Off the Rant; Still an Intersection
Well, some days ago I wrote that I needed to take a break. I was on one end a bit burned out from writing - despite a writing schedule that made things considerably easier - and another part fustrated as MMM has not seemed to be as effective as I had hoped that it would be in terms of being a place to teach and equip.
In terms of that last point, I have me to blame more than anything. Having not done something like this before, and not seen much anything like this since, a lot of it has been a guessing game. Guessing what the audience wants; guessing what it is that I'd be able to provide; guessing what it is that we really should be looking towards in respect to using tech in ways the encourage, equip, and enhance our relationships and the world around us. I've failed in that part IMO, and for not meeting those expectations, I have been fustrated.
I will also admit that much of what has happened in faith-based tech has not been too much encouraging either. From trying to understand why publishers are so controlling over content, to why it is so hard for developers to sell their wares, to why hasn't the Body done anything innovative and new; I've been more on the side of a visionary than an enabler. For that, I apologize for not being better in giving direction, but I cannot apologize for what industries and the companies within them refuse to see and do.
So I come back to MMM. I am posting via Maemo Wordply on my Internet Tablet, teatherd to my mobile phone - a Nokia N75. I still think that MMM has considerable value. I still think that exploring what happens and what should happen at the intersection of faith and technology should be talked about. What I don't know is what that will look like. Some of you might come here and be discouraged that its not what you expected, and others encouraged because it is not what you expected. That'd fine. This is only a sign post to say that if you made it to MMM, there is a response that you need to take.
This is my response, to continue to build a sign and encourage who I can. Thanks for not leaving too long, and thanks for understanding my need for a break. Normal is relative, but things will get back to relative soon enough. Blessings.
In terms of that last point, I have me to blame more than anything. Having not done something like this before, and not seen much anything like this since, a lot of it has been a guessing game. Guessing what the audience wants; guessing what it is that I'd be able to provide; guessing what it is that we really should be looking towards in respect to using tech in ways the encourage, equip, and enhance our relationships and the world around us. I've failed in that part IMO, and for not meeting those expectations, I have been fustrated.
I will also admit that much of what has happened in faith-based tech has not been too much encouraging either. From trying to understand why publishers are so controlling over content, to why it is so hard for developers to sell their wares, to why hasn't the Body done anything innovative and new; I've been more on the side of a visionary than an enabler. For that, I apologize for not being better in giving direction, but I cannot apologize for what industries and the companies within them refuse to see and do.
So I come back to MMM. I am posting via Maemo Wordply on my Internet Tablet, teatherd to my mobile phone - a Nokia N75. I still think that MMM has considerable value. I still think that exploring what happens and what should happen at the intersection of faith and technology should be talked about. What I don't know is what that will look like. Some of you might come here and be discouraged that its not what you expected, and others encouraged because it is not what you expected. That'd fine. This is only a sign post to say that if you made it to MMM, there is a response that you need to take.
This is my response, to continue to build a sign and encourage who I can. Thanks for not leaving too long, and thanks for understanding my need for a break. Normal is relative, but things will get back to relative soon enough. Blessings.
posted by Antoine @ 7/13/2008 11:03:00 PM
4 comments
4 Comments:
Hello my friend. You sound like a pastor I know -me. Discouragment is often the sign of two things: 1)burnout; 2)you are or feel alone.
I for am encouraged by what you write. I am a pdanut myself. My wife thinks I'm looney. I use my pda's, not always effectively, but they are used.
Consider yourself a traiblazer, an adventurer, a visionary. Keep the mobile tech aspect of Christian ministry alive. It may be a burdensome cross to bear but it is a cross worthy of bearing.
Solio Deo Gloria!
Grace & Peace!
RevMark;
When I read this comment I smile, then teared, then smiled again. You have hit right on with what has been the tick of my heart. And - not shying away from it - its been hard in that respect.
In the past months I've come to understand who I am, how I tick. Its allowed for a lot of freedom, but has defintely pointed to some areas that are not mature, developed, or just lonely. Concerning MMM, this has always been a place where I would see being a benefit, but I know that you can only pour out what has been poured in. Having met the bottom of my barrel, who I am is in considerable need of help and encouragement.
You said you sound like a pastor I know and I totally laughed. I pastor in the respect that I teach and lead in areas; but officially, I'm just a man following the Lord, nothing more. If that title comes later, it does. For now, I just teach what I know, and pour into others online and offline what leads people to see His glory in every situation.
If you all could keep MMM/me in prayer for a co-laborer in terms of continuing on this side of life. Thanks in advance, and I hope that something you read here challenges you, convicts you, or equips you for the days and moments ahead when you need to present tech and life before a world who needs a piece of Christ in their lives.
I for one come to MMM because:
1. I am a Christian
2. I am a PDA nut (Psion 3b and 5, TRG, HE330, Dana, Treo 180, 280, 600 & 680).
3. I use mobility in ministry in a meaningful way, but know I have gaps.
Thanks for what you do.
SPG
Antione,
Thanks for returning to blogging. You may not know it, but your blog is one of the more inspiring to me and the Church I call home.
You are doing excellent work, going and doing what no one has done before (my appoligies to ST fandom). You would not be normal if you did not get discouraged at least once about your blog.
I for one am watching closely to what you are saying.
Love you brother,
GeekDad_4WD
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