Author Archive

In story after story, we have heard faith journeys from people who are not looking for headlines but who are working in humble places. They live a vibrant witness of faith.

The Lyndon United Methodist Women hosted a mission study about restorative justice on Oct. 29. The guest speaker was Stan Basler, J.D., and director of Criminal Justice and Mercy Ministries for the Oklahoma Annual Conference.

In a culture of violence, what has to happen within the political, economic, social, educational and development agendas to engage and enable the reconciliation of communities and individuals? What are the things that make for peace?

Both commitments require that I hold myself strictly accountable for how I am seeing others in every encounter. I no longer make excuses or craft ways to justify my behaviors. I own my mistakes and do everything I can to invite those I have hurt to reconciliation and wholeness again.

The next time you experience an issue over email, ask yourself if it is something that would be better served by a real conversation. Then have the courage to stop emailing and pick up the phone. Or even better: have a meeting.

Holy conferencing starts from our own stories—it is more about who we are together than who is right. Conversations that intentionally use principles of holy conferencing have an emphasis on listening over talking.

When the church holds forth the vision of God’s redeemed and reconciled community, the prospects of conflict becoming an opportunity for mission is enhanced. When the church understands its mission as sharing in God’s life and mission, conflict is viewed as opportunity to embody God’s reconciling grace.

Groups require healthy conflict to grow and mature over time. Any group that cannot engage in constructive and healthy conflict is doomed to stagnation or implosion when unhealthy conflict takes over.

Those who look back at me from beyond human made barriers of separation are very much like someone I know well. They are very much like me.

It is about allowing healing to take place in our lives, and refusing to be sucked into the perpetual cycle of violence and toxicity. Grace is indeed hard, but even taking a few small faltering steps in its direction can open the doors for healing to start and violence to stop.