Healthy Conflict - Carlo Furlan - 3/2/14

Spewing marshmallows,
         we rage.
                In stiff-necked
                  rebellion
                      we deny and
                                    attack.

Listen -
    cage the tongue
              and temper.

Shields up,
        daggers ready,
              I face the attacker
         or,
              given half a chance, 
                           flee the arena.

Listen -
        seek to understand
                     before
                           being understood.
Reflect -
       be a mirror.
               Not a solid surface,
                    but a pliant one,
                           absorbing
                               and
                   checking for
                           accuracy.

Give dignity,
         even to
                 an attacker.
    Face to face,
       with fortitude,
                allow the words to fall
       not only on your ears
            but into
                 your spirit.

Breathe.

See Christ in their eyes
                      and
                           in your own.


Recall how far short
               you fall
                     before condemning.

And breathe.

Let your words be few,
            be sorry
                   and sorrowful for wrong.

Seek forgiveness 
      and 
           restoration.

And breathe.