I dare you in 2017 to be good at conflict!
WHAT?
Yes, you read that correctly; ROCK conflict this year. Be willing to disrupt your own personal harmony and address the things that need to be confronted in yourself, and be brave enough to have a tough conversation with someone who matters.
Even if looking inward scares you and creates an emotional mess.
Even if that person rejects your attempts to talk about the “elephant in the room”, do it anyway.
What can feel like pressure, could be your breakthrough; because “easy” never grew anyone.
If your desire is healing, you must address the pain and hurt. If your desire is reconciliation, you must be willing to admit your own mistakes and be vulnerable with another. If your desire is peace, you must fight for it.
See the trend? What you desire will take a certain measure of conflict. Not the fist-throwing, name-calling type, but the willingness to step up to what is bringing destruction and confront it.
Hebrews 12:14 says,
“Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life…”
Peace takes work and living holy also takes SERIOUS work. The word “holy” means “dedicated to” and the minute you decided to make Jesus your priority, you dedicated yourself to Him and Him alone.
Ready to disrupt you life in 2017? You got this, because He’s got YOU!
Mad love,
Wife, mother, sister, friend, servant and living each day in the immeasurable grace of God. Helping others create a life containing all things beautiful, all in one place, through intentional purpose. Wanting to live life brilliantly, beautifully, and on purpose!
Fabulous word!
THANK YOU! XO
Boy I needed this…..I’m in the fight of my life with my teenager. This was great thank you.
I’m praying for you as you are bold in your efforts to have a conversation that matters for him. Love, prayer, and grace will go before you.
I have been having difficulties with one of my daughters in law. For some reason a year and a half ago she decided I had offended her and has been on a mission since to form a wedge between us and ultimately between my son and I. I have sent cards, prayed, sent encouraging texts, left voice mails all fell on deaf ear. I found the perfect card at Hobby Lobby and I wrote them a letter short sweet to the point. I used the format Lisa Terheusrt set up in her book Uninvited. Anyway, I mailed it and gave it to God. I prayed it would be received in the way it was written. I received a, what I would call a defensive text message, from her. I guarded my heart and continued the text conversation as if she was my best friend. She mellowed as the conversation continued. It has opened a door. We have a very long hallway to walk through but we started. I have not yet heard from my son but I am confident I will. He has always continued our relationship but has held me at arms length. I know as God works on his heart those arms will eventually bend into a hug. Conflict is scary but when dealt with in love can be the greatest solution.
Wow, Michelle Thank you for sharing your story. It looks like you did exactly what needed to happen; persistence with love! You know who matters and are willing to set aside ego and being right for the relationship. An open door is all God needs to do miracles in our lives. Proud of you…stay bold in your effort; gracious in your words. She will come around and remember Who loves her even when challenges arise.