Here we are. It\u2019s our sweet, annual summertime encouragement where we pivot to the manifestation of listening to diverse voice and perspective. As author Steve Goodier once cleverly quipped, \u201cWe don’t get harmony when everybody sings the same note.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s be honest; the past 10 days there hasn\u2019t been a ton of harmony; in fact, the days have been ripe for discord. I chuckle (sometimes it\u2019s easier to chuckle than wrestle with the shockingly sad reality),<\/em> but my strong sense is that if we only listen to likeminded voices, we walk away with an imbalanced ear. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Note the sobering, not-very-fun example in the week that was. As we each attempted to find a way to make sense of the President not making sense, many most addressed the lies of the former President. That\u2019s valid. Also valid is addressing all the lies told to make us think the current President was cogent and ok. Hear that contrast as advocacy for no one; it\u2019s not. It\u2019s a reflection of varied perspective, which acknowledges there are indeed serious concerns about both the sitting and former President \u2014 and as of this posting, still the two primary Presidential candidates\u2026 albeit those odds decrease daily. Way too many feel like it\u2019s acceptable to lie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Friends, I don\u2019t say that to egg anyone on. I have yet to corner the market on wisdom or perspective, and the reality is that such is never going to happen this side of heaven. Truth is, it\u2019s not going to happen this side of heaven for anyone else either. There will always be things we don\u2019t know, places in which we have inaccurate perspective, and places in which we have inaccurate perspective but are completely clueless of our own inaccuracy, passionate as we may be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That said, it\u2019s vital to listen to others. Let me say that differently. It\u2019s vital to listen to a variety of others \u2014 people hailing from a wide range of varied social, ethnic, faith, political, educational, etc. backgrounds\u2026 people from different demographics\u2026 people with sundry stories. We often learn most when we lean into and listen to the story of one different than our own. Thank God for that beautifully insightful opportunity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hence, as delightfully said above, here we are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is time for one of the Intramuralist\u2019s favorite practices, our annual Guest Writers Series! Over the course of the next 5 weeks, you will hear from an articulate group of communicators from all sorts of backgrounds. They are ages 20-something to 80-something (still cogent, of course). <\/em>They represent various ethnicities, genders and political leanings. They have advanced degrees and no degrees. And they are passionate about a plethora of manifold matters. You will hear about Caitlin Clark, climate change, and the collective human experience. You\u2019ll hear the journey of one parent who struggled with the all-of-a-sudden, somber diagnosis of a defect in her previously thought-to-be, totally healthy young son. You\u2019ll hear about patriotism, Covid, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But let me tell you what these gifted communicators most have in common\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n They desire to share with you in a way \u2014 whether in agreement or not \u2014 that is respectful\u2026 that encourages you\u2026 that makes you think. They do not believe in insult. And they are wise enough to know that agreement is secondary to how you treat other people. Only one is a manifestation of wisdom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the meantime, I will take a bit of a respite\u2026 time to engage in a season of intentional rest, gratitude, and also travel and personal reflection. I\u2019m eager to think and dream and pray and reflect\u2026 What should we talk about this fall? \u2026 What perspectives am I not all that humble about? \u2026 Where are my perspectives incomplete? … Where have I been unwilling to see potential inaccuracies? \u2026 Where can I grow?… <\/em>Good stuff, friends\u2026 indeed, good stuff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the record, please know that the opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Intramuralist. I may agree. I may not. But again, agreement is secondary. That\u2019s something I wish we all recognized a little more these days. It would help with the respect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We learn from one another. We learn from diverse voices. Let this year\u2019s Guest Writers Series begin. P.S. I\u2019m so grateful they don\u2019t all sing the same note.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Respectfully\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n AR<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Here we are. It\u2019s our sweet, annual summertime encouragement where we pivot to the manifestation of listening to diverse voice and perspective. As author Steve Goodier once cleverly quipped, \u201cWe don’t get harmony when everybody sings the same note.\u201d Let\u2019s be honest; the past 10 days there hasn\u2019t been a ton of harmony; in fact, … <\/p>\n