I have been writing at A Sista’s Journey for a little more than a year. Within this time, I have grown personally, and I have also grown as a writer. Becoming a better writer was actually one of the reasons that I began blogging in the first place.
The problem is that I have perused some of the blogs that I wrote a while ago, and found myself clutching my fists. Did I really write that? That sentence is incoherent. I must have been sleepy or tired when I hit the Publish button.
I know that we are our own worst critics, yet I wonder do other people feel this way several months or years after they have published a blog, article, or book. Please God, I hope that I don’t feel this way several months or years after I have published a book.
So I’m faced with a dilemma. Should I simply cross my fingers and hope that no one stumbles upon my incoherent blogs? Should I go back and scrutinize every blog? On one hand, that would seem quite anal. On the other hand, I could consider this a personal writing project. I could rewrite those blogs and replace the old ones with a new, fleshly modified version. Should I just delete them and pretend that they were never there? That would cause a host of problems if I ever linked back to the incoherent post in another blog (which I’m sure that I did at some point). I certainly don’t want to appear unprofessional in that way.
What should I do? Readers and writers, I really need your help.
Blessings, Natasha
A SISTA'S JOURNEY 
We are all works in progress. I’m inclined to say let past blogs alone.
I say you keep them! If you want to make grammatical changes, that’s fine, but don’t change content. Your readers have made comments based on what you wrote. But if the missing comma is going to cause you to rip your hair out, or if the sentence structure was “off”, don’t feel bad about fixing those things.
As you stated, this blog has allowed you to grow as a writer…that’s all that matters! Your posts were a reflection of the writer you were THEN. I think they’re great as is.
Blessings!
Mylah
I think it’s inherit in the process of discipleship that others see us be transformed just as we encourage others in that process. Let us see how you’ve grown! It’s all part of the journey.
I would say, if there is a post from the past that goes against something you believe now, and having those opinions in the public domain might undermine something you are trying to accomplish in the future, then there is nothing wrong with deleting it! You are the owner of your blog, and you have full freedom to do with your posts what you would like–including rewriting sentences or sections or whole posts if you’d like!
On the other hand, sometimes it’s helpful to have those old posts as a way for you to measure how you’ve changed and grown over time, either with regards to your writing, or to the evolution of you thoughts and ideas.
I would lean towards leaving them in; and even if you have changed your mind about something you’ve written in the past, you can then add a note about it in the past post and point to a future post. That way people can follow your transformation along the way!
Lastly: none of us writes perfectly all the time, and none of us expects perfection from those we read. So, feel full freedom to give yourself grace along the journey as well. =)
Blessings to you!
I agree with Helen.
Thanks so much ladies. This does help. I really appreciate it. Blessings, Natasha
I agree too. God always speak to us “where we are”.
Hey, Natasha, I think that we are all a work in progress. In the short time we’ve known each other, I’ve yet to feel you’ve ever written anything that wasn’t appropriate or useful instruction from the Lord. I know that no one other than our Savior is perfect. I think Satan wants us to think our leaders are supposed to be perfect. Then when we see them have fears & doubts that are normal for any human, we can feel defeated & give up trying to be Christ-like. I don’t remember the name of the song, but it states “Impossible is not a word, but a reason not to try.” I wonder is it that great Deceiver that is making you doubt yourself. I wouldn’t go changing things you’ve written. I feel like the fact that you are transparent & able to admit your flaws shows that even the most respected among us still need the grace & mercy given by the Lord. I believe that among your spiritual gifts is that of exhortation. You are able to witness & share through your life experiences (all the good & all the bad) to show how God works. You prove how faithful God is to those who love him & seek him with their whole heart. You are a reflection of His light, a great encourager & your blog has strengthened my faith. I think you should continue writing & allowing God to sharpen your skills. I believe with all my heart that God is molding you into a powerful speaker, writer & evangelist. I am thankful that God has placed you in my life & into the lives of countless numbers of people. You are God’s instrument to help others see who HE really is. Please let me share a verse & part of a devotion from my bible with you. “I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me-the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.” (Acts 20:24) The devotion points out that we are to trust God, not our perspectives. What we see as a mistake or flaw may be exactly what God needs to point people to Jesus. We are to be obedient to that same guidance in our ministry & to each assignment He gives us. So “Be Strong & of Good Courage”! Love in Christ, Mandy Watson
Thanks so much for your honesty and words of encouragement, Mandy. Glad to have you as a friend. Blessings, Natasha