There are a lot of things I believe but don\u2019t always say.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example, I\u2019m a big believer in the First Amendment \u2014 in the essential freedoms each of us has to speak our mind, practice our faith, gather peacefully, report independently, and hold government accountable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I struggle with our Presidents and also the elect, especially when their leadership has been marked by erraticism, narcissism, partisanship, and\/or lack of mental acuity.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I believe government is too big, too expensive, and significantly inefficient. Too often, it attempts to do things it was never designed to do. I believe, too, government is incapable of being the moral authority of the land.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And I believe loudly and clearly that no one is anyone else\u2019s Holy Spirit. There\u2019s only one of those, and we\u2019re not it. That means it\u2019s not our job to convict someone else of what is good, right, and true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let me be clear: I believe each of the above passionately, strongly, and deeply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I am a fan, too, of the late Sen. Howard Baker and his keen, lasting wisdom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Known as the \u201cGreat Conciliator,\u201d Baker was deeply respected across party lines for his integrity, humility, and willingness to listen well. Part of that humility was captured in a phrase he oft repeated: \u201cYou know \u2014 the other fellow might be right.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n In other words: \u201cI might be wrong.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n I have no doubt that some of my opinions are wrong. I\u2019m certain there are issues and areas where I\u2019m wrong and have absolutely no clue. And there have been multiple conversations and exchanges of ideas over time that have notably changed my perspective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But there are also places where I have not changed. There\u2019s a reason for that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It lies in the difference between argument and persuasion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An argument is an exchange of opposing views that often becomes heated. Worse, it usually becomes personal. We insult the person who thinks differently than we do, assuming the only reason they disagree is because they are ignorant, foolish, blind, or malicious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Persuasion is different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Persuasion actually moves someone toward a different belief or understanding, usually through reasoning, relationship, patience, and sustained trust. Consistent with my earlier point, persuasion is not playing the Holy Spirit in someone else\u2019s life. It\u2019s not forcing conviction upon them. It\u2019s engaging in an honest exchange of ideas in a way that genuinely allows another person to consider their perspective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Arguments rarely produce anything lasting. Persuasion often does. And the difference between the two is rooted in humility.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Rarely is my perspective changed by the argument of another. Often, though, it is changed by the humility of another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Baker spoke often about humility, especially in how we listen and communicate. It\u2019s not merely that another person feels heard; it\u2019s that they actually are<\/em> heard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Want people to think more like you? I understand that. What we believe, we oft believe strongly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But if I truly want my perspective to resonate with others, it\u2019s not merely my arguments or talking points that need refining. It\u2019s the humility within my own heart. That\u2019s what people find convincing. That\u2019s what people find attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Respectfully\u2026 There are a lot of things I believe but don\u2019t always say. For example, I\u2019m a big believer in the First Amendment \u2014 in the essential freedoms each of us has to speak our mind, practice our faith, gather peacefully, report independently, and hold government accountable. I struggle with our Presidents and also the elect, … <\/p>\n
AR<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"