By Katie Mahon, Communications Manager
This week’s “Embracing Faith” article will focus on Embracing Faith through Relationships.
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up,
just as, in fact, you are doing.” -1 Thessalonians 5:11
Many of us will come together with our loved ones in a few days to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday.
While most of us look forward to spending time with our loved ones and enjoying a delicious meal, outside circumstances such as political and cultural beliefs have often increased the potential for tensions and disagreements during these gatherings.
Now more than ever, we need to put aside any strong feelings and differences with others over politics or cultural issues to come together, find common ground, and remember what matters most; our loved ones.
In a previous discussion about “How Do We Open Our Hearts To The World,” Sr. Barbara McEneany, OP, a Sister of Saint Dominic of Blauvelt, New York, discussed how she believes others can find common ground with those they might disagree with.
“First and foremost, it requires respectful listening. What is that? It is the process of listening attentively while someone else speaks, reflecting on what a person says, and withholding judgment and advice. When you practice active listening, you make the other person feel heard and valued. Agreement on the issue may not happen, but total respect for the person holding an opposite position will prevail. I think that is the beginning.” (1)
As you come together with your loved ones on Thanksgiving and the Christmas season ahead, we need to follow Sr. Barbara’s words and remember what matters most, our loved ones.