Time to Talk

I have known if for quite a while. Especially since 2016.

The need to talk to each other.

Not at each other.

To really talk.

To connect in a more meaningful, genuine, and compassionate way toward those with whom we have differences or conflict.

And here we are in the midst of election season where the atmosphere is charged with politics. Charged with accusations, aggression, assumptions, and attacks.

We have forgotten:

• People are not the platforms they vote for. (Don’t roll your eyes. They really aren’t.)
• People are the life experiences and relationships they have lived.
• Different experiences don’t make them enemies.
• Understanding does not require agreement.

Understanding tears down walls and builds bridges, but it also requires listening.

We can’t understand what we aren’t willing to hear.

And why is understanding important?

Because our society is deteriorating rapidly by the disdain for “the other side” – whichever side that is for you. This animosity is hardening our hearts.

As loving people who care what this world/state/community/family looks like for each other, for our children, for our grandchildren… consider what responsibility we might have to flip that.

Letting others talk while you genuinely listen doesn’t change your political stance.
It doesn’t compromise your own beliefs.
It shows respect for another person’s story.
And it opens doors for you to talk and others to hear you.
If we can do this with humility, we can understand why others think like they do.
We can realize that we might think the same way if we had lived what they have.

Friends, nothing changes if nothing changes.

Are you with me on this?

Are you willing to have some compassionately uncomfortable conversations in order to tear down walls and build bridges back to the ability to simply listen and understand?

To disagree but not be enemies?

The guests on my podcast today have chosen that way. I hope you will listen and consider what that looks like for you. Around the Table with Brenda Harkins.

Brenda is a believer in impossible possibilities. In brokenness becoming beautiful. In justice and mercy and honor and power – with love perfecting them all. She is a wife, mom, mimi, daughter, and friend who also enjoys speaking, writing, and coaching.