handle it. Jesus will indeed see you through, well.
Thank you, David!