05/29/2026
LEARNING - HOW - SEE.... the other side? All sides? All values?
We might be dipping into some rough waters, but these biases are VERY prevalent everywhere, and so we're going to venture into the political waters this Sunday - but in a spiritually and faithfully focused "boat" if you will. Be Still is a place of many different minds and experiences - spiritually, politically, and otherwise - so if we can't talk about this stuff in a safe space here, then.... well, we might be up a proverbial creek.
Nevertheless, let's grab our "oars" and row with these biases (as defined by Brian McLaren of the "Learning How to See" podcast - link in comments) for conversation:
💎Conservative/Liberal Bias: "Either leaning toward nurturing fairness and kindness, or toward enforcing purity, loyalty, liberty, and authority, as an expression of my political identity. Our brains like to see as our party sees, and we flock with those who see as we do."
💎"When we feel shame, we are vulnerable to stories that cast us as the victims of an evil conspiracy by some enemy “other.” Our brains like stories in which we’re either the hero or the victim. Under stress or shame, our brains are attracted to stories that relieve us, exonerate us, or portray us as innocent victims of malicious conspirators."
Rather than debating, we're going to take stock of the values we hold - spiritually speaking - and consider how they play a role in our daily lives. If I value honesty, how do I live that out? Where might I be struggling with aligning my values and actions? If I value wisdom, what is my definition of that and who do I consider wise? If I value freedom, what does that look like in our world today and are there places where I am NOT free or perhaps I am keeping others from being free?
All sorts of things to consider before we begin to dye the water red and blue. You're invited to grab your paddles, your flotation devices and join us this coming Sunday, May 31st at 9:00 a.m. OUTSIDE in the back yard at in Wales. I promise, no more water/boat references.... 🚣🏻♀️