What Would You Do?

            What would you do if your written work was being posted on your blog on a regular basis and never got any comments?   What if you did not have any internet access to visit other blogs upon which to comment and open up the possibility of having them come back to visit your blog and comment on it?  What would you do if you wrote and wrote with the hopes of being read, but nobody ever read what you were saying?

              Most of us have options in our writing endeavors.  We may have different reasons why we write.  We may be seeking different results.   The fact remains that most of us can go to our computers whenever we want and write our own writings or go to the blogs of others to read what they have to say.  We can establish online friendships and communicate with one another.  We can seek advice or receive encouragement.  But what would you do if none of that were available to you and you could only write, hoping that eventually someone, somewhere might read and might have something to say to you?  Would you still write?

            There is a man by the name of Dan who has been writing for many years under just that circumstance.  He aspires to be published one day, but he does not have the same resources that most of us do.   He is in prison.  He has little contact with the outside world and is unsure how to get his writing outside of his world of confinement. 

             Recently, one of Dan's sisters encouraged him to start sending her some of his writing so she could start a blog for him.  He sends her several pieces at a time and she posts twice a week.  Sometimes he writes poetry or song lyrics while other times he contributes brief essays.  He yearns for his voice to be heard.  He would like someone to tell him what they think about his writing or just give a word of encouragement.

             A few weeks ago some of you may have received the following message from me:

There is a blogger out there who needs your encouragement more than most others do. He is a prison inmate who is attempting to have a voice. He has been writing for several years and would like someone to read what he has to say. He does not have internet access and his submissions must be posted by his sister, who in turn sends him comments for him to respond to. I hope you will at least take a look at his blog and then if you are moved to do so, leave a comment for him and follow his blog and tell others about it.

            I decided it would be easier to make a general post for all to read rather than try to send this to many people individually.  Some of you have already signed up to follow his blog and have been commenting.  If you are one of those I hope you will leave a comment here encouraging others to do the same.  Likewise, if you are just now reading this and would like to extend a kindness for another, perhaps you can link to this post on your blog so that others may see this or talk about it on your own blog.

            To alleviate any paranoid fears that some of you may have, remember Dan does not have internet access so he could not communicate directly with you.  His sister is a fine young lady who I'm sure would be more than happy to address any concerns that you leave in the comments of Dan's blog.  She screens everything before it gets to him.  I feel confident that communicating through his blog is totally safe and will not put you in any harm's way. 

            Please just look at his blog to give him a chance.   If you are willing, leave a comment.  And if you can, add your name as a follower.  Here are two sample posts that you might want to start with to give you an idea of who Dan is:

My Brother..... My Friend  --- This is a post from Dan's sister which will give a little more insight to the situation.

Please Allow Me To Introduce Myself -- this is Dan's introductory post


          Some of  you may want to read Matthew 25:31-46 to refresh your memory about what the Bible says about those in prison.  It's a small sacrifice.  I know that so many of you are like me and have a lot of blogs on your blog roll that you try to get to and time is so limited.  But Dan's posts are short and they are only twice a week.  Just a visit now and then I'm sure would be greatly appreciated.

          What would you do if it were a friend of yours, or a brother, a father, a relative, or one of your own children?  What would you do if it were you?   What will you do?  I hope you will at least leave a comment here to let me know how you feel about this.

            Thank you.