Sincere admission #1: there are issues where my opinion is wrong. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sincere admission #2: there are places in which my perspective is way off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And sincere admission #3: there are issues and places where my opinion and perspective are wrong, way off, too narrow, misguided, missing info and more \u2014 and I don\u2019t know it. I\u2019m blissfully convinced I\u2019m right even when I may unknowingly not be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That reality necessitates that we ever employ humility, compassion and curiosity. Let me always be aware that there is so much I don\u2019t know\u2026 and dare I say, don\u2019t know that I don\u2019t know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Such is what makes it 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 few weeks, you will hear from an articulate group of communicators from all sorts of backgrounds. They are ages 20-something to 80-something. 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 volunteerism, accepting others, and lies we commonly believe. You\u2019ll hear about tariffs, birds and a little bit of baseball. You’ll also hear the journey of one set of parents, for whom the tragic death of their son is leading to so much more. So many stories\u2026 as author\/researcher Bren\u00e9 Brown likes to say, \u201cMaybe stories are data with soul.\u201d You will get a glimpse into the soul of another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But let me again share what each of 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, as is my annual practice, I will take a bit of a respite. I believe in intentional rest, and I\u2019m grateful that while I have come a little late to that understanding in life, I find the routine practice to be physically, emotionally and spiritually necessary and refreshing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
I will thus utilize this time of rest to engage in a season of gratitude, 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 or inaccurate \u2014 and I\u2019ve been unwilling to see them? \u2026 <\/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 always secondary to listening well\u2026 loving my neighbor well, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We learn from one another. We learn from diverse voices. We learn from the stories of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Time for this year\u2019s Guest Writers Series. I can\u2019t wait\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n Respectfully\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n AR<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Sincere admission #1: there are issues where my opinion is wrong. Sincere admission #2: there are places in which my perspective is way off. And sincere admission #3: there are issues and places where my opinion and perspective are wrong, way off, too narrow, misguided, missing info and more \u2014 and I don\u2019t know it. … <\/p>\n