Got a Good Boundless Story?
by Steve Watters on 05/30/2008 at 4:48 PM
You'll hear more about this later, but this fall will be the tenth anniversary of Boundless. We've been planning to come up with a feature to get your thoughts and stories for the anniversary, but in the meantime I have a favor to ask. I am giving our leadership team a presentation next week and I'd like to share at least one good story for them of how Boundless has intersected with the lives of our readers -- ideally from someone who has been around for a few years.
Anybody game?
1. BDB said the following at 4:56 PM on May 30:
Do you want people to post comments or send them to the e-mail address?
2. Tami said the following at 5:01 PM on May 30:
Not really a "story", but maybe a good testimonial...
God has used many of the Boundless articles to nudge me in certain directions, and, in other instances, to confirm the direction He's given. I'd be praying about something in particular... and then lo and behold, an appropriate article would appear on the site.
So thank you for being here and publishing those articles! :)
3. Jade said the following at 7:53 PM on May 30:
I think I am one of your original readers...I started reading Boundless when I was in high school which was now eight years ago! Some of the best advice I've received over the years had been from this website. I remember it when it was a barely functional site which posted articles at (seemingly) random intervals (I remember the background had fall leaves on it). I witnessed Sam and Bethany (what ever happened to them?) fall in love, marry, and start a family. I rejoice with all the authors as they grow their families (Candice and Steve, Ted, Heather) and pray for those still searching for "the one" (Suzanne). I appreciate the transparency and honesty the writers have with the readers, tackling the most difficult subjects and never shying away from lively banter on the blog.
This website has sheparded me through my teens and into my twenties, through miserable high school years, through college at a very liberal west coast university and into a most blessed marriage (going on five years) and military service. I have logged on from both China and Iraq, two countries which should be at the forefront of Christian prayers. In the past couple of years it has been great to see international interaction on the blog and the implementation of new technologies. Although I don’t always agree with everything on website (the recent article about money and saving left me scratching my head) I appreciate all the articles and blog posts. Mostly I consider all the contributors (including the frequent blog contributors) my friends and I look forward to meeting you all someday, maybe if I get to visit FotF again (I was there for the dedication of the Colorado Springs facility many years ago!) and if not in this life, then in the next. I could go on about what a blessing this site has been to me, but I will stop here. Thank you for all your hard work and here’s to the next ten years!
4. Steve Watters said the following at 8:40 PM on May 30:
Feel free to post a story or to email them to our editor email address.
5. Matt said the following at 11:43 PM on May 30:
I have an awesome friend who introduced me to the boundless articles 8-9 months ago. About that time I watched my youth pastor/mentor/friend get caught in adultery, the teen I was mentoring aunt press charges against her husband for abuse, and I was called to court for being a primary witness in a domestic dispute involving my neighbors in my apartment complex.
Let's just say a lot of that stuff can have a negative effect on a single, full-time job, full-time Seminary, living by myself guy. When many relationships seemed to be crashing around me, my friend told me about the articles to show that there are people who think the way I do and just because people I loved didn't live up to their own expectations it didn't mean I had to drop them. I thank God in many ways for the stabilizing effect that many of these articles made at such a traumatic period of my life. I was equally excited about the podcast as well!
Thanks for your ministry and thanks for keeping the thought provoking questions coming! Matt<><
6. Lissa said the following at 1:12 AM on May 31:
I don't know if I have a good story, but I'll take this opportunity to thank you guys for offering this site. I love it! My friend told me about it a year or two ago, and I've been hooked ever since. I've gotten a lot of wisdom off this site, and a lot of encouragement for the single years. I've been enjoying the podcasts, too. ;)
Wow. Ten years! Guess I'm relatively new. Well, congratulations! I think you guys are awesome.
