Next week marks the second anniversary of Prevailing Winds. During that time, I’ve been criticized, harrassed, blog-stalked, and called all sorts of fun names. And that’s by the Christians who read — those who don’t identify as disciples of Jesus have been remarkably kind. This isn’t to say that it’s a shock when non-believers behave well. Not at all. It’s just a shock when Jesus-followers behave so badly.
Nonetheless, I’ve gotten some really encouraging comments from readers, and through this blog I’ve made some wonderful friends. Most of all, I’ve learned a lot, and I hope I’ve been able to teach some as well. I’ve been humbled, made contrite, and brought up short by sharp readers who have the guts to take me to task, and I’ve been dismayed at the cowardice displayed by those who hide behind a cloak of anonymity when they attack me. It seems . . . well, less than manly.
But I want to thank all of you who read this blog. You make me a better writer, a better person, and a better Christian. I plan to continue ’til I die. I’ll be 50 in a few weeks, so I assume that, by the grace of God, I’ll be around for awhile, making it difficult for bigots to continue without rebuke and trying to right wrong theology and point out the wrongful behavior it promotes. Bad theology leads inexorably to bad practice, and bad practice is like a raging flood that swamps real people and causes real devastation. I’m just trying to contain the damage and point to a better way.