Fingerprint Friday: Friends In Unexpected Places
Friday, January 22, 2010 at 7:39AM MAD21 By MAD21
If you had told me a year ago that I would have a blog and a Twitter account, I would have laughed at you. At that point I was still a reader of blogs and various websites, a lurker if you will, with no real interest in having one of my own. And I could not figure out why anyone would want to "Tweet." I mean, who cares what I had for breakfast or what my kids did in school that day?
Little did I know.
Little did I know what amazing friendships I would make. How much I would grow and learn through the experience of having a blog. But honestly, the biggest unexpected joy of getting involved in the blog world is all the social networking that goes on. Enter: Twitter.
I never realized the kinds of relationships you could have with people you've never met face-to-face. I never thought the friendship could be worth much since you don't have that day-to-day contact, in person. Those who don't "Tweet" and never have, myself included, think it can't possibly be real. It's too easy to hide behind a facade.
But, what I've learned in the past nine months is that the people are real. Yes, there are those you would prefer to stay away from, and some who just go for the sheer number of followers. They are easy to block (though some keep finding you, they do eventually go away).
I have been lucky enough to meet some amazing people, who I am so thankful to call friends. We laugh together (sometimes AT each other), cry together, and pray together. We are supporting each other through our daily lives, and helping each other's dreams come true. Like Sarah who is going to Sudan in July, and Wendy who is giving some of the profit from her Etsy online store to fund Sarah's trip, and Kathy who is also supporting Sarah by talking about her trip on her blog. There are countless times we've prayed each other through bad days, health scares and family crises.
From Alaska to California, Florida to Iowa, Washington to Virginia. I am so thankful for each of you and the way you have touched my life. Thank you for allowing God to use you. For showing the fingerprints He has left on you so we can be blessed by you.
Fellow blogger Beki at The Rusted Chain has a really great weekly post she does every Friday called "Fingerprint Friday." We are to look around and see where we can see God's fingerprints. Is it in nature? Kids? Animals? Anywhere? Go find out where Beki saw God this week, and be sure to check out the other bloggers who linked their stories as well.
Reader Comments (10)
Thanks again for making a difference ... :-)
I've got news for you Ginny: You're making a difference to FAR MORE THAN ONE! I love you, girl! *Hugs*
It is amazing to think about the connections possible through the internet. I have made some wonderful online friends too and have been even more blessed by getting to meet a couple of them in person.
The blessing is mutual, and it is amazing isn't it? When we decide we're going to be a contributor (even though we were being blessed by reading/lurking), we gain so much more. I'm inclined to think that's a God-thing! Blessings, Ginny...
The blessings go BOTH ways, Ginny. I agree... what a happy surprise Twitter has been for me, too!
I'm with you Ginny. I just met all your crazy people and I am always inspired by something one of you writes.
Ginny,
Thank you for stopping by my blog today and for leaving a comment.
Kathy
You all are awesome. Thanks again, and again, and again...
Ginny,
I love that you have found friends through blogging. I have just started the twitter thing and don't quite get it. But I'll get there. I also love that you are sharing great posts from other folks. What a great way to support your online friends and share some inspiration! Keep it up!
Isn't it amazing that God uses blogging and twitter?! I guess nothing about God should amaze me, though...