Things around here are changing. In fact, the whole purpose of this site has seemingly changed. It’s a direction I’ve wanted to go for a while, but haven’t been able to conceptualize things like I’d like. I’m not certain if it is there yet, but enough is formulated for me to begin moving it in that direction.
My life has been entrenched in conflict. Hindsight suggests that I’ve liked it that way. I’ve gravitated towards it, but generally it Continue Reading…
I’m in Abilene at the moment, but fulfilling graduate school residency requirements. It’s been a beneficial, thought-provoking couple of days, but I am eager to get home.
ACU’s Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation Department has been incredible to work with. We have laughed, wanted to scream, and gleaned much from our experiences here. It makes sense that clarity rarely ever comes to us about situations until we are placed in them. This residency has put me into the mess that is conflict- as a mediator, soon to be divorced mother of 2, businessman and lawyer- for the purpose of letting me see and navigate through the mess that we often make of situations. And that is only realized when you are in it.
Peace-making with the heart of Jesus is a most noble aim. It is enlightening to see it on display and communicated with such passion. It’s refreshing to find an attitude that can be so easily contrasted with the world’s norms. I am indebted to the staff of the Duncum Center for Conflict Resolution for what they’ve done to make this such a worth-while experience. In fact, in feel as if I am more indebted to them than as in debt I’ll be financially when I am done this summer. And that says a lot because this isn’t cheap. But there’s not much like being equipped, and when I look at what I know now in light the past, it is well worth it.
Difficult conversations. I’m sure we’ve all found ourselves on more than one occasion having to have them. It may have been sitting down with a son or daughter to explain why people die. It could be explaining to a boss why you are leaving your job for another. Some are even more painful. How about talking a husband and wife about how to move beyond an affair? These are difficult conversations to have, and it’s virtually impossible to escape the inevitability of having one. Oh but do we ever try.
I am currently on the back end of an ACU Grad School class on Conflict Theory and Communication and last week we dealt with difficult conversations. The readings, discussion forums with fellow students, and the brainstorming have really got me to thinking about the ease with which we evade difficult discussions, in general. Aren’t you tired of things being swept under the rug all the time? Want to share your stories of difficult conversations you’ve had because you’ve refused to ignore matters of such great importance? Type away, dear friends.
