Almost since the day I began writing for my blog over five years ago, I have been receiving comments from many who have a great dislike for what I write and how I "say" things. I eventually had to begin moderating all of my comments since trying to debate these people never seemed to be productive or beneficial. One day, a close friend of mine said she stopped reading my blog since she couldn't stand the mean comments I was getting. She said it took away from the message I was trying to teach. Others have told me they dislike the combative and argumentative comments as well. They serve no good purpose. Satan's purpose is to steal, kill, and destroy. My purpose is encourage women in the ways of the Lord because His Words and ways are life.
My blog is a teaching blog, not a debating blog like many of them out there are today. I am teaching Titus 2:4, 5 to any women who would like to learn from me. I hold my convictions firmly and I want them to be biblical. If this is not your cup of tea, no one is forcing you to read my written words. I know I am not perfect and have areas I continue to grow in, but I am not going to publish comments that are continually disagreeable to what I teach. If you have a question, I will be happy to publish it but if you have a comment that is completely opposed to what I have written, I will not publish it. Some accuse me of being "judgmental" when they are judging me all the time. I don't take it personally, however, since I only have one Judge whom I am trying to please and He will have the final say. You shouldn't feel "judged" by anyone, if you know that you are living your life in obedience to the Lord!
On my Facebook Always Learning page, I hide negative and mean-spirited comments and depending upon how mean they are, some will be banned from commenting on my page since these are a distraction as well. If you have something you feel the need to tell me, email me. It's interesting that most refuse to email me but want to be critical of me through the comments on my blog and Facebook page. I have sisters, parents, a husband, children, and close friends who have helped refine who I am today. Ken and I hold each other accountable with any area of sin in our lives. We know we will be held to a higher standard since we are teachers of many. Therefore, we take what we do very seriously.
It's unfortunate that women who are in the same position of life that I am are fearful of teaching what I teach because they see the backlash that I receive. This is to be expected, especially in the climate that our country is in right now. If any of you older women want to teach younger women but don't want the backlash, pray about it and seek out some younger women in your church to mentor. One-on-one mentoring is how I began and teaching small groups of women. It's a great way to be sharpened in what you teach and how you live your life as a wife and mother. Trying to begin a blog right off the bat doesn't give you the practical hands-on experience that is needed. Young women need to see your expressions and true desire to help them. Besides, the young women will teach you many things by the continual questions they will ask of you. I loved it!
I am not mean, contrary to some people's opinions of me. I will never call people names, swear at them, or intentionally try to hurt someone. I do call out sin and those who are trying to lead women astray since I hate sin and I want women to walk in obedience to the Lord. If you meet me in person, you would see that I am not a mean person. However, I love teachers and preachers who give it to me straight so I am this kind of teacher. I don't try to sugar coat the clear Word of God. There are others who are sweet-natured and I enjoy reading their blogs, but I like the ones who don't mince words but speak the Truth clearly and boldly. You may not like my style but this is okay. Find blogs that fit your style. God made us all different with different likes. He is a creative God and this makes the world colorful! I love challenging women since I love to be challenged.
Thank you to all of you who have supported me over the years. I appreciate it! Your encouragement is what keeps me going and I am thankful to the Lord for giving me this ministry. I take it seriously and only want to please Him.
Finally, for those of you who want to "put me in my place" and help me to be able to reach the women of this century, no thank you. I will continue to teach those who want to put themselves on the ancient path that the Lord has laid out for them. It's not my path that I am teaching; it is the Lord's. I will only have to answer to Him what I have taught.
For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men?
for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.
Galatians 1:10
Melissa M. · 455 weeks ago
HappyHomemaker · 455 weeks ago
Thanks again Lori and Ken for all the great work you do!
Kathy Elford · 455 weeks ago
Mandy · 455 weeks ago
Gayle · 455 weeks ago
Trudy Callan · 455 weeks ago
KingdomMinded Mamma · 455 weeks ago
“In order to understand what the biblical position is on any subject, one has to do it from a Hebrew perspective.”
