UMC20230820 - The value of difficult conversations¶
There are two areas in my life where I often find myself trying to avoid having a difficult conversation about something, in the workplace and in my household. What do we do when a co-worker says something inappropriate and no-one else is reprimanding them? Or when our boss makes a decision that we think is wrong and will do more harm than good? Or when you have messed up properly and can't find a way out? Or when you feel a distance growing between you and your spouse? Or when your spouse has left their towel next to the wash basket, AGAIN, after you have told him to put it IN the wash basket five times this week? (Sorry Dom). The toughest kind of difficult conversations though, are the ones where you only have a feeling within that you are unable to express.
Jesus spoke deep truth's to people and was often able to get directly to the issue without ANY beating around the bush. Although this would have been deeply uncomfortable for people in the moment, it often pops the bubble of the ego and allows us to confront the actual issue. It brings healing and forward movement. I love the saying: "The truth will set you free". I have always wanted to add to it though: "The truth will set you free, but it will feel like dying".
Do you find yourself in the midst of having a difficult conversation this week? Maybe ask these two questions: - What will happen if you DO NOT have the conversation? - What will happen if you DO have the conversation?
The value of difficult conversations work even if you are wrong about something. Just in the process of articulation we are externalising an internal pain which forces thinking, expression and analyses.
And maybe you are like me, where the difficult conversation needs to be had with yourself and with God? These are the hardest...
Love, Cliff