I sat down at my desk to write this morning and noticed an old birthday card sitting in the middle of my pencil box with this quote on the front: “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you into something else is the greatest accomplishment.” –Ralph Waldo Emerson. Thank you Mr. Emerson. (Thank you Georgine.)

I’m trying to fit into social media to promote Conversations with Dad and it’s making me more than a little insecure. After doing my best to upgrade my blog last night with widgets and menus…you may notice something different…I didn’t get too far. This morning, I asked, what would God do if He had written a book? Oh, right, He did. But what if He had written Conversations with Dad…right again. He did do that too. It’s a silly question to ask God, how would you build Your following? But I did. I knew the answer as soon as I asked it. The One who surfed the seas without a board would pray not surf the net for solutions.

But still, with 93 followers after three years, how can I be taken seriously? What am I doing wrong?

Who says you’re doing anything wrong? And it’s 94, but who’s counting.

Nobody reads what I write.

Yes they do.

I only have 94 followers after three years!

Why do you want followers?

Well…to sell my book?

Why do you want to sell your book?

Umm…to be a successful writer…?

Who says you aren’t successful? You can pay people to build followers so you look successful in the world’s eyes if that’s what you’re worried about. How many blogs are there in the world? Do you know?

No.

Do you think I need your blog to open eyes to the Light?

Can’t I help?

Not if you’re worried about followers and being liked. Don’t kid yourself. I know why you want followers. To be accepted, for affirmation, just to name a couple reasons you haven’t mentioned. I accept you. I affirm you. I was scorned and rejected, remember? You’re going about this the wrong way.

Surprise, surprise.

You’re thinking about yourself.

Ouch…

Social media feeds into your need to please others. It’s a slippery slope. The temptation to seek success according to the world’s eyes is present every moment. Use your Shield to protect your heart and focus your mind. Use your Sword to cut through the crap. (Yes I can use that word.) No temptation has seized you except what is common to all. I Am faithful. I will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted to please and be successful for the wrong reasons, I will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it (1 Col 10:13).

Bless me this morning God, and in Your mercy heal us all.

Suffering is not the only way into My Kingdom. See the sunlight today. Go outside and breathe in the warm summer air. Recognize, once again, the Joy that comes from walking with Me. Leave all to Me—the choice of direction and the guidance along the way. All struggles teach appreciation. You do not know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while then vanishes ((James 4:17). Return to Me. Shall we begin again?

I know it can be hard to work without any guarantee of seeing the fruit of your labor. All work is based on production. But what’s more important in the end? Is it the process or the product that brings more value to your life?

Don’t worry. All the effort you have put forth is not in vain. I Am with you. Any work you do is not done alone. Together we can produce beautiful fruit. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it until it receives the early and late rains. (James 5:7). Believe that the work you have done for Me is its own reward, and wait to see what wonderful things grow from it. I am fully aware of how to build followers. 🙂 Trust me and let your patience grow. I Am always with you.

But you might want to ask for a couple reviews of your book…you have to do your part too you know. 😉