Technology is a modern phenomena I can’t live without. I’m so lucky to have been born in a time in history when I could pull up an image from an ancient artifact in 1.87 seconds on Google, find a great restaurant within walking distance, and research theology, cancer, or wax with a click of a button. I’m especially grateful for technology because I’m old enough to remember when research would have to be done in something called a library and books had to be found in something called a rolodex.
For all the negative things people hate about social media and technology [yes mother, I’m talking to you], there’s something more powerful, more engaging, and more real about the world wide web than people realize. At no other time in history has there been a way to connect with people in the way we can today.
- 1. I’m writing this blog from 30,000 feet above sea level
- 2. I checked into my flight from my iPhone
- 3. I met my cyber-family in Miami
I know I’ve said this before, but I seriously love connecting with blog readers. For some odd reason, people have joined this online journey with me and I’m honored to be connected to people around the globe who love the gospel as much as I do. I’m just a simple girl who loves stories and Jesus and seeing the Church change the world for good. Apparently, there are others who feel the same way. Today marks my 700th blog post. Never did I think I would be blogging for two years or documenting all this life shift or sharing about the successes and failures of pursuing a call of God. But I am. And I’m honored you’re with me in this journey.
Last week I wrote about how disappointed I was that neither Will Smith or his singing entourage welcomed me with a chorus line of Beinvenidos a Miami!. However, the group of men and women who I did meet were amazingly more fun! Shaking hands, taking pictures, giving hugs, and talking about life was quite possibly better than the Cuban sofrito and totones that I ate at Cafe Versailles.
As I got to listen to stories and hear real life people talking about real life issues in real time, I realized that technology has been our matchmaker. We connected and exchanged bits and pieces of our life because of the internet. The pain and failure I felt a couple weeks ago about letting go of the blog washed away with something a new Floridian friend told me in tears, I know this is weird, but I read your blog because two years ago you wrote that you wanted to change the world. And look at you, Bianca! You’re doing it. Your stories about life, friendships, social justice, and love, make me feel that if you can go out and change the world, so can I.
So CyberFriends, thanks for being part of my life and thank you for inviting me into yours. I look forward to meeting you one day with a big hug and hearing about how God has empowered you to go out and change your corner of the world. Whether that’s in a courthouse as a lawyer, a classroom as a teacher, a living room as a mother, or a library as a student. Three cheers for the Internet, friends, and no more rolodexes!
To celebrate 300 blog posts, I’m giving away three iTunes gifts cards to the top blog commentors: Suzanne Physick, Erica Gunderson, and Christy.
jaw on floor right now
It was an answered prayer to have you in Miami. Girl, I have been praying. I wish I had more time to have spent chatting with you but that will be for another time. I have much love for you and am praying for you fervently. When you feel down in the pits, remember the loud Dominican “Cuban-Persian” in miami who is lifting you up in prayer daily.
B, your blog has encouraged and challenged me more than you’ll ever know! God is using this blog, for sure, in many people:)
Is there a search field so we can look up past blogs?
I’m happy you have stuck with it. Thank you for your time and devotion.
Love you.
Lily
I like being right. Just sayin’… 😉
Thank you for being so open & sharing your life with us. This blog has been so encouraging!
It was awesome meeting you in Miami (& that phone call was pretty sweet)! Our college group loved you! You’ve gained a few new readers down here. We hope to have you in Miami again soon!
Erika
Bianca!
It was such a blessing and honor to have you down in Miami. I am so grateful to God for your life and your stories. As a blog reader/writer I am encouraged by every single word you write. So inspirational & so life changing! We are in this together, Changing the World ONE word at a time. I respect your hard work and dedication to this blog. LOVE YA.
I’ve felt the same way about blogging before. Last weekend I met up with two blogging sisters in San Francisco. And God MOVED. Seriously, without my blog I’d be missing out. Congrats on your milestone!
Happy 300th blog post!! I would straight up MISS you if you stopped blogging! You have certainly made a difference in my life and challenged me to be more intentional about reaching others with the Gospel. Looking forward to continuing on this journey with you! 🙂
I feel that way about blogging occasionally. Take a wee break. You’ll feel better when you return.
Also, I ate at Cafe Versailles on my 30th birthday, randomly. Every time I drive by, I think of that. And now I’ll think of you, too. ; )
Congratulations on 300 posts! Don’t quit; you’re awesome! 🙂
I was very sad that I never did make it over there to give you a hug — long story but it was how God lead my weekend. I did, however, pray that He would redeem your weekend after your tragic airport experience. Girl, I am so glad to see that God answers prayer. xoxo 🙂
Don’t you dare quit. lol. I am glad you are staying. Your posts are a light in my corner of the world. you are an inspiration and you are changing the world in your own way, but especially through one blog reader at a time.
You are incredible. Seriously. Even though we barely know you guys, Myleen and I love your family very much. It just seems so easy, how can we not? I mean, you guys have impacted in so many ways. Your parents, you and Jasmine have always been so genuine that you’ve literally inspired us to be better Christians and people in general. So, with that said, keep on keepin’ on. Remember this verse…”so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11. Thank you for all that you have done and will continue to do in your personal journey with God, your personal ministry and A21. Let me leave you with a famous quote by a well known Christian speaker named Bianca Juarez Olthoff….”Word!”
just as an FYI – I hit refresh more times than I’d care to admit waiting for your newest post.
plantains!!! yummy. umm, i’m still trying to figure out the meaning of 700 in the title??
p.s. you’re so dramatic.
Me too. In the post she says it’s her 700th blog post, but in the caption she’s celebrating 300 posts… maybe Bianca just committed to writing another 400 posts to make it to 700? Sounds like a good goal to me!
Hahaha! My bad. Yes, it’s 700 written blog posts! Not 300.
Sorry! I don’t know why I kept writing 300. It’s 700.
My bad.
Oh sisters. They are just smart like that : )
Bianca, congratulations on 300 blog posts!!!
Thank you for all your hard work, dedication, and sharing a piece of you with all of us.
I’m so thankful!
And I’m thankful to be one of many cyber-friends of yours : )
Bianca,
Meeting you and getting to know you now through your blog was as important to me as hearing any of the speakers.
Keep writing!
Much love,
Meg Nicole
Bianca,
You told it exactly how it is! Call me crazy, but I’m STILL blown away by the amount of information right here at my fingertips! And I remember the days before this revolution! Kinda makes for better appreciation of it I suppose!
SO blessed to have met you on Saturday in the impact center. You’re just as charming in person as I imagined you would have been. So thankful you’re continuing your blog! Your dedication to TRUTH speaks volumes to me. And I’m so grateful for you! Keep it up lady!
xo
Jessica
Thanks for keeping it going. Sometimes I feel the samew ay about my own blog…(also, thanks for playing Words with Friends with me!!)
Ahh so good to meet you! Technology is such a blessing & it made me so happy to be able to see many of the people who impact my daily walk with God but I only know thru cybersphere, & discover you guys are real ordinary people just following God’s call in your life.
Thanks for sharing your life 🙂