Here are some faux FAQs to get started:
Who are you?
My name is John R. Perfect. I’m a disciple of Jesus Christ.
Denominationally, I am a member of a church in the Mennonite expression of the Christian faith.
In addition to serving as co-pastor on the ministerial team at Strasburg Mennonite Church, I work as an IT manager in Northern Virginia.
I live in the eastern United States with my family and I’ve spent most of my life in the beautiful state of Virginia.
Why are you writing?
I find it useful for me to process my thoughts by writing (typing) them, and I decided to put some of them up here, partly for my own reference, and partly on the chance that they can be found useful or inspirational by someone.
I’m also hoping to use this platform to flesh out points from my sermon outlines and to give me an impetus to regularly write.
My starting point for this blog also gives me a unique opportunity to review God’s recent work and lessons in my life by reviewing and repackaging some notes and journaling from the last year.
I have always loved to read, and through that I see the amazing benefits of the written word. I’m also inspired by the fact that God has used His written Word as such a foundational resource for preserving and propagating the truth of the Living Word.
Why a blog?
It’s a low barrier to entry. I can set goals, and have some measure of accountability, but not start my regular writing with trying to finish a book or some other big project. I also think a blog format could dovetail well with my sermon preparation, with the two complementing and improving each other.
Why “Ruthless Surrender”?
I’ve come to see that my success –as a person, as a disciple of Christ, as a husband, father, pastor, friend, employee– relies on my surrendering to God.
Intellectually, I’m a pragmatist; I know that to succeed in this life requires me to surrender everything. Practically though, I’m a selfish human, naturally bent toward seeking my pleasures, preferences, and passions. Regularly seeing the reminder of the need to surrender is one tool in trying to keep my life where it needs to be.
Also, I registered this domain right after a really bad week then a wonderful weekend where I was able to feel that true peace of surrender.
The short version: Ruthless Surrender, because nothing can be allowed to inhibit my pursuit of God and walking in His way.
The first number of posts will also likely flesh out where this name came from.
What’s the schedule?
I’m committing to posting monthly, with a goal to post twice a month. At some point I’d love to be posting weekly.
This blog does not represent and is not in any way affiliated with or endorsed by Strasburg Mennonite Church, Southeastern Mennonite Conference, my employer(s), or any organization for which I volunteer, contract, or consult.
To those who know me: Yes, I’m married to an editor; No, I’m not asking her to edit this. So the poor writing and bad grammar are on me, not her.