For Us, This Week

One thing you and I can do in these politically turbulent times is to practice de-escalation whenever politics precipitate moments that could escalate. it begins when we can (at least) act calmly, and show kindness.

Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

Our tone matters. Our volume matters. Our rhetoric matters. Practices include (source), and what follows quotes the source:

• Listen to what the issue is and the person's concerns.

• Offer reflective comments to show that you have heard what their concerns are.

• Wait until the person has released their frustration and explained how they are feeling.

• Look and maintain appropriate eye contact to connect with the person.

• Incline your head slightly, to show you are listening and give you a non-threatening posture.

• Nod to confirm that you are listening and have understood.

• Express empathy to show you have understood.

These are practices of peacemaking, and I hope this week’s Substacks and be peacemaking:

America’s Pentecostal moment.

What makes a person vulnerable to a narcissist’s toxicities?

Confronting sexism in the church.

John the Baptist, the temple, and Jesus.

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