The Right Christians offer a solid sermon by contributor, Jack Good. He really gets rolling as he goes along, but I was struck by this passage from early in the piece:
I do know something about listening, and I know that when I hear arguments that are devoid of rationality I am hearing not logic but fear. Fear is OK. It is normal for people to be upset when some important area of life is undergoing change. If you are one of those people who is still struggling with this issue, or if you have friends or relatives who are still struggling, try to listen not to the head stuff. Listen, instead, to the emotional stuff. Fears should be heard and respected. Then ask how you or your loved ones can move beyond those fears.
Fear is OK.
I remember that when I am travelling. I even include that in my training sessions: it is OK to be afraid in a conflict situation.
But I forget at home. I forget when I'm involved in my society, in the struggles with and for my neighbors.
I won't forget again. And I won't forget the second part either: I'll ask how we - all of us - can move beyond our fears
Posted by Martial