Keep it up and God Bless. Love ya! :)
7. Rachael said the following at 9:01 AM on May 31:
I'd also like to thank you for this site. I've been reading since maybe September of last year and have really got a lot out of it. Would be nice if everyone knew of the Boundless/EE mentality, but, variety is the spice of life I guess :). Some really thoughtful articles, posts, and comments here. I think the idea of the helicopter seeds will remain in my mind for the years to come, and will likely be a concept I'll share in conversation should the opportunity arise. I have enjoyed the community here. When I started reading Boundless and for many months after, I was experiencing unrequited love (or what felt like love), and the hurt feelings pretty much were maximized for a few months after I'd been Boundlessing for a few months. Though Boundless didn't directly bring me through that, it was a source of regular input, so of course it helped shaped my thoughts. I really like that there is a variety of topics discussed in the articles and posts. I think this is the first blog that I started reading regularly. I think that reading and being suscribed to this blog has played a major role to my discovery (perhaps at least through Google Reader's recommendations) of and subscription to other edifying blogs that discuss the faith.
So, thank you so much for everything!!
8. Sara said the following at 10:01 AM on May 31:
I've been very blessed by the wisdom and advice of Boundless. Thanks!
I would like to echo Jade (post #3)...whatever happened to Sam and Bethany and their family?
9. Steph said the following at 11:34 AM on May 31:
I've been reading Boundless since the early years as well. This past summer, I met this amazing guy and we seemed to have so much in common when it came to how we thought about life, faith, and relationships. I wasn't sure how that was possible! The first time we went out for lunch, he said to me, "Steph, I found this really great website. It's called Boundless and I think you'd really like the ideas on it." I had to laugh as I told him that I was one of the original readers of this website that he had "discovered". We are getting married this summer and I'd have to partially credit Boundless and all the great ideas on it for how intentional Jerry was about leading our relationship from the very start. It was sooo awesome to be on the same "wavelength" when it came to where we were headed. And now we're headed to the altar!
10. Kellie said the following at 5:45 PM on May 31:
I've been reading Boundless since around 2002 or so...I can't remember exactly how I stumbled on it. For the most part the articles have been good, especially the ones on faith. I can't say I've agreed with Boundless on every article about dating and family, but I know you have good intentions. :-)
11. Dennis said the following at 6:54 PM on May 31:
OK.
So I don't fit your normal demographics, but as a divorced 50+ father of 6, i've used many of your articles to stir up my children's perspectives on life. On a personal note, I've seen how the authors, who contribute here, live their faith. Last year I spent the first 4 months of '08 in hospitals with my son who was injured in Iraq. One of your young authors not only was active in her prayers, but also stopped up and visited with her newborn. It was the highlight of the day for my son and myself. The gentleness, and yet firmness that you use to minister to young adults, is tremendous. So from an "old man", with a young heart, thank you!
p.s. I also have been reading here for most of your 10 years.
12. tiffany said the following at 10:46 PM on May 31:
Hi Boundless, almost two years ago, 8/28/06 you posted an article (Embracing Heartbreak) in response to a reader who wrote in about a failed relationship. He ended his letter with, "My Christian relationship didn't work. I don't really know what to do anymore. How can I get over this when a godly, Christian relationship failed after two years?"
John Thomas wrote so empathetically, addressing the reader's very real grief and questions of "why?" My favorite part of his response was this:
"Going through such an experience as a Christian is unique in that you know there is more to it than just the natural turning of events. There is a supernatural element to the events that take place in our lives. That can be like two sides of a double-edged sword.
On one side you're encouraged because you know that this hasn't taken God by surprise, that He won't leave you in the midst of your pain, and that Jesus can empathize with you, knowing first-hand what it feels like to be rejected by the ones He loved (and loves). On the other hand, knowing that God could have prevented the pain but didn't, makes us wonder if He really cares about us. Why, if He knew this would happen, wouldn't He prevent the relationship from ever getting to this point? Why wouldn't He help us work out our problems? Why didn't He give us more wisdom? "Why" becomes our mantra. We think and pray and think and pray and the answers, if they come at all, never seem to satisfy."
