“Difficulties are meant to rouse, not discourage. The human spirit is to grow strong by conflict.”
(William Ellery Channing)

If you had a magic wand, one which could change the world’s thinking about just one thing, what would it be?

God? Faith? Politics? Wealth? Marriage? Parenting? Education? Taxes?

All great answers. For me, it would be conflict. I would love to raise the world’s understanding and appreciation for all conflict…improve people’s “Conflict Intelligence,” or “CQ,” if you will. (hmmm…future book title? Lemme go trademark that real quick…)

Conflict is, simply, how growth happens.

Conflict between ions can create electrical power.
Conflict between muscles and resistance can create strength.

Conflict between people can create…
mutual respect,
appreciation of differences,
questioning of one’s comfortable positions,
discovery of truth,
deepening of faith,
empathic understanding of others,
necessary systemic change,
and even passionate connection for life.

Too bad it’s so uncomfortable, most of us avoid it like the plague.

Peace begins with pause,