146 Faith, Communication, and Finding Common Ground

A simple errand to retrieve a receipt unexpectedly transformed into a profound examination of faith, communication, and perspective when I found myself engaged in a theological discussion with two women in a parking lot. What began as a cordial exchange quickly shifted when I respectfully questioned whether the Bible adequately represents women's voices—only to be told I had "the spirit of Jezebel."

This encounter perfectly illustrates the communication challenges we face when discussing deeply held beliefs. Despite expressing my respect for Jesus, my questions about religious interpretation were met with immediate defensiveness rather than dialogue. The irony wasn't lost on me: while advocating for women's perspectives to be better represented, a woman used religious text to dismiss my viewpoint entirely.

The experience reinforced my commitment to becoming a better communicator and understanding different perspectives. I've learned that our strongest relationships—whether with partners, colleagues, or students—thrive when we genuinely consider viewpoints different from our own. My wife's perspective has proven invaluable in my decision-making, showing how multiple viewpoints lead to better outcomes than rigid thinking. As an educator, I'm passionate about teaching students to express themselves without triggering defensive responses, creating space for genuine understanding.

What story would you tell if given the chance? Would you be satisfied with how you've treated others? The best decisions come from considering multiple perspectives, remaining open to new information, and approaching others with genuine kindness—not because we expect anything in return, but because it's who we choose to be. Join me in making intentionally better decisions each day, understanding that growth comes when we step outside our comfortable boxes of thinking.