... Or, really, bloggers who inspire me...
Raven, my beloved blog sister, flattered me greatly yesterday when she included me in her list of bloggers who make her think. (UPDATE: Wow, double tagged - Kender got me, too, God bless him!) She picked out several bloggers that I read, and since I can't tag them again, I'm going to twist the meme a little bit and do a more general "Bloggers who inspire me" post.
Now, Raven would be at the top of the lists for more reasons than I can say, but mainly because she's been a steadfast and true friend to me. Her passion and dedication, her strength, and her loving heart encourage me to be a better person each and every day. She is a true sister to me, and I love her dearly!
But, since she picked me, I don't get to tag her back. Drat!
At the top of the heap of bloggers who inspire me is a guy who hasn't been blogging a lot recently (although he put up a lovely rant just the other day). He's been very involved with gathering together and shepherding a group of conservative bloggers through the start up of an internet radio station. There have been bumps and setbacks, kerfuffles and silences, and yet this guy always has an encouraging word and a smile to offer. In spite of his serious health issues, I have never, in all the times I've spoken with him, heard him whine or complain. Instead, he looks for a way to make a joke and then check to see how *I'M* doing.
Of course, I'm talking about Kender, of Kender's Musings, and CEO of Wide Awakes Radio. Thank you, K-man! I love your enthusiasm, your passion for our beloved country, but most of all your unselfish dedication to your friends.
Next on the list is a lovely lady who is a prayer partner and another encourager. She, too, hasn't had it easy in life, but just like Kender, she greets each day with a smile and buoyant spirit. She loves beauty and is a talented photographer and writer, and whenever she and I talk, I am always blessed by her kindness and joy. Unlike Kender, I have met her in person, and chatted about kits, cats, and quilting until the wee small hours...
She's my dear and loving Red Queen, and honorary Virginian and "Mom" to several of us in the VA blogosphere. RQ has the gift of finding the silver thread of God's faithfulness in every cloud. Thank you, dear one, for being such a gracious example of simple, solid faith and love to me.
For my third pick, I'm going to go with another passionate person - but this guy doesn't really know I exist. I've e-mailed with him one or two times, but he certainly wouldn't recognize me, LOL! He's another extraordinarily talented writer, and he loves our country to the depths of his bones. His dedicated belief in the true heart of America and her people is unwavering, and his writing is a clarion call to all that is the best of America.
This gentleman is none other than the incomparable Bill Whittle, of Eject! Eject! Eject!, and the author of Silent America. If the man has one fault, it's that he doesn't bloody post often enough! *giggle* Nevertheless, it's always very much worth reading. Bill, thank you for helping me remember that America is still there!
Fourth on my list (only because he's simply unmatchable) is another guy who is passionate about America. He wasn't born here physically, but he managed to finally make it over here to become a citizen of the country of his heart. He's a dedicated Christian, but he pulls no punches, and isn't shy of using forceful language. He has no patience for idiots on either side of the blogosphere, and may the Lord in Heaven help you if you attract his ire. He snarks, he shreds, he slices and dices, and he does it all with an elegant bluntness of language that tells it like it is.
Woe unto you if you earn the wrath of Emperor Misha I, the Dark Lord of the Vast Right Wing Conspiracy. Misha, I adore you: your evil machinations and schemes put Karl Rove to shame!
Of course, I've saved the best for last - and it's a double, 'cause these two ladies are just... incredible! Always on Watch and Leslie Carbone are both ladies of the Virginia blogosphere who stand head and shoulders above thousands of other bloggers. I've met both of these women, and the dedication they bring to their writing is breathtaking.
AOW (who has already been tagged, I see) concentrates on the falsehoods of CAIR and the Islamic worldview, and tosses in many education-centered posts which reflect her vocation in homeschooling. She's not afraid to go up against the big dogs and cry foul upon their hypocrisy. Leslie can post about anything and everything, but her love for our country and care for our troops shine though clearly. Leslie in particular writes with a gracious style which is informative and edifying. I hope and pray that both of these women's influence continues to grow.
So, that's my list - and I could have gone on and on! There is so much talent, passion and dedication in the blogosphere, even if you sometimes need to dig for it. That is the common thread which unites each of my selections: the passion to do what is right, the dedication to follow through, and the talent to make their voices heard.
Thanks so much, guys. You inspire me to keep holding the line, and to do what I can to fortify the core values of our culture. You encourage me to grow and improve as a blogger, and remind me that I don't ever need to back down or apologize for what I believe in.
THANK YOU!
