Jason Stonehouse

There are those things that are awkward or uncomfortable to talk about. Have you ever stopped to ask why? In some cases it’s because they shouldn’t be said or should be reserved for only those who know us really well. However I’ve noticed another category of uncomfortable/awkward and that is those things we don’t want to change or even look at. As a preacher/ leader/ pastor I am regularly faced with these situations. Sometimes it’s a meeting where everybody seems to know there is an “elephant” in the room that if somebody would just be bold enough to bring it up we might actually be able to deal with it and move forward. Sure it’s awkward and uncomfortable, but as a leader I would be doing the church/organization a disservice if I didn’t bring it up because it’s what’s holding us back. Sometimes it’s relationally, among friends, family or even in a counseling setting where although it may “feel” nice to avoid certain conversations it can greatly hinder the depth of a relationship and at worst can build resentment and bitterness in people. Now before I move to the next area, please understand, these awkward/ uncomfortable conversations are not to be entered into quickly, rashly and without love. We must desire good things and talk and act like we do.

I was reading in Proverbs 1 this week and these verse hit me:

January 1st! It’s a new year. There is so much that is associated with new years. It’s about a fresh start, maybe a new beginning. What was behind us can be learned from but 2011 is now in the past and we can’t go back there. So what will 2012 mean for you? What intentional steps will you take?