Though this wasn't the article in its entirety, this was the part that spoke to my heart. Or rather, that God used to speak to my heart. You see, it was my birthday and I'd just ended a two year relationship with a wonderful Christian man 3 months before (long story). It was like God was using this article to speak into my life, "I hear you. I know the feelings that you feel and I love you."
John also added "I don't say that to in any way diminish what you're going through, but to simply make you aware that you're not alone — which seems strange, because it feels so lonely"
And I guess that's what I love about boundless. Sometimes it feels so lonely to be a Christian single trying to pursue God and know what it means to take up my cross and follow Him in this day and age. It feels as if there are so many more obstacles, so many more things to distract and confuse. It can feel lonely not only in the secular world, but even amongst Christians in the church. Thanks for providing wisdom and encouragement (and even reprimands) to a generation that needs it now more than ever. Thanks for pointing me to the cross and letting me know that I'm not alone.
13. Kellie said the following at 10:15 AM on Jun 1:
Regarding the comments about Sam and Bethany...a while back another commenter posted a link to Bethany's personal blog. There was nothing to indicate that they had fallen away from the Christian faith, but a few things suggested they won't be guest writers at Boundless anytime soon.
14. Amy said the following at 8:30 PM on Jun 1:
This site has been a blessing to me. One of the many articles that truly impacted my life was "Heartbreak Therapy" by: Sarah E. Hinlicky.
Thank you.
15. florida_grl said the following at 7:48 PM on Jun 2:
I turn to the Bible and Boundless for advice. I've read your articles during college and grad. school yrs. and now starting out in a job. Your advice on the issues I deal with every day has prevented me from many heartaches and has helped me grow so much in my walk with Christ.
I appreciate your faithfulness to speaking the truth with love, and the commitment and leadership of the boundless staff. I have passed on many articles to my friends. Thank you from the heart.
Be blessed,
florida_grl
16. Esther said the following at 7:58 PM on Jun 2:
I started reading Boundless as a freshman in college 8 years ago. The articles have been challenging, encouraging and frustrating. I did appreciate how it seemed to "grow up" with me, turning into more of a young adult site, as I was getting away from the college scene. I think the calibre of the articles has improved over the years, and while I disagree with some positions, I am challenged to think (and pray) through them. I think this site has been one of the defining forces in helping me stand for greater purity in my romantic relationships, especially in understanding why it makes sense to have more than just 'abstinence'.
And a plug for the podcast: in my work I spend a lot of time on airplanes, so I 'save up' the podcasts between flights, download them to my iPod, and have something fun and interesting to listen to for a couple hours.
17. JA said the following at 11:55 AM on Jun 3:
The first time I read Boundless was in my college dorm room my freshman year. It was 1999 I was 6 hours from home and I was crying. I couldn't believe what I was witnessing on campus, the drugs, the drinking, the sleeping around. I could hear it, see it, smell it everywhere I turned. I was being immersed in things that I wanted to avoid. It was getting harder and harder to make the right choices so I visited the FotF website figuring they'd have something encouraging. There you were, and so began what has been a very personal relationship between myself and Boundless. In a real sense you have served as a source of accountability for me when struggling with a decision. You have encouraged me for making the right decision and even admonished me when I made the wrong one. You were there offering advice and words of warning when my boyfriend and I started dating. You advised us during our engagement and were there when we were married. You offered comfort and peace when I lost a family member on 9/11. Today you offer fresh perspective and challenge me mentally and spiritually as a mother. As the wife of a pastor, your articles have forced me to think all the way around issues of social justice, the treatment of others, the role of the church in a world that we are not of but are certainly in and much more. Often when seeking guidance, questioning my role in the world or simply enjoying a new experience I can hear the words of past Boundless articles playing in my head sort of like a voice over. Thank you for everything, old friends, and Happy Birthday Boundless!
