The Network: A Life-Giving Community

It’s been just over a year since I started my role as Content and Community Manager for The Network. When I accepted this position, I knew that part of my job would be reading and organizing content. I knew I would be troubleshooting login issues and assembling weekly subscriber emails. I knew I would be brainstorming ways to reach more wonderful readers like you. In a technical sense, I understood the basic tasks that made up the job. 

What I did not know when I first started was how the words, comments, and questions from this community would challenge and inspire me. I realize this may sound like something a person in my role should say, but the truth is, I really mean it. 

Like many of you, my past year has been a mix of deep sadness and incredible joy. I said goodbye (this side of heaven) to a dear, dear friend. I’ve praised God for new life. I’ve struggled with how to reconcile the darkness in the world with the unfailing love of God. I’ve wondered how to engage in a constantly changing culture. And I’ve written about many of these things on The Network. And so have you. 

There are mornings that it is a challenge to be inspired or hopeful. It is tempting to give up on the ministries, jobs, or tasks to which our time is invested. Life can be just plain hard. For me, it was often in those moments that God used YOUR words to speak to me. 

I found encouragement in posts that told stories of God’s faithfulness through small groups. I was challenged to look deeper into creation stewardship issues, safe church practices, and disability ministry. And sometimes, often times, it was the simple and reflective blogs that spoke most directly to my heart. 

For the gift of your writing, your comments, and your questions, I’d like to say a sincere thank you. Keep on writing. Keep on commenting. Keep on sharing your passions. You just might be reaching more people than you know.