Contributing Writer: Virginia Davidson
Standing in a crowded room of people I tend to not talk much. The words get stuck in the back of my throat and I feel overwhelmed. What if I say something stupid and totally embarrass myself? Instead I stand back and claim that I’m taking in the room and “people watching.” People watching can quickly turn to judging myself and others.
My inner questions begin,
- “What is she wearing?”
- “I would never be able to pull that off.”
- “She looks like she’s got everything together, I want to meet her.”
- “I wish my hair looked like that.”
- “I bet her kids and home are spotless.”
- “I’m not going to talk to her, I’m a nobody.”
Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes. And suppose a poor man in worn-out clothes also comes in. Would you show special attention to the one who is wearing fine clothes? Would you say, “Here’s a good seat for you”? Would you say to the poor person, “You stand there”? Or “Sit on the floor by my feet”? If you would, aren’t you treating some people better than others? Aren’t you like judges who have evil thoughts? ~ James 2:2-4 NIRV
We can do the same in the blogging world.
Have you been lurking and judging people by their blog design? Maybe it’s that they don’t have as many “followers” and you don’t even bother to read their post. I mean, why would I comment and link up on a blog of 80 followers when I can be comment #700 on “Mrs. So&So’s” blog.
Or maybe “little Mrs. 75 followers blog, asks you to be a guest on her blog and you don’t even bother to respond because you’re much too busy right now but then Mrs. Big Stuff 2000 followers Blog emails you the same request and all of a sudden you found the time to email her back and come up with a project for her. There is definitely something to be said for making wise choices and using your time wisely but if you’re showing someone else more courtesy because of their number of followers, you may need to do a heart check.
Don’t be jealous where God has someone. Be content where God has placed us. If we’re writing what we believe God is putting on our hearts, how can that come back void?
1 person impacted for ETERNITY is worth it!
Were you hoping for an easy list of things to do on how not to show favoritism in blogging?
Not going to happen. I struggle with favoritism. I like the look of good design. I’m attracted to it. People suggest it. The world runs toward it. Maybe that’s where we need to start. Asking ourselves if we’re running toward things because it’s popular or because it a place we find true community and encouragement.
It’s not a competition(or is it?)
Here are a few thoughts I’m leaving you with (bloggers or not);
- “Am I OK if God wants me to impact 1 person for eternity?” (& what if that 1 person is me?)
- Seek advice and learn from those a few steps above you.
- Remember those that may be trying to learn from you and encourage them.
- Do a heart check – you’ll know down deep if you’re getting caught up in the “popular” v. “unpopular”. Trust your gut.
- Pray. Make some changes.
- Don’t look at the google followers numbers before you read the post!
- You’re not a nobody – your words matter. Encourage the “rich” and the “poor” (those with 25 followers and those with 3000 followers). Let’s read, live and love people online and off without giving special treatment to the “rich”.
Whether we’re meeting people in real life or through a blog let’s remember not to show favoritism, but to look to the heart not at what they have or not have.
