Why I Tweet: The Thanksgiving Post
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?
I am so thankful we have gone from virtual to real, and there is no changing that. You’re stuck with me now. :) Seriously, love your heart, woman.
oh nicole…you have blessed me, the ministry of fireproof/x3 and countless others. i am thankful for you and our freakishly cool connection :) here is to being unrepentantly real.
love you – see you in February!!!
xo!
Hey Nicole!
Melody and I are also so thankful that Papa has allowed our paths to cross this past year. I think of your story often and am encouraged…especially when I am dealing with my own inner orphan. I appreciate your authenticity and your huge heart for others. Keep it up!
Tray
we’re in this for life, girly. cant imagine not knowing you. i love your friendship, your heart, the way you extend grace. you are priceless, nicole. i love you so very much!
Love the post Nicole… and what a great crowd of tweeps! I am grateful to have discovered your blog (BTW- thanks again for including me on the “Love your neighbor” week) and I thoroughly enjoy following your tweets.
Peace.
dave
@coveredindust
Crap! I knew I’d forget a bunch of people :) I’m thankful for you too Dave and everyone who played a part in that series. I’m so impressed with the way you have given yourself in service. Thankful for you and your ministry!
Yes, I agree! Twitter has made my life so much richer. Well, in the relational sense. :)
@stretchmarkmama – Really? Just the relational? Because I learned from Twitter that you can make something like $300/day online. Just sayin…
P.S. Totally thankful for you too :)
Mostly I’m improving my IQ. Or gaining 300 followers.
Oh, Nicole! I am thankful for you to, sweetie pie! You are so precious and willing to share the hard things for ministry and encouraging others! You rock!
Happy Thanksgiving!!! Great list :)
Happy Thanksgiving! love the friends God brings into our life as we surrender our stories to Him!
Beautiful article, Nicole. Twitter really does enrich our relationships. You said it very well.
I’m thankful for you, friend. ~Shula @sensuouswife
Nicole, I just found you today and have added you to my blogroll. Today is my 33rd birthday in AA. I started my first blog, kathyberman.com, in Nov. 2004 to write about my spiritual journey that I call recovery. I will be visiting and wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving. Love, Kathy
I’m just grateful to have such an amazing wife. I love you honey!
Hey hun. You’re so awesome and certainly one of the reasons I tweet. Wish we could have met up at the U2 concert. Certainly, the next time you’re in Atlanta.
Thank you, Nic!
I’m so honored to be a part of this list…
Matthew
GIRL!!! i LOVE you. i am SO thankful for you. for your love. for your prayers. for your friendship.
you are the REAL deal and i wouldn’t trade you for a million dollars. well… maybe for a billion though ;)
Wow! So honoured to have made this list…there must be plenty you forgot about to include me :)
Thank you so much for your friendship, support, authenticity, passion and burning desire to see those bound in sin released.
Let’s keep the church real together!
Thanks Nicole!!!
Happy Thanksgiving!
This gave me a HUGE smile. :) (<-<– see?)
Oh my goodness! Thank you everyone for the wonderful comments. I have the greatest friends. I can’t believe how blessed I am. *pinching self*
P.S. Honey, I love you too.