Reflections

Listen with curiosity. Speak with honesty. Act with integrity. The greatest problem with communication is we don’t listen to understand. We listen to reply. When we listen with curiosity, we don’t listen with the intent to reply. We listen for what’s behind the words.
~ Roy T. Bennett

We need to cultivate the courage to be uncomfortable and to teach the people around us how to accept discomfort as a part of growth.
~ Brené Brown, Professor/author/Speaker

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There is always a danger that we will make it appear externally that we believe in God when internally we don’t. We say with our mouths that we believe in him, but we live with our lives like he never existed. That is the ever-present danger confronting religion. That’s a dangerous type of atheism.
~ Martin Luther King Jr., (1929-1968)

How quick come the reasons for approving what we like.
~ Jane Austen, Persuasion

The real persuaders are our appetites, our fears, and above all, our vanity. The skillful propagandist stirs and coaches internal persuaders.
~ Eric Hoffer, 1902-1983, Moral/Social Philosopher

Compelling reason will never convince blinding emotion.
~ Richard Bach, Author

He who holds the truth within his heart should never fear that his tongue will lack the strength of persuasion.
~ John Ruskin, 1819-1900, English Author

No one after lighting a lamp puts it in a cellar or under a basket, but on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light.
~ Luke 11:33

This Sunday’s readings: Acts 26:15-32