The Why of the Blog - Lora Lovin Osburn

Last week in class, our teacher asked:

Why do you blog?

You would think after twelve years of blogging that I could raise my hand and quickly answer her direct question, and get a star for being first. After all, I was in a blogging class. So, why do I blog? I had reasons when I started blogging years ago; but twelve years is a long time, and much has changed. The question led to me writing down my thoughts on multiple little sheets of a note pad as I brainstormed to answer. There were many little pieces of paper. Many thoughts. Many words. But based on others answers, she was not looking for a short story.

All those pieces of paper with one or two thoughts or sentences on them, helped me define

MY DETERMINED BLOGGING PURPOSE

So, I share with you why I blog:

I blog because I want to help other women find their voice, and even beauty, by living, looking, and loving beyond the abuse, hurts, and sorrows of this life. Abuse led me to gain over 113 pounds, of which I intentionally got rid of over 20 years ago, so I share my healthy lifestyle. Abuse told me to be quiet; but, I write devotionals weekly (and even wrote a devotional post for Beth Moore’s blog!) Abuse said I am only for dark places; but, I am finding beauty beyond dark seasons and sharing what I now see from a new perspective in hopes that others will be encouraged.

There it is – four long; but heart-felt purpose statements for me and By The Lamp Light. You know, I’ve been blogging for a while, and in the last few years, have just started heading in the distinct direction that I believe I am to go. I haven’t wanted to share my story, because who likes to tell all about their sorrows, their hurts, and disappointments? I’ve never wanted to write about my abuse; but it was the reality of my life.

I’m so thankful there is a place that is beyond, and past, abuse. There is joy, love, and beauty. I have found that hard things make us who we are. So, let’s just keep doing the hard things.

Some of us, it just takes longer to decide what we are going to be when we grow up. I am talking to myself here. My darlin’ daughters are both lovely young adult women living out on their own. My dad, who I had the privilege to care for in his last years, has passed on to eternity, and I have no excuses for not getting on with my life goals, and my book. I am so excited that my story, in book form, is in the works! It has been a long journey to share my story that is mostly wracked with guilt and shame; but glory to HIS Name – He is helping me to share because I so want to help other women. I want others to experience what I have in Christ.

I truly believe that God is working everything for my good. I want you to see He is doing the same for you.