This past Monday I announced (in this blog post) to our blog community that I felt the Lord asking me to go deeper rather than broader. I said, "I will focus on a private/confidential blog for those interested. Those who sign up will receive a link. I will write/blog about issues that the group is interested in and I'll seek to lead with vulnerability."

About 70 blog readers contacted me and asked to be a part of that group. I sensed God saying that in this season, he is offering greater intimacy and connection if we will prioritize that.

I had a friend ask me if such a move wouldn't actually diminish the diversity of the group. I told him, "I don't think so." Our diversity becomes more apparent as we go deeper. We have to know one another better to appreciate our differences.

Already the fruit has been evident. I've shared some of the issues in my life that make me feel inadequate and others have done the same. Some are lonely. Others struggle with depression. Others have marriages that are teetering on the brink of breakup.

It is good to share and to know that others are also struggling and that we can "bear one another's burdens." (Gal. 6) We are praying for one another and we are encouraging each other. I sense God is going to take us to unexpected places together.

Perhaps you didn't read the Monday blog post and you're looking for the community of like-minded believers. If so, please let me know either by email or with a comment below and I'll add you to the thread.

My goal is to preserve the confidentiality of those who seek it, so if you want to withhold your name, that's fine. Also, I will continue to post to the group of 3000 blog readers (as I'm doing now) in this public blog from time to time.

God made us to go deeper. And he made us for community. We especially need it now. I pray that wherever you are in life, you find it.