A BBC journalist was diagnosed with a brain tumour two years ago and began writing about it at the BBC site. He was uncomfortable at first writing in such a personal style.
His last entry is up. Ivan Noble was a science and technology writer. He had no idea how many lives would be touched by sharing his journey.
This is my last diary.
I have written it ahead of time because I knew there would be a point when I was not well enough to continue.
That time has now come.
When I began writing about having a brain tumour, I did not really know why.
Many lives were touched, and many people touched him.
I know now that people have found the diary useful, and it meant a lot to me in particular to know that there were people in a similar situation to me or caring for such people who got something out of it.
The regular feedback from dozens and dozens of people every time I have written has been wonderful, especially in real times of crisis.
I know that it has kept me going much longer than I would have without it and I am grateful.
I am grateful to many people and this is probably the time to let them know.
Real Live Preacher
I don’t know about you, but in the time I’ve been blogging I think I’ve only taken down one post. And I can’t remember why. Real Live Preacher took one down today. From what I understand a christian or two saw fit to attack and degrade him in the comments section.
I removed an essay that I posted on Saturday called “Personal Space.” The comments that came in response to it were so painful to read that I had to remove the whole essay. I felt sick to my stomach when I realized how some people interpreted what I wrote. It didn’t seem like a bad thing when I wrote it.
I’ve never backed off anything I’ve said here. This is the first time I’ve ever done this. But I didn’t want to feel bad while I was out of town, and I was starting to get real depressed over the whole damn thing.
That’s all.
I haven’t found the original essay cached anywhere, but Dashhouse has a piece of it up.
Real Christianity involves getting together with a handful of pilgrims and getting intimate. It means braving the possibility of communion. It means letting people into your personal space. And, by the way, these are exactly the sort of people who will hear something desperate in your voice and be experienced enough at listening to know exactly what it means…
Maybe this sounds disturbing, like someone bumping into you in a restaurant.I understand.
Hey, that’s why Disneyland Christianity exists. Because we are so very afraid of the real thing. You can sit in the back of some huge church, totally anonymous, wearing your blue suit and clinging to your satchel. No one will bother you. No one will get close. You can watch the action taking place up on the stage, keeping your mouth shut and guarding yourself from all the things that frighten you.
relapsed catholic
The Western Standard, a Canadian conservative magazine has a blog called the Shotgun. It is a group blog of which Kathy Shaidle was a part. About a month ago she withdrew, in part I think because there are people that need power and disagreement is not tolerable for them.Things got heated. As the true professional that she is, she has backed off, and asks her readers not to bring her name up when they comment at the blog. And she shows graciousness in wishing them well.
Blogrolling Backlash
Jolly Blogger takes a long look at his position in the blogosphere, his idea of community and the reservations and criticism recently aimed his way.
Published 3 years, 5 months agoI think some of the criticisms that have come presuppose that the blogging community is an entity unto itself, the peace and purity of which must be protected. I respect that and will do all I can to maintain peace in this community. But my basic presupposition is that the blogging community is not an entity unto itself - rather it should be seen as a community that is complimentary to our local communities.
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I got a chance to read that post of RLP’s, and I thought it was wonderful. My pastor once told me, “Tom, when writing, don’t ever be afraid of offending people, because some are always going to be offended, especially by the truth.”
I wish Gordon hadn’t received those nasty comments, and I can’t for the life of me understand why someone would have to be so cold with disagreeing about something.
If a person is offended, I try to be compassionate, but in the end, if the story, or piece is written in truth, and with a true heart, I won’t lose sleep over it. Maybe I’m cold, I don’t know. But still, I can’t get out of my mind how everyone has an opinion, and a right to dignity. I try to write in a way that protects that dignity, and I think Gordon does especially well writing that way.
Good hope to you, Bene.
Tom, I wasn’t able to find your email link, but I want to tell you that your gentleness and patience in responding to controversy is commendable and a welcome breath to bloggers when you stop by.
Some of us are a bit more able to step into issues while understanding that many more need to stay quiet, for we all have different gifts. There is great dignity in knowing that and your encouragement is meaningful.
Thank you. Blog on!
I want to second Bene!
Your comments always calm people down - if they want to be calmed down that is. 
It certainly uplifts me!
Anyway, you just said something that really ministered to me - when writing, don’t be afraid to offend …
I have to confess that I have this fear. My fear came to pass recently on one of my posts, but I realise now that I just can’t predict how people will react nor should I feel too upset about it because it wasn’t my intention in the first place to offend people. I have to express my opinion somehow and not everyone will like it! That’s the way the world works …
Hello, Bene,
I found out that my bloglines cached a copy of it! If you do want to read it, just e-mail me. I hope RLP doesn’t mind …
Anyway, it’s a beautiful peace. Only ignoramuses would misunderstand the intentions of his essay!
Thanks MC: I appreciate that, and have obtained a copy.
You might want to check out Dashhouse -
http://www.dashhouse.com/darryl/001934.htm
We all get flamed - but getting hurt is quite another matter. I had a commenter recently that prompted me to write a post at connexions on when bible thumping crushes us.
Hey Bene, I just read that piece over at connexions. I am sorry to hear baout the thumping abuse. I’ve had it aimed at me, in several different blog’s comment sections. It stirs anger, an overwhelming feeling of not measuring up, sort of like legalism.
I liked the way you tied it in with the church board meetings. I know of several pastors who have suffered at the hands of individuals who believe their God-given duty is to slander everyone’s walk. Heck, over at MC’s blog, we both got trashed as, what was it, Messy? Backslidden Christians who were on some path or another to wrath.
Ahh, seems like so long ago already. Trouble is, the guy who slandered us I think was a pastor. All because we defended the Apostle Paul’s words about freedom. It wasn’t like we were planning an orgy, we were just stating what Paul had said, and you’d think we were the anti-christ for repeating scripture.
I don’t understand why people do it, why they pull a “Job’s friends” on others. Overall, it’s one of the things about the Church I like least. Anyway, thanks for sharing that post with us, and I know our hope is true, that someday, we’ll never hear things like that again. Oh yeah, and feel free to slap me up soundly if you ever see me do it to someone else, okay?
Job’s friends is a good way to put it.
How interesting the commenter at MC’s would think you are a pastor.
Your blog reflects what you do so well, looks like something Tim the Tool Man would arr arr arrr over.
With some commenters it’s like being in a high school bible sword drill. It’s about winning. Thing is, I think we all have a bit of that lurking in us, perhaps where the weariness comes in.
Illegitimus non carborundum, est and blog on!