People throughout my life have often urged me to write an autobiographical book. This advice certainly appeals to my already inflated ego, but more serious consideration leads me to doubt that such a book would profit any publishing house brave (or stupid) enough to underwrite such a project. And as I age (I’m in my 60s now), typing grows increasingly difficult for me, making the idea pretty unappealing.
Blogging suits my physical limitations at this point in life, though I started this particular blog back in July of 2015 with the idea of minimizing autobiographical elements. In my introductory post, I wrote:
Unlike my last blog, this blog won’t showcase my digital art except in the sense that I will use my creations, as well as John’s photos (many of which I’ll manipulate with Paintshop Pro) to illustrate my posts. Accordingly, I will also dispense with accounts of our “Boston Adventures” unless they contribute to Biblical discussion. In other words, I anticipate a greater emphasis on the Lord, with any autobiographical comment serving only as auxiliary material that will direct attention back to Him.
I haven’t changed my desire to use autobiographical material here for the sole purpose of magnifying the Lord Jesus Christ. I know that Christians in the United States most likely have little time left to publicly proclaim the Gospel and offer Biblical truth, so I don’t want to squander that precious time composing a vanity blog.
Yes, I’m physically disabled, yet I’ve done things that some people consider “amazing.” Get over it. I have!
At the moment, however, John and I think I should write a series of posts about my spiritual progression. In doing so, I don’t want the focus on me. Rather, I propose to show the Lord’s grace and sovereignty as He has patiently brought me through various sinful patterns and questionable doctrinal positions to where I am now. He has worked so gently as He’s corrected me over the years, and His faithfulness to keep me rooted in His Word both astonishes and delights me.
I pray that these stories from my life (which I’ll share only once or twice a week) will help you avoid the pitfalls that kept me spiritually retarded for so many years. But more than that, I pray that you will learn more about Who Christ is and how He desires us to worship Him. If I must write an account of my life, at least let me do so in a manner that honors Him and helps my readers know Him better. I don’t have time for anything less.
15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. ~~Ephesians 5:15-16 (ESV)
For your convenience, here is an index of my Autobiography With Purpose posts:
My Dirty Little Heart And Grace
The Right Action For The Wrong Reasons
His Homosexuality Changed My Life
The “Dear Abby” Of The Ex-Gay World
Sundry Responses To John’s Cancer
