I once knew a man who belonged to a chat room called, “Young Millionaires”. He wasn’t even close to being a millionaire, but he was convinced that everyone else in the room was a millionaire and so he pretended to be one too. I quickly pointed out to him that they could just as easily be making up their financial picture as he was, but he wouldn’t hear of it. He believed them to be completely sincere despite his insincerity.
Last week, at the Write To Publish Conference, I had my first experience at a cyber-friendship made real life or (RL). I was really quite nervous about it.
“What if she doesn’t like the real me?” I wondered. “What if I’ve accidentally created a virtual me that doesn’t reflect the real me, like the guy in the young millionaire chat room?”
But the moment I saw her all fears were chased away. It was like I had known her my whole life…and I should have known all would be well, because Adela Crandell Durkee is a pretty amazing woman! She writes with wisdom and wit. She tells side-splittingly funny stories. She smiles under pressure, and everyone is stronger for her being in their presence.
She was the very first blogger to offer her friendship, writing to me an e-mail that stated, “Let’s be Best Blogging Girlfriends!” And that’s just what we are.
It occurs to me that our relationship with God can be much like a virtual friendship. We don’t see Him face to face, although we could get nervous about when we will someday.
When I do see Him in RL, will I stand before Him realizing how much of the time I was trying to be someone I am not? Will my insincerity drive me away from His presence?
I only know that I am told that I can stand in His presence boldly and that my faith pleases Him. It takes faith to stand in His presence. He sees right through our pretending. But when I do? He welcomes me the way my friend welcomed me, with open arms and loving acceptance, pleased by my reliance on His grace…the outpouring of grace which I gladly receive to tremble and go anyway.
…sharing a playdate with Laura: 
journeytoepiphany.wordpress.com 
This was such a sweet post. Please keep me posted on these conferences. I’d love to get involved.
I will do…You might enjoy a BlogHer conference. They are specifically for bloggers, while the one I attended was for writers…
This is what led me here this morning, Kim: How my friendship with @Blacktortoise is like standing before God on Judgement Day… wp.me/p1pPE2-Mi Oh my. Yalk about trembling!
I had some of the same trepidations about meeting you. And, happy to say, the same feeling of “I’ve known up all my life.” Beautiful post. Let’s hope that’s the way it will be when we meet our maker.
hehe…I knew that tagline would get ya! Seriously, thank you for your kind and gracious friendship!
How wonderful, KD! I’m so glad you are attending conferences! You are one step ahead of me! And I’m glad the blogging friendship was as good IRL. And thank you for the kind RT this morning. You are, as always, wonderful. (Who wouldn’t adore you!) 😉
Yay! Renee! Sounds like all went well at your big event. I am proud of your son for you! There’s a whole new type of satisfaction when your children make you proud!
I often think about how weird and yet amazing these cyber-blogging friendships are. And yes, they are so much like our relationship with a God we cannot see with our eyes, but feel with our hearts. I love the sentiment here. It is something to really think about as we connect over the internet and especially as we pray and worship our Lord–we need to be authentic and real. Thanks for sharing, kd!
You’re welcome. Cyber friendships have taught me much over the past year or so…I have been enriched!
I’m so glad we are fully known by Him. And that He loves us still!
Great that you got to meet a blogging friend. I’ve met three so far and look forward to meeting more!
I’d love to hear about your meetups some time!
kd, thanks for hopping by my place and leaving the quote. Our junk does seem to follow us, even when we try to throw it out, we seem to re-accumulate! lol
They mystery of being known is an alluring invitation and trembling fear all at the same time!!! I love seeing women step out in their calling and in their relationships. I pray God blesses you!
lisa
I enjoy this as well. It always feels good to know that you haven’t allowed fear to control you!
‘tremble in fear and do it anyway’–the definition of courage and bravery. May God continue to strengthen you on the path!
Thanks Jody! We practice on the small stuff….God prepares us for the big!
I think that is how you greet people, with loving arms of acceptance. I hope I get to meet you one day inRL Kim. So glad you got to meet her at a conference. Bliss.
It is one of my greatest wishes to meet you as well… Really bummed about not being able to go to the High Calling retreat…but I know that God has a plan!
My first (in)RL experience actually involved getting on a plane and flying several states away to stay for the weekend in a home of someone I knew only online. And it was beautiful. Maybe there’s something about being able to be more real here faster than otherwise. Maybe it’s because God is involved. But I’ve never met an online friend I didn’t already love. 🙂
Wow, you are brave! But then again, friend, to know you is to love you…so I’m not surprised that your meetups have been beautiful! Hoping to meet you (in)RL soon!
I’d love to meet up with some of the women I’ve met through blogging! But I’m way over here in the Philippines! God as a virtual friend? Maybe in some ways, but He is so not far away!
I love when these online connections become face-to-face reality. I’ve had that happen on a number of occasions now, and I’m so blessed every time.
Me too…I am looking forward to having more in the future, both here on earth and a blogging reunion in heaven! 🙂
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