Thread by @BethMooreLPM

Now listen, y’all. I’m really one to talk since I’ve made more mistakes on Twitter than anyone I know. But I’ve learned something & countless times observed something I’d like to share in regard to communicating on this platform. Take as food for thought or with a gain of salt.

I’ve noticed the more repetitive I get about one thing—even ministry & those things that are the most crucial to me—the less people hear because somehow I’ve accidentally become a message or a cause more than a person. I’m embarrassed to say that I’m, at times, like this with

those I follow. Even if I agree, I’ll just wish occasionally I knew more about the heart, the life, behind the words on the screen. I don’t doubt that’s immaturity but maybe that’s my point. Maybe most people are a bit immature in attentiveness. One of my biggest takeaways when I

studied 1st & 2nd Thessalonians to write an 8 week series on it was the concept Paul articulated in 1 Thess 2:8. He talked about the kind of love that serves people by sharing “not only the gospel of God but also our own selves.” And, in doing so, those people received that very

gospel they preached. I think people are more apt to listen & to make room in their hearts for what we have to say when we also share our own selves. Are the furthest thing from my meaning is that we’d do so in order to trap them. Ick. I’m simply saying we share the authentic us.

Share a few of our ups & downs. A vulnerability or 2. Dialogues with people with whom we have nothing in common except that we’re both humans. And maybe we like dogs. Fries. Coffee. Movies. Or we think some of the same things are funny. I say this not only for our readers.

I think it can help with our mental health. Here’s an example: I’m very passionate about advocating for the sexually abused. But if it is all I ever talk about, not only will most people (to their discredit, mind you) grow dull of hearing but I will get madder & madder or more

& more frustrated. Don’t misunderstand me. We must OFTEN speak to this & other issues of great importance, especially if it’s part of our calling, or we’ll be disobedient to God. Some of us are on here to speak solely to certain issues & that’s legit. Do it with all your might.

Here’s what I know: I’ve come to love some people on here that I really disliked & with whom I deeply disagreed because I began to see them as people. Good grief, there was 1 dude I could hardly stand but he had a health crisis & suddenly he was a fellow human to pray for. Try

as I might, I’ve not managed to dislike him again in the same way even though he went back to saying all the same things. LOL. Anyway, this is probably all dumb. I’ll just tell you that the follows I like best on here are those that share both their passions and their persons.

But, y’all, what the heck do I know??? Lol. Love to y’all.