The other day Amy mentioned that we had been spying on the same blogger. While she somewhat, kind of, almost conceded to the fact the I found Melissa first, she failed to give me any real kudos for it. Maybe after reading the wonderful interview below I will finally garner the “atta girl” from Amy that I feel I deserve.

Me: Hi, Melissa. Thanks for taking the time to answer a few questions. Let’s begin with finding out what made you start a blog?

Melissa: I started blogging in August 2007 at the suggestion of my sister-in-law Emily. She set up an account and emailed me the link. She’s subtle that way.

Me: Do you have any advice you can give to someone who has just started a blog?

Melissa: My advice to new bloggers, hmmm, let’s see….I know people probably say this all the time but try to be comfortable with your own unique blog. That’s a tough one for me because there are some really talented people out there with some seriously great blogs. My advice would be to genuinely enjoy the fire out of those blogs but, do your own thing. Have your own voice and be authentic.

Me: So in the nine months you’ve been blogging what are the good things it has brought to your life?

Melissa: I have loved meeting the people out there on other blogs and, even though we’ve never met face to face, I consider them friends. Reading about how some people are radically living their lives has challenged me and grown my faith a ton. The Lord is doing a mighty work around the world and it’s been fun to share that with others through our blogs. I’ve also gotten some amazing recipes from some chefs masquerading as moms.

Me: Do you think there is a down side?

Melissa: It can be addicting. I’ll catch myself spending a lot of time keeping up with other blog friends and writing my own posts and not calling my friends who live across town. I’m working on that balance and on not assuming I’m communicating with friends because I’m writing it on my blog.

I’ve also had to evaluate the thickness of my skin. A lot of what I write about is funny, everyday stuff, but due to the nature of the ministry we’re in, I sometimes write about some really hard things; race, poverty, single parent homes, etc. Not everyone is going to agree with my insights, or theology for that matter, but I try to remember the One audience member to whom I’m accountable. I try to write with that perspective.

Me: I think a lot of bloggers have had to use skin-thickening cream but I like your perspective. It’s the best way to write.

Tell us about your blog name. I’ve always wondered what it meant.

Melissa: “You’re a long way from the Theta House…” Our dear friend Ray used to tell his wife this all the time when she’d talk about the crazy things their kids were doing. It always stuck with me. The life we’re living is markedly different than I thought it would be. In college, I was living in the Theta House, having three meals a day prepared for me and planning for the next date party. Now we live in the hood with four young children, two teenagers, and regular gunfire. Honestly, I think we all have this experience to varying degrees. Life is a crazy thing and I’m convinced the Lord has the greatest sense of humor.

Me: I agree, He does love “the irony” now doesn’t He?

As it stands now, do you think starting a blog was a good thing for you?

Melissa: Blogging has been a really great thing for me. I always loved to write and just didn’t have an outlet. My biggest problem is not finding time to write as often as I’d like. I really could write something every day but have to, you know, feed and clothe my own children and some of the kids in the hood.

Me: Ok now, I’m looking forward to hearing your answer on this one. If you could change anything, anything at all, what would it be?

Melissa: Well, the whole Adam and Eve and the fruit thing would be a start…

Seriously, I know the only eternal things we have are God’s Word and His people but I tend, we all can tend, to live our lives in pursuit of lots of other things. I would change the vision we have for our role in His eternal purposes and glory this side of Heaven.

Me: I thought for sure you’d have said something about free chocolate for everyone but your answer was good too.

Have you experienced something that changed you forever? We’d love to hear about it.

Melissa: Obviously when the Lord found me, it changed me to the core; is still changing me.

My mom died about 8 years ago and she went from being the picture of health to being terminally ill overnight. It changed my perspective on my life and how I’m called to live in the present without putting my hope in a future I haven’t been guaranteed. I hug people a lot and tell them I love them. I may not get another chance.

Me: That’s probably something a lot of us forget, I know I do.

I’m not insinuating that you have all kinds of free time on your hands or anything but I’m wondering if you have a hobby you could tell us about?

Melissa: Now I love me some sleep but having the life I have, I love getting up early in the morning and exercising. Really, really early before it’s light. There is something about starting my day off at my own pace and easing in that helps me find the energy I need for the rest of the day. It’s quiet, alone time that I can’t find anywhere else.

Me: Exercise? Really? Well I’ll try not to hold that against you.

I was going to ask you next if you had a piece of advise you like to give but now I’m afraid it’ll include exercise.

Melissa: A friend told me this before we moved into the inner-city and it has stuck with me and proven all too true.

“A quarter of an inch deep, we’re all the same.”

Me: Ooo, that’s good!

Ok, just one more question. Could you tell us the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you?

Melissa: I still can’t talk about it.

Me: Oh goodness, now I really want to know!!

Things you should know about Melissa –

How old are you? 36

Married? Yes, for 13 years. I’ve still got him fooled.

Children? 4 – 9, 7, 6, 4 with two boys living with us – 17 and 14

If so, homeschool, private, or public? Private as long as they’ll have us.

Favorite season? Spring.

Favorite past time? Hanging out with my kids.

Favorite color? White

Favorite movie? Too many to mention but I love Pride and Prejudice

Favorite song? Right now, I love Phil Vassar. He’s a great song writer and his songs, “Another day in Paradise”, and “Love is a Beautiful Thing.” just make me smile ear to ear.

What kind of car do you drive? Suburban

Mac or PC? PC but secretly covet the Mac

Dog or Cat? Yes. Two dogs, a cat on the way, a bearded dragon and a fish

Salt or Pepper? Didn’t your mama ever tell you they’re married and can’t be separated?

Vanilla or Chocolate? They go so well together don’t they?

Diet Coke, Sweet Tea or Evian? Diet Coke, baby.

Steak, Chicken or Shrimp? These are my three favorite food groups. Butter is my fourth.

Tell us the first word that pops in your head after you read each word.

Emotional:: roller coaster

Devastation:: heartbreak.

Pleasure:: quiet

Crown:: thrown at His feet

Eastern:: Promises. Seriously, an incredibly rough movie but Viggo Mortensen is fantastic.

What did I tell ya? Good find, huh? Thanks again, Melissa!

Categories: Interviews
Tags: inner city, interview, ministry