Believe

BElieve was the theme of this year's Women of Faith Conference. It was the God reality check that I needed right now.

The first night the speaker, Lysa Terkeurst, spoke to us (7,000 women) about dealing with conflict. Insightful.

Conflict occurs when we feel exposed or opposed. Of course - the feelings that accompany conflict need to go somewhere; in form of a reaction.

4 Types or Reactions to Conflict:

1. The Exploder.
The Exploder blames others. It is OK to address the issues at hand, but don't attack. We have a moment to choose our reaction. We need to        capture the moment and pause before reacting.

2. The Exploder that Shames Himself.
During this reaction, the person asks himself, "What is my problem?" Bring the issue into perspective in the brief moment before the reaction.

3. The Stuffer Who Builds Barriers
This person will back off a relationship when there is a conflict and build a wall or barrier.  If this is your common reaction to conflict, you must establish boundaries and let go of pretending you are fine; everything is fine.

4. Stuffer Who Collects Retaliation Rocks.
This reaction want to prove he/she is right and should ask himself, "Am I proving that I am right or am I improving a relationship?"

Our world would be a better place of we ALL just took the brief moment we are given before our reaction and paused and put the issue in front of us into perspective...took a deep breath, thought about our reaction, asked for God's help...AND THEN reacted.