18. Sarah P. said the following at 1:06 PM on Jun 3:
I met this website nine months ago, when I was clutching for sanity after a tumultous two years. I cannot tell you how much you all have done in my life with your God-given talents. It has been such a blessing to read over and over again that I am not crazy (at least any more than everyone else!), and I am not alone in my struggles.
19. Lydia said the following at 2:23 PM on Jun 3:
I've been reading Boundless for over 6 years (already!?!) I got really excited a couple weeks ago when I was discussing a certain topic with a friend and said, "I read this article...," turned out that my new friend is also a Boundless reader. The discussion that followed was lengthy! Thanks for giving us food for thought even in Switzerland!
20. Glenise said the following at 10:13 PM on Jun 3:
I got to Boundless through TrueU. At first, when I read the "Not Your Buddy" article, I wasn't sure what to think, since some of my best friends were guys. But...after reading more (and after learning the hard way), I completely understand and agree. I've learned the importance of guarding my heart and I think it'll be a valuable lesson for years to come. Thanks so much!
21. Mary L. said the following at 12:02 PM on Jun 4:
I have been reading your articles on Boundless for about 5-6 years and I have been richly blessed by it. I'm a 25 yr old young college woman who has gotten a late start on her education but even when it gets hard I'm sticking to it. A few years ago when I was helping with my college and career ministry, I had a website up and I shared many a boundless link.
It was such a blessing to be able to read alot of the articles on here and apply them to my life and they made me do alot of thinking about things. I enjoyed sharing them with friends and forwarding stories on to people I thought would love them and benefit from the words of wisdom. I especially loved the humorous clips you had on dating and how your articles helped me grow closer to God.
I loved the stories from Sam & Bethany about how they met and about thier lives. They brought me into thier lives and shared thier faith and hope through the stories. It gets especially hard sometimes to be single still at 25, and have people wondering when I'm going to get married. I just continue to have my eyes focused on God and doing his will and I have faith the rest will all come in time.
I thank Boundless for thier inspiring articles and the willingness to put out good, christian wisdom. I hope Boundless is around for many years to come.
22. Bethany M said the following at 5:42 PM on Jun 5:
I've been reading Boundless since 2004 - when I was a sophomore in college. When I first stumbled upon it and started reading the articles, I was aghast! Especially when it came to marriage and gender roles, my exact thoughts were, "Where did these people come from? 1950? This is ancient stuff that I can't believe I'm reading." For some reason, though, I was intrigued and I kept coming back for more. There was something attractive even though I didn't agree with the ideas.
Continuing to read Boundless, it occurred to me that these 'crazy ideas' were being backed up by Scripture! I have been a Christian since I was very young, and I believe in the authority and inerrancy of the Bible. So realizing that my personal views were more aligned with the culture than with Scripture was very surprising and unsettling. I began to have my eyes opened to all of the smog I had breathed in from the culture, and the clean crisp air I was neglecting that came from God's Word.
It is amazing to look back and see how God used Boundless to initiate a drastic transformation in me. Along with a godly wife and mother who I learned from throughout college, Boundless was a HUGE part of my worldview being flipped upside down. Prior to Boundless, I had accepted a lot of the feminists' rhetoric without even realizing it: as women we don't need men, we can and should do everything ourselves, focusing on your career is #1, the idea of submitting to your husband is crazy... you name the idea and I had unwittingly soaked it into my views about life.
But since being under Boundless's 'teaching' and under a godly Christian mentor for the past 4 years, God has turned me a complete 180 degrees. I now understand and appreciate His design for gender complementarity. He created me to be a suitable helper for my future husband, and I look forward to the roles of wife and mother. He assigned men the roles of provider and protector, and He charged them with authority and responsibility. We are equal in worth before God, but He has given us different roles in marriage and in life.
Since moving to Colorado, I've been able to personally meet Steve & Candice, as well as much of the Boundless crew. I am so eternally grateful for all of your work and investment into making Boundless a shining light. I am sure that as God has used you in molding me to be more like Christ, He has done the same in so many other lives. Thank you!!