In 2010, an idea entered my mind: why not bring together my faith (Christianity) and my hobby (anime)? I was certain that others must be doing as much, but as I surveyed the landscape, I saw that none were consistently blogging about anime from a Christian perspective, and few had done more than Christian-centered reviews. So I dove in, without much prayer or thought. And who would have thought that five years later, Beneath the Tangles would even exist, much less be thriving (certainly not me!).
As I got my feet on the ground, I was dependent on the aniblogging community for advice (and for most of my readership). Most of them don’t blog anymore, but I’m forever grateful for their encouragement in the early days. Soon, a community began developing here, some from the blogosphere (including fellow brothers and sisters in Christ) and others who became faithful readers. For those that have been here since near the beginning and to those who’ve come and gone, thank you for joining me on this journey – I hope we’ve been an encouragement to you, that we’ve helped you grow in your faith or at least explore Christianity – I know you all have challenged me in so many ways that you can’t even imagine.
For most of these years, though, it hasn’t been about “I” – it’s been “we.” My writers have not only built this blog through content, but have given it a voice I could never have through their skill, talent, expertise, interest, and perhaps most importantly, through their commitment. Through life changes, ups and downs, and busyness, all of my writers have done more than I asked. They’ve loved me through their words and deeds, and for that I’m so grateful.
Because of all the people that make this blog a community – the writers and readers – it’s helped me realize that Beneath the Tangles was never really mine. It was yours and ours, and most importantly, it is His. For all my shortcomings, God has created something here that should never have been successful. Yet here it is because He has a plan for it. I’ve just come along for the ride.
And now, my ride is coming to an end. December 31st, the last day of the year, seems to be an appropriate time as any to let you all know that I’m leaving Beneath the Tangles, effective today.
I’m leaving with some sadness, but I’m not leaving with any regrets. As I get older, ministry has become a more vital part of my life, and I need to focus my time and energy on other web ministries (see my Tumblr blog, for instance), local ministry at my church, and ministering to my family. I can’t run this blog successfully while putting my efforts where they need to be.
But I think that’s a good thing for this blog. I given it what I can, and now our writers, who have taken ownership of this blog in a wonderful way I never anticipated, will develop it into something more purposeful and more meaningful. Japes, who you all know, will now administer the blog – and there’s no one I trust more to it than him. He has the vision and gifts to take Beneath the Tangles somewhere exciting and great. As you continue to follow along, you’ll see – this site is going to become something amazing.
As for me, I’ll be around. I’m active on Tumblr, Twitter, and Instagram. And you’ll see some anime-related projects from me in the coming months. I’ll be around, if not here in the place that’s been my online home for so long.
So, to everyone – goodbye, thank you, and God bless.
– Charles/TWWK