Good Morning, Friends!!
Last week, after one of my small group classes, I heard a lady say, “Well, I know we are not supposed to talk about politics or religion, but”, and she continued about a political view or two she had.
I thought for a moment, wondering who had told her we weren’t supposed to talk about politics and religion in class, then I realized she meant as a society. I am sure there are many of us like her. We often hear that there are two topics to stay away from, and those are politics and religion.
I thought about her statement for the rest of the day and began to ask myself why we hear the comment so often about not discussing politics and religion. The reason I believe is that both topics are topics that those on either side are so passionate about.
My next question was, why would we not discuss topics we are so passionate about?
My thoughts on why not is because oftentimes, things we are passionate about, we tend to want to speak more about them than listen. Therein lies the problem. We do not want to allow the other person from the other side to speak and share how passionate they are, but fully expect them to be quiet to hear how passionate we are.
The problem is not the topics; it is simply the people speaking behind the topics, not taking the time to listen and respond in an effective way.
How many times have you learned while speaking? Chances are none.
How many times have you learned by listening? Chances are overwhelming every time if you are looking for the opportunity to learn.
The challenge for each of us is to talk about the subjects that we are passionate about, but more importantly, to be an active listener. Many times, we become better speakers for those topics we are passionate about because we are phenomenal listeners.
Shhhh…Can you hear that?
Your Friend,
Aaron