This is the first day of the first month of a brand new year. Happy New Year everyone! While others take time to make resolutions, I choose to reflect at the start of a New Year.
Concerning A Sista’s Journey in particular, I’m thinking about how I can better engage you as a reader, thinker, theologian, servant, and friend. I’m thinking about ways to increase the communication. I see that you are reading, but I’m not getting many comments. I need your feedback to prayerfully grow this blog. I’m also interested in the things that concern you.
I was a little dismayed while checking the 2010 blog stats on last week. All of my “First of the Month” posts with “Jesus” in the blog title received the least amount of views. It’s like people didn’t even bother to check them out. I asked my husband what conclusions he would draw from this analysis. His response, “Maybe people are too “Jesus”ed-out. You know, like the whole Jesus freak thing turns them away.” Is that it? Considering my readership, I have to ask, “Are we done talking about Jesus? Do we think we know all there is to know about him? Or is it something else?”
Here are a few posts that you might have missed:
1. July 1, 2010 – Reintroducing Jesus
One thing that I am contemplating almost daily is the importance of living an authentic Christian life. This post features a passionate spoken word by young poet, Blair Wingo. She challenges all Christians to present the true Christ of the Bible in our daily interactions. This new year will present new opportunities to reintroduce Christ to our family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors.
2. November 1, 2010 – The Jesus Brand
Living an authentic Christian life is important for us individually, but also for those that we encounter daily. How we live will determine how others view Christianity and how they view Jesus himself. Whenever we go out, we carry with us the mark of Jesus. Therefore, let us live and love among our neighbors as Christ did during his earthly ministry.
3. December 1, 2010 – Jesus: The Miracle Child
As another Christmas season has come and gone, we briefly looked at the birth of Jesus. It was nothing short of a miraculous event. The truth also remains that Jesus is still alive and he continues to intercede and make powerful impacts in our lives even today. This is what we can learn from the birth of Jesus at Christmas and throughout the year – Jesus makes all things new.
4. September 1, 2010 – Friendly Jesus in the Contemporary Church
Is going back to church one of your New Year’s resolutions? It is challenging to consider which church to attend or join in membership. When considering church membership, the top priorities for my family are: a place where the Bible is taught and believed, makes discipleship a priority, offers a clear learning plan for the children and youth, a congregation that expresses the love of Jesus, and a place where we feel called to serve. In this day and culture, it is important to consider your expectations and priorities for religion and “church.” Prayerfully consider your priorities and Jesus will lead you to the right church as you ponder these thoughts in your heart.
So, what’s up with Jesus? I would love to hear your thoughts on the matter. And what’s up with you in the New Year?
© Natasha L. Robinson 2011
A SISTA'S JOURNEY 
I certainly hope we are not done talking about Jesus!! I think people go first to felt needs, or something catchy or clever. In reality, Jesus is it. All we need. I had a similar experience–I did a daily post and weekly summary of the ways Jesus comes to us during Advent. I was deeply touched by all that he gives us, but got almost no response.
So I am not concerned that Jesus seems not so intriguing to people, but rather sad for what they are missing. Jesus is what it is all about!
Thanks for the encouragement, Judy! Jesus is indeed what it is all about and I will certainly continue to write about him. I agree with you that people are probably looking for something catchy and going for the felt need, but not realizing that Jesus is all that we need. It is all about him. Thanks for lighting the fires and joining me on the journey. BTW, I very much enjoyed that Advent readings.
I guess I would wonder what your highest-read posts were. I think the whole blogging thing can be tricky…you may want to ask yourself (or your readers) what kind of thing they enjoy reading electronically. I find I do best with deeper spiritual material off-line, so to speak. Just my two cents!
Hi, Nicole! Welcome back, girl! The most viewed posts for the year are listed here: https://asistasjourney.com/2010/12/27/the-best-of-2010/ The “African-American boys” series was very popular, along with the “No More Fairy Tales” post about the cultural challenges that women faced in the Bible and even today. I can only assume from this information that more challenging or even controversial topics get “the draw.” Folks also enjoyed the “She Did What She Could” Book Discussion. I am very interested in your comment, “I find I do best with deeper spiritual material off-line.” Are you speaking from the prospective of the blogger or reader or both. I ask because one of my desires is to challenge people to think deeper about spiritual material and to learn from others who share their thoughts here. Some people don’t get that in their local churches and even if they do, I think it is beneficial to learn from others with a different background or experience. Expands the worldview and the whole iron sharpens iron thing. Thoughts?
Interesting blog..personally, will neva get tired of reading, hearing, sharing about Jesus. Your blog takes me to spiritual areas where I probably would not have gone. However, I have to fit reading online in general into my schedule. Which is why I’m posting so late. But, I encourage you to keep doing what u are doing. Let God use you. Keep in mind the best thing about the internet is content is always available and searchable. So don’t be surprised if a year from now someone responds to your blogs.
Love, Renee