Communication. An Art Form.

Our society is increasingly favoring brevity over the beauty of language. We are often urged to communicate in a few bullet points, sacrificing the richness and expressiveness of our words. This fast-paced lifestyle leaves little room for deep thought or written reflection, a skill crucial for human interaction and development. 

This was exemplified during a visit to the Church I call my home, Journey Colorado. Our Pastor, Scotty Priest, delivered a message reflecting on the life and teachings of Jesus while analyzing the different approaches of two authors: Matthew and Luke. He offers our brothers and sisters a visual using WORDS AND EXPERIENCES, interwoven with the point his message is bringing into focus: Jesus is busy filling fisherman’s empty nets and boats with fish overflowing such that it was going to sink the ships. He gracefully showed us Matthew’s style (4:18-19), which applies brevity (look it up!) compared to Luke (5:1-11), who gave us such detail that we could actually experience and follow the scene.  You know, commit. Place yourself there. Matthew = Bullet Point.  Luke = Detailed account of an experience.

Is there a case for slowing down? Is there a need for more strategic thinking? Could investing more time in analysis and planning and then executing those plans be a viable alternative to the frantic pace of life we often find ourselves participating in?

I ponder this a great deal these days. I am told COVID is to blame for everything: the breakdown of the family, the mistrust of anything and everyone, and the devaluation of work ethic in every profession. One could conclude that our culture is downgrading its quality expectations. I believe we can create a peaceful, positive change.

The political landscape has increasingly become a wasteland, with the elite clawing at each other’s wealth and health. The average citizen is clinging to a skewed view of issues, with the Media leading the way. Recently, at a round table discussion, one participant shared that she watches CNN, Fox, ABC, NBC, and CBS. She shrugged and asked how to know if they were telling the truth. Another participant suggested they are reporting what they are told or allowed to report.

Now is the time for communication, not bullet points but thoughtful, meaningful dialogue. It’s a time for bravery, understanding, and compassion. It’s a time for collaboration, not competition. It’s a time for gratitude, not greed. It’s a time to protect our planet and our species. Anything less is a grave mistake. It’s a time for faith in God and in each other.

Communication is an Art Form. We are meant to thrive and bless one another. We are influential and incredible creators for good, PURE AND SIMPLE.  We need never have a competing thought. In the end, it is totally and entirely up to us.

Take some time to communicate. Write a letter to someone you know and love, telling them how much you love them. Let them know who you are and how you think. Show each other support, appreciation, kindness, and compassion. Share what you are doing to contribute to the world. Life is precious, and it is worth slowing down and improving communication. It is worth finding the middle ground and win/win alternatives.  It is about the future of our children. 

COMMUNICATE • COLLABORATE • CREATE