Hey, you! Yes, you. The one reading Christfic and blogging Christian reviews. Yep, I’m excluding some of my audience this time and I’m going to address you Christian book bloggers.
I’ve been on your teams for the last seven years. I’ve seen you, observed you. I’ve been in your midst and I’ve noticed something strange. Very, very strange. And, it’s time for me to pour my heart out here and let you know what’s bothering me.
You see, recently I’ve really connected with some book bloggers. Book bloggers that do not claim Christianity. Yet, they saw my blog and they didn’t judge me based on what I was reading and rather liked, followed and participate on my blog for the sole reason that I’m READING.
Some of these people do not profess Christianity at all. Yet they give me a like, throw me a little bone, they tag me in fun posts to get to know me. They comment on and even share my posts via Twitter or various places. They’ve offered camaraderie based on the mutual love of books.
I’ve been on teams with some people for seven years. I see you sharing your links in our mutual groups and begging for likes and comments. I’ve done just that many times and you never even acknowledged me. I never see you do more than the customary follow of my blog—if that.
Now, I am not seeking validation here. I don’t NEED your likes or your comments. But, you, out of all people who I encounter are the ones that sit there and bash an entitled generation of people. Yet, you feel entitled to free books and likes and comments but you can’t seek out your fellow teammates and give them the same. Hrmm.
I’m totally preaching to the choir here. I’ve done it. I’ve been in my little bubble and I neglected my fellow bloggers. Then, whap! I got a smack in the face—the kind that I needed. These complete bookish loving strangers started sharing blog love and I realized that I was guilty of exclusion and entitlement. I’m ashamed of the years that I blogged and didn’t open up the WordPress reader to give a like, a comment or share a little love with my fellow bloggers.
As a Christian, we have a responsibility to show love to others. Not just our love but the love of Christ. How many of us have missed the unique opportunity to show small acts of kindness by sharing reaffirming words to other bloggers?
Reach out to others. Look for people to follow. Give them a like. Show them some love. Even if they don’t read the same books that you do. And don’t even give me this whole bit of garbage that you need to reach your niche. Your niche is already reading exactly what you are. What kind of impact are you having?
I know I sound angry here and I am not. As I said, I’ve been guilty of this too. But, it’s wrong and I owe my fellow team members, publicity groups, and bloggers who followed me looking to connect a sincere apology.
I’m a busy mom. I can’t promise that I’ll comment on every post that you make or that I’ll even see every post that you make. But, I will do my best to like or comment when I see things. I’m not demanding that you do the same but just think about things.
Are you showing your fellow bloggers and booklovers love? Do you think that you’re really making a difference with your blogging or is this an area that you need to grow? Feel free to discuss!
YES YES YES!!!
You and I both know full well how discouraging this is. I’m so sorry for the times when I’ve not done my part. ❤️
Good for you girl! <3
Well said!