Peter or Paul?

I read something in Beth Moore's book on the life of the apostle Paul "To Live is Christ" a few years ago that has never left me. In the chapter where she writes about Paul and Silas's imprisonment in Phillipi, she contrasts Paul's experience in prison in Acts 16 with Peter's experience in Acts 12. In Acts 12, Peter is led out of prison and out of the city by an angel of the Lord. In Acts 16, the Lord frees Paul from prison through a great earthquake, and yet he stays.

Beth Moore writes, "Sometimes God frees us from chains so we can turn our backs on our slavery and walk away like Peter in Acts 12. He was free to leave. As a result, the church that was praying for his release was edified. Other times God frees us from chains so we can remain where we are to share the message of freedom with other captives. Paul was free to stay. Because he did, a man asked, "What much I do to be saved?" (16:30). And an entire household found sweet liberty." Further down she writes, "One was free to leave and one was free to stay, but we each trust God with His perfect plan for our lives. God reserves the right to use His servants and their experiences in different ways. Let's try to resist copying a blueprint from another person's ministry."

Where am I going with this, you may be wondering. I have noticed a struggle that some in the adoption/loss/infertility community seem to have after having a child in regards to what to do with their blog. Change the name (if necessary) and keep updating on life with their new baby/child? Start a whole new blog? Stop blogging? What about readers who have supported throughout who are still "in prison?" This dilemma made me think of the above passage. Because I think the answer is different for each one of us. Some are called to stay and continue to minister to others struggling with infertility/loss. Others are freed to move on to be used for the purposes God has for them. I really appreciate the sensitivity of those who are concerned with those of us still waiting and therefore feel uncertain about posting pictures and updates of their new life. But there is no reason to feel guilty about this. God has done an amazing thing, celebrate it. Yes, it is true that some of us who are still waiting may not be able to read these blogs as frequently, but who knows we may be catching back up in the future when we are parenting as well. I believe those God calls to continue to minister to other women know it and have a specific desire to reach out and encourage others even though they themselves have been freed. If this is not you, you should not feel guilty about moving on. However, I do hope those who move on remember what was hurtful to them so as not to be hurtful to others. For those who have been freed to stay, I am so grateful for you ladies who come alongside others who are hurting to offer words of comfort, hope, and encouragement. What a blessing!

Not sure why I felt the need to write about this. Maybe someone out there needs to hear it.

P.S. This post is not directed at anyone in particular, I promise. Nor am I only referring to blogs on my list - I lurk on lots of other blogs (but not as regularly) and read LFCA.