Many people have asked me why in the world I use Twitter. I’ll be honest, I started using it simply to promote my blog. It has become so much more than that. In fact, it has become something that I have been very thankful for this year. Some of the connections that I have made – relationships that started through Twitter – have drastically changed the course of my writing and my ministry. Others have just changed the way I do life. With that in mind I decided to address the “Why do you tweet” question as my Thanksgiving post.

Here are a few people I’m thankful for:

I’m thankful for… Craig (@craigxxxchurch), who found a post I wrote about X3 Church on Twitter and asked me to join the XXXChurch blog. He has given me a huge opportunity to share my story and I am so thankful for his friendship and encouragement. I’m also thankful for the X3 family, especially Laura (@mrslasky), Michelle (@mtraux), Jason (@bechange), and Donny (@donnypauling) who have embraced me and have made me feel as if I have been with them forever.

I’m thankful for… Matthew (@jesusneedsnewpr), whose friendship and coaching have made me feel less like a blogger and more like an author. I am incredibly thankful for the generosity that he shows with his time and the encouragement that that comes from his friendship.

I’m thankful for… an amazing group of girlfriends who are funny, authentic, and real. These are women who laugh with me, cry with me, and pray for me. Their friendship has crossed from the virtual to the real, and I hope to keep it that way! Tam (@inprogress), Jenni (@jclayville), Sarah (@gitzengirl), Lynse (@lynseleanne), and Serena (@serenawoods), I am so very thankful for each of you.

I’m thankful for… some really cool people who are proof that the church isn’t stale or boring. People like Brent (@inworship), Jonathan (@jonmcintosh), Rand (@randduren), David (@dg4G), Diane (@machroi), Dawn (@decart), Amanda (@amandasims), Paul (@thepaulsims), and Dan (@Dmosley) are examples of what the church should be: fun, exciting, and full of hope. I’m thankful for all the ways that you share yourselves with others.

I’m thankful for… new friends whose blogs have become a part of my daily reading. I’m especially thankful for Sarah (@sarahmarkley), Jessica (@jessicanturner), and Sarah (@reallifesarah), whose blogs make me strive to be a better mom and wife. I’m thankful for each word that you write.

I’m thankful for… new friends who are on the recovery journey with us. Friends like Tal (@talprince) and Teresa (@teemarie), Tray (@tlovvorn) and Melody (@mlovvorn), and Crystal (@pinkhairedgirl), who share their stories of brokenness and grace with a boldness that inspires me.

I’m thankful for… new friends whose work wrecks me and makes me believe that we really can change the world. Tom (@cthomasdavis), Charles (@charlestlee), and Mark (@hardlynormal), your tireless efforts to make the world a little bit better than the way you found it blesses me more than you know. I feel beyond honored to be included in the work that you do.

I’m sure I’m forgetting a bunch of people, but you get the picture. Despite what all of you non-tweeting types may believe, Twitter has made my life a little richer this year. Not because of the fancy apps or the silly avatars, but because of the relationships that can develop out of authentic community regardless of how that community is created.

If you are on Twitter I would suggest following a few of these dear friends… you’ll be thankful that you did.

Happy Thanksgiving!

What or whom are you thankful for this year?