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Enemies, Part 6: Battling Giants?

Perhaps they're not that scary. I just finished watching Jaws II. Not the greatest movie of all time, I know. Still, Roy Scheider’s characterization as Amityville’s police chief and his unsuccessful attempts to convince the city council of imminent shark attacks exemplifies Hollywood’s affection (and ours) for underdogs. We relate to the underdog theme because we’ve all been there---overwhelmed by formidable foes and against all odds. Our very existence (due to the fall of Adam) requires ... VIEW POST

Enemies, Part 5: Under Attack? Take and Maintain the Moral High Ground

Be on the right side of history. A friend asked me to write a post about confrontation. Specifically, she wanted advice on confronting or speaking with directness to a friend. Because teaching argumentation is my profession, my students, friends, and family often ask me about confrontation: Obviously, there's no cookie cutter response. Every situation presents its own challenges; each person is unique. Various forms of communication are learned skill sets and require practice ... VIEW POST

Enemies, Part 4: Rescue and Recovery

Bitten by "fiery serpents?" I watched the mail carrier open my mailbox, take out my letter, climb back into his truck and drive away. Again, I asked God if writing the letter had been the right thing to do. I hadn't had much contact with its recipient for years. (I'll call her Caitlin.) Never before (or since) had I experienced such overt and consistent hostility from a friend. As young married women, Caitlin and I had lived in the same Latter-day Saint ward and neighborhood. We became ... VIEW POST

Enemies, Part 2: Praying For and About Them

Prayerfully know and overcome your opposition. Example #1 I was teaching the Latter-day Saint Church Gospel Doctrine class in my ward. The topic involved spiritual gifts listed in The New Testament, The Book of Mormon, and The Doctrine & Covenants. I emphasized the idea that Church members, regardless of gender, could ask for and acquire these gifts. A man attending the class (who was in an authoritative Church position in the ward) challenged and chastised me. The more I explained ... VIEW POST

Part 1: Got Enemies?

Overcoming opposition and adversaries. We all have them. The great peacemakers of the world had enemies: Jesus Christ, Ghandi, Martin Luther King, Jr., to name a few. Opposition and adversaries thrive on our ignorance and weakness. Our sorrow and failure invigorates them. Our happiness and success infuriates them. Adversaries can be (and are often) family members, friends, and co-workers, and can disguise themselves as friends. Friends often become adversaries or enemies. And adversaries ... VIEW POST

"The Ten Virgins" by John Melhuish Strudwick

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