Posted by Benjamin on: 03.31.2009 /
This is it. The very very end of Justice and compassion.com. It’s been enormously fun, and we couldn’t have done it without all the amazing commenters and occasional posters. You all rock. OTM will still be around and quite busy, so come over and say “hi” on the practicing church blog. Wish I could give you all a big hug. If you’ve ever commented even once, you’ve become part of the 7% of blog readers who *ever* leave a comment. Congratulations!
I can definitely say the experience has changed me. Just keeping my line in the water trolling for ideas for blog posts has made me look at the world differently. I see our planet, and other people, as a lot more valuable and precious than I did when JaC started two years ago. Y’all’s willingness to engage in conversation around MTWABP (Making the World a Better Place), and challenge me, and show me crazy awesome new ideas and ways of thinking I’d never had come across otherwise–all this has altered my paradigm. Although the blog is ending, I know for sure that in the future I’m going to be involved in big and small ways in trying to MTWABP. I’m so much more aware now of the amazing possibilities/hope, *and* of the astounding darkness and despair, out there in the world. And beyond that, I’m a lot more aware than I was two years ago of the fact that while I *certainly* can’t fix it all, I can totally make a difference, here, and there, and everyday somewhere. An enormous thankyou to Jim and Helen and Rachel and Joe and Martin and Elaine and Eliza and Seren and David and Craig and Peter and way too many more to name. You’re all awesome. You can and do make a difference in the world. Way to go.
Comment by: Helen
1Thanks so much for leading this blog for us Benjamin, especially for being willing to take over Rachel’s part when she stepped down.
I’m glad it’s been a positive experience for you. It has been for me too: what you’ve posted about here has made me much more aware of global issues. I know that awareness isn’t enough - I still need to do something - but it’s a start.
Comment by: Seren
2Posting while I still can…
Thanks, Benjamin. You have a big heart (metaphorically speaking). It’s been good.
See you in October.
xx s.
Comment by: Jim Henderson
3Benjamin (and Megan)
You have been very kind to lead this blog and to be willing to bring it in for a graceful landing as well.
Many people get conflicted around leading (BTW they should read A Failure of Nerve by Edwin Friedman - sorry just had to drop that in while I was thinking about it being 61 and all) Anyway - many of us have had very difficult and even abusive relationships with leaders who periodically used us as projection screens for their blockbuster or even Indie film on emotional insecurity so when it comes our turn to lead or influence or attempt to move people in a more thoughtful direction we find ourselves conflicted with the role - Anyway Im sure you get my drift - You have done your leadership thing here with grace and flexibility and above all humor- you are a friggin funny person dude. keep it up and we’ll see you down the road
Comment by: Meg
4Thank you Benjamin, Rachel, Seren, Helen, Jim, Eliza & everyone who has posted on JaC for years of marvellous conversation. Here’s to many more years, and many more conversations!
Love,
Meg
Comment by: Benjamin
5Helen, Seren, Jim, Megs,
Thank you for your kind words =)
Comment by: Bob
6Benjamin — Thanks for the time and your kind heart. It was fun and meaningful kicking around the big questions with you. Thanks to everyone else who gave me food for thought or encouragement. I’ll miss you, perhaps we’ll meet again elsewhere. Take care of yourselves!
Comment by: Benjamin
7Bob–
Thank you! Here’s hoping we do meet again elsewhere. You take care too!