Rise up.

Talent. Pure, fresh, exciting ideas waiting to be put to paper. Papers stacked high of published material. But for what purpose?

I love beauty, and God created many beautiful things for us to enjoy, so there's no question that beauty is good, but if it is the only reason why we create what we create, I think we're missing out on something huge. If our drive behind taking photos is so that we can receive praise from others or just to create beautiful things for people to admire, our lives are lacking. Our blogs can be examples of our faith, lives and purity if we will commit to preaching the Word on a regular basis. Yes, you might lose a follower or two and you might suffer persecution, but if you're a follower of Jesus that's to be expected and it is actually an opportunity for faith to deepen and character to develop.

Let me make this clear: I'm not telling you to quit taking pictures or to abandon creating blog designs. In fact, if God has given you a gift, by all means, use it and use it well.

I'm just asking you to make an effort to let your faith permeate every area of your life, including your blog.

As Paul told Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:12: Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.


This is something I need to work on, too...something that God has just recently been putting on my heart, so don't feel as if you're the only one who's guilty. I'm right there with you.

Godly women who share their faith frequently on their blogs do exist, and I admonish you for boldly proclaiming your faith and speaking out about how God is working through your struggles. You are great examples for us to follow.

A few, but certainly not all of them are Arielle of A Beautiful Journey, Jennifer of The Blair Affairs, Ashley of Ramblings and Photos, and Sara of More Photos, Less Words. These ladies may be a few years older than you or I, so perhaps they have more wisdom, but that's not an excuse for us to hide our own faith, although we are young and may feel inexperienced.

If you're not a baby Christian and you're actively growing in your faith, then I'm certain that you've gleaned knowledge from God's Word that God wants you to share with others to bring them closer to him. This is not to discourage new Christians from sharing what God is doing in their lives, but they should first saturate themselves in the Word and let mature Christians teach them before teaching others, lest they lead them astray.

This is a call for young, talented Christian girls to rise up and let God's light shine through you into the darkest corners of the blog-o-sphere. You have influence, and I know you can make a difference in the lives of other young girls that goes far beyond physical beauty to spiritual worth in Christ.

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. -2 Timothy 1:7

We have a calling to live for Jesus every day, and if we are fully committed to that end, then our blogs, which are a means of expressing the thoughts of our hearts, should reflect that...does yours, and if not, are you willing to make a change?