Into the Fire

. . . it matters what you think about some things?

My friend Mark Harbeson recently resigned from his own blog “Utter Drivel” because he wrote a humorous post about returning a wrong-size gift that he liked to a particular store that he didn’t like based only on his usual shopping habits regarding clothing. As you well know, Mark is downright funny at times, so this particular post was full of humor and also poked fun at himself. However, certain relatives were incensed, hurt, embarrassed, and all of the “above”, by his “public” posting, and he not only suffered their wrath, he, too, was humiliated by their rather brutal responses to what he thought was an inoffensive post. Let me tell you, he did suffer. First of all, he was misunderstood. Secondly, he was also hurt, and thirdly, he was also embarrassed by their reactions. Anyway, it was a mutually hurtful experience, and he elected to shut down his blog for fear of inciting others with any of his posts.

I confess I have incensed others with some of my opinions, postings, and comments left on others’ blogs. Writing on the web creates unnatural confrontations when the aim of some posters is not succinct. Either it’s taken seriously when it’s meant to be funny or vice versa, or it’s considered insulting when it’s just meant to be an opposing opinion. In other words, it can be incredibly easy to be misunderstood and create conflict where none is intended.

My “regulars”, who have for the most part become my friends, know I am passionate about my thoughts and opinions, and I don’t give them without consideration. When I post a “rant”, I have taken to specifying it as such just in case others don’t care for reading frustration on blogs. My thoughts and opinions are not always right or even correct, but they have been arrived at via ponderous searches of mental mechanics. Smile. I do think before I post to put it more simply.

Opinions being what they are, sometimes it is my opinion that people need to be reminded they are not the end all, cure all, of this universe. In other words we are dust. A breath. A blade of grass that grows, withers, and dies in a matter of insignificant time compared to eternity. We get one life on earth. We have one unique purpose whether or not it involves all kinds of occupations, skills, and talents, or if it is focused around one area in this life. We are designed by God to find Him and serve Him according to His perfect plan. Outside of that, in and of ourselves, we are pretty much worthless. It isn’t complicated, but it most certainly is challenging for the human race, self-centered, self-serving creatures that we are.

Platitudes in publishing drive me up a wall. They cause me to overreact, to gag, to stomp around and declare my frustrated ranting to my Lord who listens attentively and lets me get it all out before quietly and calmly issuing perspective and grace.

Whether or not I will, I should probably delete the majority of my “favorites”. I’m weary of platitudes, echoing adoration, rules for “good” writing, which in truth are negotiable but fair guidelines for beginners who understand the basics of grammar and the need for a logical, well-designed story. And the hype about marketing is stifling, albeit informative.

So there. I am sorry for offending some with my posts/comments/opinions. If you knew me—as Mark’s relatives should have known him—you’d know I wouldn’t deliberately offend or hurt anyone. I agree that absence of personal knowledge makes a person bolder in expressing opinions—creates a distance and sets up a boundary of separation. Nevertheless, if I have offended you or angered you, I will try not to do so again, but I suspect if you disagree with my basic philosophy about the publishing business being imperfect, you will find yourself riled up over some of my “rebellious” posts which don’t feed into the adoration of the professionals without directly disrespecting them because I don’t disrespect them. They work hard, and I’m sure most of them do their jobs well and deserve commendation. Just not adoration—where those who write hang on their every word and repeat the mantras of what makes “good” writing like automatons while refusing to read ANY thing which doesn’t comply with those exaggerated “rules” for writing, pitching, querying, well, you get it. There is a set order to things in publishing, and, let’s face it, if you want it bad enough, you will comply. Especially if you’re a newcomer.

Do I really think my radical thoughts of the publishing world are going to matter or make a difference? No. No, I do not. But that isn’t going to change them. I’ve always been a crusader of sorts when I strongly believe something is slightly or abundantly off kilter or needs commentary or correction. Guess I’m not gonna change.

Father, I know you will always be there for me, and you will teach me your ways if I listen and learn. Thank you for not giving up on me. I’m desperate for you. Thank you for that indescribable grace when I least deserved or deserve it now. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

*Please continue to pray for Kristy Dykes.*