-Dr. Roy B. Blizzard, President at Bible Scholars
Public discussion of the Bible tends to become the province of people who are limited to reading English translations, with no understanding of the ancient world, and the myriad complications involved in understanding what any of the ancient biblical material meant in its own contexts.” –Dr. Kalinda Rose Stevenson
ContentWife · 455 weeks ago
You are very much loved and appreciated by many. Keep up the good work and don't "grow weary while doing good, for in due season [you] shall reap if [you] do not lose heart." {Gal. 6:9}
Ann · 455 weeks ago
Mrs.M · 455 weeks ago
ALM · 455 weeks ago
Mrs. L · 455 weeks ago
Kate · 455 weeks ago
Mrs.O · 455 weeks ago
God bless you and your family.
celticmama36 47p · 455 weeks ago
I think that you need to teach how you feel led by our Father to teach. If folks take straight talk as being mean, that is on them, not you. No one should ever water down their beliefs to please someone else.
Have a blessed day.
Your sis in Christ,
Suz
girlwithadragonflytattoo 36p · 455 weeks ago
I'm so glad you set an example for younger women to not be involved in debating - to not let your blog become focused on that. People will always want to criticize or debate (and there are places for them to do that), but it's very wonderful to see how you personally deal with that yourself. Its a "No nonsense" approach, and I love it!
TheJoyFilledWife · 455 weeks ago
That was such a powerful statement, Lori. Thanks for being such a faithful follower of Christ and friend.
Roxy · 455 weeks ago
Always, Roxy
Anon · 455 weeks ago
elleberra 15p · 455 weeks ago
Thanks :)
Rob · 455 weeks ago
Lori, you speak truth and I know you are doing everything you can for my marriage and I love you so much for that and you have invested your life now to helping others who want your guidance and mentorship.
Thank you for everything and all the encouragement you give to us
Ken is a great man and Lori you are what we all need :)
The world doesn't seem to want truth. They want to justify and change the word so it's works for them.
There is no need to explain yourself today but for those who want to bash they can go ahead. We all will be judged one day very soon
Pam · 455 weeks ago
Thank you!
Lady Virtue · 455 weeks ago
God bless and take care.
washingwords 13p · 455 weeks ago
Let me address that my focus will always be on my husband and children, but it is in our downtime (while he's studying for example and I have free time) that I really enjoy reinforcing the truths outlined in Titus. I definitely keep my priorities in line, but instead of reading a magazine or watching tv, I prefer to interact with other women to encourage them in truth.
Experience brings wisdom that is very useful for teaching. However, I think the bible has an answer to every question we could think of, regardless of if we've experiencing it personally. I think if one is mature in the Lord and walking in truth that is enough of a prerequisite to encourage and teach others to follow the truth.
I also want to agree that small groups are very helpful in learning how to interact with women in sharing the truth. I was a part of women's shelter and club ministries, and small groups prior to meeting my husband. Now that we are married, we have a couple of small groups we meet with weekly where my husband does the teaching (because men and women are involved), and we have seen some wonderful fruit thus far. I believe these experiences help to know how to regulate teaching sessions, and generally how the ebb and flow of discipling others goes.
In conclusion, I want to encourage women that age doesn't have to be a deterrent. Just as I see older women who walk in truth, I also see many more older women who live in darkness (for lack of a better word) who would benefit from hearing encouraging testimonies. I believe that if you walk in truth, and you live out the principles outlined in Titus 2:4-5, then it is most beneficial to encourage other women to do the same, even if you aren't what most would consider "older".
Helen · 455 weeks ago
I thank God for you and your blog every day!. You are a great source of learning and encouragement to me!.
If people don't agree with what is written, subscribe to a blog that is more suited to your 'views'.
Blessings
Helen UK