Receiving Heart Minus the Eye Rolls

My Moment:

I think it’s so important for us to remember that extreme reactors are usually dealing with compounding factors. If someone reacts with more emotion than is appropriate for an isolated incident, it’s probably an indication of painful ties to the past or something hurtful going on in their life right now. 
Proverbs 31 ministry

What if each of us heard the heart of others louder than their words? I know I am guilty of judging first rather than being empathetic to their emotions. When I react I want others to put themselves in my place, understand my hurt and heart that causes that reaction. But too often I get caught in my own version of the truth and don’t consider their truth.

Last night I decided not to watch the State of the Union speech. Not because I didn’t want to hear the words spoken but because I couldn’t face the division in our country by the congresses responses to the president’s words. For decades this speech has been a place where both parties stand or sit based on party lines rather than responding as Americans. It breaks my heart that these seemingly intelligent adults act in a way we would not allow our children to act. Yet our youth are watching. Watching both sides stubbornly refuse to compromise, lashout at each other with harsh words, and not think for themselves but let the party speak for them. 

This is not new. This is not now. This has been going on in our country for as long as I can remember. Why do we, me included, listen to and respond with what is basically mob rule. I am aware that I listen to those who agree with me and avoid those who don’t. When I do listen to the other side it is not with an open mind but with a roll my eyes attitude. Believing that they are wrong while I am right. But nothing is that simple.

In both opinions their are histories of why people line up on one side or the other. People assume I am staunchly against abortion since I am an adoptive mom with a chosen family. The truth is I am only staunchly against late term abortion. My life experiences and those of each and everyone of us forms us and our reactions. What we need to avoid is blindly reacting not for ourselves but for the group that we identify with. 

I don’t want to be identified as a republican or democrat. I don’t want to be identified as an introvert or an extrovert. Because the truth is that in some issues I am conservative and in some I am liberal. In some situations I am outgoing and in others I am timid and shy. What I do want is for others to respond to my heart and try to understand me rather than judging me. I am emotions and emotional and I want others to know my history is a big part of why.
My hope is that I can be better at listening to hearts rather than words or emotions. I know it will be a work in progress. Pray for me.

In Him,
Joyful
2-6-19