an evolving blog

Last fall our church hosted an event called “Ask Anything.” We invited people to come to church with all their questions, doubts, concerns and random curiosities to anonymously ask questions about ANYTHING. Half of the questions were about faith, philosophy, life, theology and the bible. Of course there were some off-the-wall questions submitted by friendly jokesters. And then there were a good number of questions people asked about me, my personal life, my story, and my thoughts on various issues. We spent the good part of 2 hours pulling these questions out of a box and overall, I think the time was well spent and productive. However, to finish all the questions that were collected, it would have taken all night. So, as a follow up to the event, I started this blog to go through and start answering questions that we didn’t get to cover and more.

Since last fall when I started blogging, the questions have started to wane and more of my own personal life and updates have taken over as posts. So I thought this would be a good time to share with my “small group” of readers why I blog about what I blog.

1. It’s a connection tool for me. Though I never jumped on the Xanga bandwagon and rarely ever chat online, I do agree that we live in an age where many relationships are sustained in cyberspace. As sad as I think that is, I love what technology can do for us. So this blog is one way I’ve chosen for people to get to know me, read what’s going on in my head and connect. So, if I’ve never met you, “Hi, my name is Eugene. Hope you enjoy what I have to say. Hopefully one day, we can sit over coffee and I can enjoy what you have to say too.”
2. It’s my online journal. I never consistently journaled, but all of my heroes and mentors did. How do I know? Because I’ve read many of their journals, books, and writings. The cool thing about journals are that they show you how the invisible hand of God has been working throughout your life. Hopefully I can look back at these posts one day and see how God has stretched me, challenged me, blessed me and used me. Another way to look at this blog is like my unofficial newsletter, which is a good way to update friends and family that I don’t see everyday.
3. It’s another way to be myself before others. I have one of the great privileges of teaching on Sundays at my church. Over the years, as I’ve grown and developed my own style of speaking, I’ve tried my best to be myself. Not holy preacher man. Not Mr. Bible Know it all. And not Master Jedi as my sons would prefer. So I hope this blog supplements not only my sermons, but your understanding of who I am. I’m a regular guy. I love sports, gadgets, grilling, my family and my church. And while most of my posts won’t be refined and intellectually stimulating, at least they’ll be me. And my hope is that those I go to church with won’t feel a distance between us, but rather that I’m just like you in many ways.

All I can promise is to be honest and real. It seems like most people read in stealth mode. That’s cool. I don’t expect everyone to engage or comment on my blog. But I’ll do my best to blog consistently and respond to your comments if needed. And since I’m still a newbie at blogging, may the evolution of this blog lead to greater things.