Before reacting – pause, reflect, then respond from a place of non-violence.

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Listen to my song “Make Me a Channel” on YouTube by clicking HERE.

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James 1:19-20

Know this, my dear brothers: everyone should be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger, for the anger of a man does not accomplish the righteousness of God.

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What great advice!

We need more attentive and open listening these days.

Deep listening is the place of deep, sacred presence.

Jesuit priest Jean-Pierre de Caussade is credited with coining the phrase the sacrament of the present moment over 300 years ago.

It seems there are far too many impulsive reactions leading to harsh words.

What if we all took a thoughtful pause before responding?

Stop and observe any strong emotions that have risen.

Perhaps someone has just pressed one of your emotional buttons.

Before responding, take a break.

Observe your initial emotion.

Let it subside.

Open yourself to a more peaceful Spirit.

Contemplate what Jesus might say.

Calmly think of a response that conveys the truth you believe without making any accusations or assumptions.

Ask for clarification to be sure you understand what someone else is saying.

Be willing to reassess your position based on new information.

Be a channel of peace and non-violence.

God is about making all things new and whole…not tearing down and dividing.

Enter into the flow of that Spirit.

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Listen to the song of the day “Make Me a Channel” on the Listen to Your Heart album by clicking HERE.

Stream and/or purchase my songs on Amazon Music by clicking HERE.

Remember…God loves you!