In Our Conflicts and Chaos
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May your love be upon us, YHWH, as we place all our hope in you.
Psalm 33:22
Conflict and chaos seem to dominate our lives—globally, nationally, communally, and personally—often leaving us feeling unheard and quick to blame. We tell ourselves things would be different if only “they” acted differently. Yet much of the chaos and conflict we experience arises from our own fear, lack of awareness, assumptions, and misaligned views of authority, leading to withheld information and communication breakdowns. When left unattended, these tensions harden into anger and violence.
Father Richard Rohr, OFM, reminds us that wisdom begins with recognizing our own blind spots. Angel Kyodo Williams teaches that although we do not choose our conditions, we do choose our response. Through active listening, transparent communication, empathy, trust, collaboration, curiosity, and openness to others’ experiences, we share responsibility for creating a more peaceful kin-dom.
Let Us Pray
God of Peace,
Help us to get out of our own way and to place our hope and trust in you. Help us listen deeply to others and avoid actions that impact others without considering their situation. Guide us to speak with intention and to listen with attention. Remind us that peace in our world, our nation, our community, begins with peace in our hearts.
Reflection Questions / Practices
- Who are the “others” in your life? What keeps them the “other” … the “they” in your life?
- What biases or behaviors do you want to be attentive to in your relationships?
- When do you feel chaos and conflict most deeply? When you are tired, stressed, lacking information, multitasking, or doing something else?
Call Out Quote
“Self-empathy is the cornerstone of all non-violent communication work. When we can attune to our feelings and needs, we are more grounded, resilient, and capable of responding with compassion to others.”
Finley Sterling, The Language of Connection