Just finished a book called Healing Conversations by David Roberts. He’s a friend of ours who has pastored a church in our hometown for about 30 years.

Healing Conversations brings to life seven elements of how to have deep and fulfilling conversations. It offers practical help to allow people to talk their way out of conflict and loneliness. Within Healing Conversations, Dave Roberts helps people learn, gain perspective, grow, accomplish real work, come together for a greater good, but even more, helps them to feel intimately connected to the people around them again through the power of conversation.

Especially meaningful to me were the ideas of self-disclosure, respect and affirmation. I can really see how these aspects lead to more meaningful conversations on the whole. I enjoy being transparent, respecting others, and affirming people. I really feel like affirming is a gift we can always give and is much needed in todays world. Trusting people and showing curiosity are also key elements to deepen relationships.

I really appreciate my closest friends and family whom I can call on in time of need and be real with. It’s amazing how even the zoom meetings we have been having can be bonding as we share with each other, pray together, and encourage one another.

Hebrews 10:24-25 has always been a favorite passage about encouragement for me:

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, ²⁵ not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (NIV)

1. What do we learn about God in this passage?
2. What do we learn about people ?
3. Which part of this passage sticks out to you personally?
4. What can we do this week to put this passage into practice?

Let me leave you with a challenge to be affirming this week as you interact with people around you. That means you can compliment the mail person, people who clean your building, delivery people, neighbors, people walking their dogs, or anybody! Thank people for what they do and they will be so surprised! As I encouraged our mail lady the other day, she said, “Keep those positive vibes coming!” People love it when you acknowledge what they do. Learn their names and be different than people around you. “Let your light shine!”

I would love to have a zoom meeting with you next Friday morning, October 30th at 10am central time just to encourage one another and pray for one another. Let me know if you are interested.

My prayers are with you all.