Lori-Lyn, approaching "difficult issues" with "love and grace" is probably the best way to sum up my whole purpose here. The fact that you see Halfway to Normal as a place where that happens is extremely gratifying. Thanks for letting me know.

Mothershaffer, I completely know where you're coming from, regarding the hypocrisy. That's exactly what gets me all worked up and drives me to write a post like this. It's also what drives me to try to look beyond all of the failed humans who call themselves followers of Jesus, and actually look at what Jesus said and did. Recently on Twitter, someone said they saw a bumper sticker that said: "I want Jesus to come back...and say 'That's not what I mean.'" I love that. I think most of us are getting it SO wrong.

TJHirst, I honestly hope what you're saying is true, about all the caring that goes on behind closed doors. I do know it happens a lot through the church I go to, but in general, I still think there is so much that people keep hidden, in secret, that will never be addressed. That hurts us all. (Somehow, though, I can just tell you're the kind of person who does lots of caring behind closed doors. We need more of you.)

Kellee, yes, it's this "shoving people into the shadows" issue that really worries me, along with a general desire to avoid "icky" topics, as you put it. I'd like to hear more about what you mean by this: "I wonder if we shouldn’t be equally concerned with the judgment going on under the surface."

Arathi, thanks for the affirmation. :) It's good to know there are also many people like you in the world, who would rather not exist in a naive bubble.

jenx67, sorry, I think I was a bit unclear about the Penelope Trunk blog part. I was actually more disturbed by the many critical comments on her post than I was by her having a few sips of wine before work. I'm not saying I recommend that as a great solution to a stressful morning, but it made me think about all the people who sneak drinks all the time. As long as they sneak, they won't be ostracized. That seems messed up. But what you said about men who beat their wives and maintain their position on the church board? You're exactly right. It's sick. And it's that kind of thing that gets me all worked up. :)

Jaime, yes, I think you read it right. As I said in my comment on Penelope's post, I think those who were judging her were probably more upset that she blogged about her four sips of wine than they were about her having the wine. That, as you know, is what sparked this whole post (along with things that have happened in my own life, but those are stories for another time).

Rebecca, what a great way to think about blogging! I think when someone approaches their blog like home, as you put it, it really shines through and makes people want to get comfortable, themselves, and spend some time there. This is especially true for "personal blogs." On the other hand, a blog can be a perfect facade. It's easy to cover up or avoid what's real, depending on the topics you write about, and what you decide to share or leave out. It's easy to paint a portrait of yourself as the person you'd like to be rather than the person you are. I think most readers see through that, though, don't you?