Tag: race
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Decision 2024: Choose Unity
“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” -James 1:19-20 ESV I wrote this shortly after learning that Donald Trump is the presumed winner of the 2024 presidential race, defeating Vice President Kamala Harris. Today may…
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How to Connect with Someone Across the Divide
Many cultural commentators would say that people are becoming more and more divided. While virtually no one would argue against the fact that we all desire community, people are also quite adept at separating from each other. It seems that our need for community is expressed to fault. We don’t just appreciate our own culture…
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What is Psychological Safety?
All parents share a core desire for their children. My wife and I share in this as well. Many things are important to us including academic rigor, cultural development, and diversity. But the greatest and nonnegotiable factor for our children is safety. Wherever we send our little ones, we want certainty that they will be…
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The Blessing of Disagreement
“Everything just looked blurry!” That’s what I told my mom and my kindergarten teacher. School was frustrating because I couldn’t see what was on the board, even when I sat in the front row and squinted. But, thankfully, things changed when I told others what I saw and that allowed them to help me. After…
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People of Reconciliation
When you hear the term “reconciliation” what comes to mind? In America, “racial reconciliation” can be volatile and is usually hotly discussed, or avoided, depending on the setting. While race is a relatively modern concept (concurrent with the transatlantic slave trade), people have always found reasons to separate from each other. Some of these reasons…
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Let’s Talk Politics!
So I did’t listen. Months after graduating from college and heading out of state for my first professional position, I was given the standard rule. Mentors reminded me, “Don’t discuss politics or religion at work.” But I didn’t heed the advice. As I’m having a casual conversation with a few co-workers, during my first week…
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Stigma Pressure
Can stereotypes be detrimental even if you don’t believe them? In Whistling Vivaldi, Dr. Claude Steele addresses the idea of stigma pressure. Some common stereotypes in America are: These and many other erroneous assumptions have wreaked havoc on our culture and continue to damage relationships. Further, the beliefs and assumptions of the general culture can…
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Healing and Restoration
Message from Sunday June 16, 2024 from Ephesians 4:11-16. The way to successful cross-cultural relationships is through empathy and engagement.
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3 Ways to Disagree Well
Do you feel like this when approaching conflict? Most people deal with conflict through avoidance or hostility. They either: Fully avoid disagreements because to avoid being uncomfortable or Make those who disagree with them their enemy, leading to unnecessary hostility There is a better way to deal with disagreements. Focusing on these three things will…
