Debbie W. Wilson

Refreshing Faith

How to Improve Communication With a Better Relationship

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Your feedback on last week’s survey was so helpful and taught me an important lesson in communication. You hear from me weekly. It’s important that I also hear from you.

You reminded me of how much we share in common. I nodded my head as I read your responses. What a comfort to know we travel this highway called life together, carrying similar hopes and dreams as we face our common obstacles.

The book titles almost tied in preference with The Unstoppables and God’s Unlikely Heroes slightly ahead. Thanks again for your input and kind remarks.

The anonymity of the surveys provided me with an unexpected insight into communication. I realized context and knowledge of the speaker play an important role in accurately interpreting ambiguous statements. For example, under “biggest concern in your life,” someone answered “Trump.”Continue Reading

3 Sure Fire Ways to Better Engagement

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Is there someone you care for but can’t seem to reach? They seem detached or don’t understand you. What’s missing is engagement.

Webster defines engage: “to mesh with.” Being with someone and failing to connect is as satisfying as hugging someone wrapped in vinyl. In helping folks engage, I’ve noticed three factors that make a difference.

  1. Ensure Safety
    A friend repeated a private conversation that created severe misunderstanding and hurt with a third party. My friend has good qualities and is fun to be with, but I’m now guarded with him. When we don’t feel safe, we won’t engage. Click To Tweet “He who repeats a matter separates intimate friends” (Pro. 17:9 NASB).
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  2. Remove Secrets
    There is a place for secrets. On our trip to Poland, when it was under communist rule, our discretion affected the well-being of those we served. But secrets generally isolate us. When we hide something about ourselves we usually withhold a part of us. Knowing we’ve been forgiven and living without shame frees us to engage with the people we love.
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  3. Add Skills
    The disciples needed help in knowing how to pray. Sometimes we need help knowing how to engage. Being more personal in our communication can help. This may include acknowledging how the other person’s actions please you. For example, “Seeing you happy in your work makes me smile.”

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