The mouths of the righteous utter wisdom, and their tongues speak what is just. – Psalm 37:30

By: Melissa Bell

If you’re anything like me, you may feel as though you are free falling from a cliff, grasping for anything to hold onto. You hope that one day you’ll wake up and realize this current chaos is all a bad dream. 

While we may not be able to stop the passage of new laws, change our economy’s status, or alter a friend’s perception of where we stand in current debates, we can change our reaction and response to what is happening around us. 

When faced with adversity, whether online or in person, we can decide both if and how we’ll engage. But first, we should ask ourselves these questions:

Why do I feel the need to defend myself or state my cause? Sometimes I find my “need” to respond is rooted in pride. I’m afraid of what people might think of me if they don’t know my perspective. Or I am 100% sure that hearing my side would change their stances. In this scenario, it’s all about me – and most likely what I “need” to say is better left unsaid. 

Will my response really change anything? With emotions at an all-time high these days, it is easy to be misconstrued. Often people are arguing merely for the sake of arguing. Just like a hamster on a wheel, we can go around and around for days, or we can choose to not play the game. If I feel the person wants to have a genuine conversation to learn and be heard, I’m all in. 

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, 

courage to change the things I can,

 and the wisdom to know the difference. – Reinhold Niebuhr

How can I reflect Jesus in my words and actions? Leading up to any conversation, you must ask God for guidance. Remember to pause before speaking and extend grace and humility. Consider how you will begin the conversation as that will set the tone. I recently started a conversation with these words, “I am coming to you empty-handed and ready to listen.” 

I’ll close with one noteworthy quote that has been consistently on my mind during this time:

“When given the choice between being right and being kind, choose kind.” – Dr. Wayne W. Dyer

Christ-Centered Focus in the Midst of Unrest

SPEAKER: DENITA THOMAS

DATE: WEDNESDAY, JULY 1ST
12:00PM – 12:30PM

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