It's sorely lacking in US and world politics, general society, churches, among neighbors, and, especially within families—to the point of a frightening urgency.  We all see it.  We all know it.  But what are we doing about it?

It's something we can all fix.  Each one of us.  What is it?  It's sensible, equitable, productive, caring conversation. It's a small step.  But a step so large most won't take it.

Think about it.  What would happen if Harris and Trump each one decided to start having open, honest, conversations with each other—right in front of the whole nation? 

Not too realistic, huh?  Well what about this.  What would happen if Christians started doing that with each other?  Historically, Christians have very often not practiced open and supportive engagement—not among denominational groups or even within congregational boundaries.  And certainly not toward outsiders!  So, now, when we find ourselves in a culture of rampant dysfunctional interrelations, our messages of "peace, love, and forgiveness" sometimes ring hollow. 

Too often, Christians follow the societal patterns of haphazard, mean-spirited, destructive conversational practices.  There's an art to supportive engagement, and this art can be learned, encouraged, and put into practice, especially for caring relationships.  Some are forming groups or seminars, or they are conducting training series that are trying to address these issues.  Like this one.   

I'm not suggesting that all we need is "a good conversation"—that this is a panacea for all of our problems.  I'm talking about a starting point.  Basics.  Fundamentals.  Whatever path we find ourselves on, Christians should be at the front of the line working to promote caring conversations on all levels for the sake of family, friendships, church, community, and, yes, the whole world—the uttermost parts of the earth.

You and I might not be able to change or even reach the uttermost parts, today.  But we can all do something, today, to change how we interact in our own part of that much larger world. We can decide that supportive engagement within caring conversations with others is a worthwhile effort, even if others don't get it or have trouble (or even refuse) to respond in kind.  

Gary D. Collier

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