2025/03/01 12:00 AM Filed in:
CommunicationIn this exploration of genuine empathy, I share how stepping into another's shoes can transform our interactions in our divided world. I outline a practical empathy challenge that invites us to argue others' perspectives as convincingly as our own, and I introduce how modern AI tools can help us practice this ancient wisdom. Drawing from my personal mission to strengthen others' cases rather than simply win arguments, I explain how this approach creates psychological safety and uncovers hidden truths. I identify warning signs of entrenched thinking and connect these insights to the concept of "The Sucker's Choice" from Crucial Conversations, offering scriptural wisdom from Matthew and the Book of Mormon along the way. My hope is that by embracing this practice, we'll move from competition to collaboration, creating space for genuine understanding and lasting resolutions while acknowledging that time constraints often complicate this process—a challenge we'll address in my next post. Read More…Tags: Communication
In this blog post, I explore the power of listening and the significance of recognizing the phrase "Let me finish" as a valuable cue in conversations. When someone says this, it’s often a sign they don’t feel heard—a crucial moment to pause, listen, and ensure they feel understood before continuing. I share a personal experience where choosing patience over confrontation helped resolve a financial dispute while preserving respect and boundaries. By embracing patience, empathy, and humility, we can foster trust and deeper connections. The ultimate takeaway is that acting with integrity and seeking understanding brings lasting peace, both in our relationships and within ourselves.
Read More…Tags: Emotional Intelligence
2025/02/01 12:00 AM Filed in:
RevelationIn this post, I've delved into some fascinating doctrinal questions sparked by the lost 116 pages of the Book of Mormon, the Nephite's decision to forgo kingship, and various scriptural examples. We explored how repeatedly asking God for something after an initial "no" might lead to permission, but not necessarily divine endorsement, as seen in Joseph Smith's experience with Martin Harris. We examined the concept of agency, noting that God often allows us to learn through the consequences of our choices, rather than always intervening. This idea is further supported by the Nephites' prosperity without a king and the Jaredites' and Israelites' downfall with one. Additionally, we discussed why Joseph Smith bore responsibility for the lost pages, despite Martin Harris's actions, emphasizing the accountability of prophetic leaders. Ultimately, I hope you'll take away a deeper understanding of God's methods, the importance of trusting divine guidance, and the role of agency in our spiritual growth, recognizing that faith and obedience are often forged through trials and learning from our experiences. Read More…Tags: Revelation, Prayer
2025/01/16 12:00 AM Filed in:
CommunicationIn this blog post, we explore the lessons from Nephi’s interactions with his brothers in the Book of Mormon, particularly the tension between boldly speaking truth and fostering compassion. While Nephi’s directness in correcting his brothers was rooted in righteousness, his approach often led to resentment and alienation. Reflecting on his later introspection, we consider how his journey illustrates the importance of balancing truth with empathy. Drawing parallels to early Church history and modern examples, we examine how self-righteousness can obstruct understanding while patience and love create bridges for change. Ultimately, this post invites readers to thoughtfully apply Nephi’s story to their own lives—standing for truth while communicating it in ways that inspire growth, unity, and Christlike love.
Read More… 2025/01/01 12:00 AM Filed in:
Voting | Victim | Communicastion | loveThis blog post examines the statement "You can't tell someone you love them and then vote for someone who will hurt them," arguing that it oversimplifies the complexities of love, voting, and political discourse. It highlights the limitations of reducing voting to a single measure of love and the dangers of using love as a weapon for political gain. The article emphasizes the importance of respecting diverse perspectives, acknowledging the complexity of policy decisions, and engaging in constructive dialogue across political divides. It concludes by asserting that true love should be resilient enough to withstand political disagreement and that fostering understanding and respect is crucial for a healthy democracy. Read More…Tags: Politics