I don't make New Year's Resolutions. As appealing as the prospect of losing a few pounds, flossing daily, or finally catching up on my scrapbooking might be, I find my typical New Year's resolutions ... Continue Reading→
Understanding Implicit Bias
Can we really be 100% objective? Those who study implicit bias argue that we cannot. For example, a recent study suggests that hurricanes with female names are deadlier than hurricanes with male ... Continue Reading→
The Rains Came
From March 24-26, the Outreach Ministry and the Conflict Transformation Ministries of the North Carolina Conference invited Chaplain David Smith of the Soul Care Initiative to lead a retreat at Camp ... Continue Reading→
The Ecology of Conflict
"When you are disturbed, do not sin……put your trust in the Lord."- Psalm 4:4...5 Some years ago, I worked in plant community ecology, an area of study that looks at the various factors—soil type, ... Continue Reading→
Right or Wrong? Or Both?
I wonder if there is such a thing as an addiction to being right. If there is an addiction to being right, then I may veer dangerously close to it. I like being right because being right is ... Continue Reading→
Though we cannot think alike, may we not sing alike?
We live in a world where conflict and strife are everywhere. The dizzying hum of division floods our conversations and the air waves. Many of us, in the pain of our hearts, seek a voice of healing and ... Continue Reading→
Our Circles and God’s Sufficient Grace
Below is an excerpt from an email I received following one of our Circles: I just wanted to send you a quick note and tell you that I attended a Circle of Abundant Grace. Not knowing quite what to ... Continue Reading→
Circles of Abundant Grace
Across the North Carolina Conference, United Methodists are gathering for “Circles of Abundant Grace.” These Circles of Abundant Grace are facilitated conversations that are focused on the future ... Continue Reading→
What Is a “Facilitated Conversation”?
To speak out of our hearts, to listen lovingly and well, to grow in grace--those are the goals of a facilitated conversation. These facilitated conversations happen in the sacred space co-created ... Continue Reading→
Analog Conflict
“We are living in an upside-down world. Our wild, strong bodies are sedentary. Intimacy is down, and passivity and isolation are up. Our weak, needy hearts are lonely. We are anxious, tired, ... Continue Reading→
