Conflict does not equal rejection

I had a great conversation with Laina Graf today. Phil and Laina (pictured) are friends of ours. They have walked with us through the last year with all its struggles. Laina and I were talking about conflict and how to handle it. We talked for nearly 2 hours, I think. Towards the end she said something that hit me like a lightning bolt. It’s probably obvious to everyone else; but to me it was a major insight. Here’s what happened.

I was commenting to her how much I admired Phil’s ability to laugh with people even when he is in conflict with them. That’s when she said: “that’s because Phil understands that conflict is not the same as rejection.”

Like I said: probably obvious to everyone else. Just a really helpful (and very new) insight for me.

Comments

[Rebecca]

hmmm, that is helpful to me as well!

[laina]

ro, the beautiful side to this ah ha moment, is that you are so teachable. i love that you are searching to continue to grow in healthy relationships...with yourself, with others and with God. You make that comment more powerful. thanks, laina

[laina]

besides, i had to learn that the hard way, myself. :o)

[Jen Powell]

Hey, I actually read this post a while back, but took another look at it today. I didn't really get it the first time I read it. It at least didn't hit me. Tonight it hits me. I hope and pray that I can laugh with people that I am in conflict with and know it isn't rejection! That Laina is pretty amazing, huh? xoxo