Comments on: The Beauty in the Difference

By: Julie Hilt, NA-22

Julie Hilt, NA-22 — Fri, 18 Mar 2022 06:55:01 +0000

Hi Vanessa, what a beautiful post. Society would have us believe that humility and vulnerability are weaknesses. The insights you shared from the journey you and your husband have taken together, demonstrate the strength that humility and vulnerabilty infuse into a relationship – the melting influence of love!

By: Amy Kasari, NA-22

Amy Kasari, NA-22 — Tue, 15 Mar 2022 19:32:28 +0000

Vanessa, thank you for this beautiful and honest post! I resonate with the realization that mature relationships often give us the opportunity to grow through conflict and difference and become more whole in the process. Relationships and community give us the platform to move closer to the fullness that God created us to be, I think we often miss this though because the conflict can feel like too much work to wade through!! Thanks for the reminder and real-life example of the beauty found in seeing differences as potential assets.

By: Vanessa Stricker, NA-22

Vanessa Stricker, NA-22 — Mon, 14 Mar 2022 17:12:57 +0000

In reply to Jer Swigart. That's a great question, Jer. As I learn to see the differences as assets in my marriage, I'm compelled to take that same perspective into other relationships and contexts. Thinking specifically about my church context, we are in the midst of various conversations about differences in theological perspectives and seeking to view those differences not as threats or reasons for division but as assets that can help us all to wrestle with our faith and learn to love God and love others more fully. When I look out into the world and see so many areas of difference, whether that be culturally, theologically, or politically, I'm trying to sift through what each diverse perspective has to offer rather than simply writing off anything that I don't agree with. That's not to say that every perspective is good or healthy or true. Perspectives that dehumanize stand in opposition to truth. But there are many areas where difference can draw us into a fuller understanding of truth and can challenge us to step more fully into who we've been created to be.

By: Jer Swigart

Jer Swigart — Mon, 14 Mar 2022 14:13:07 +0000

Vanessa. Thank you for the tenderness and poignance of this first reflection. Like you, my marriage is likely the most severe and gracious crucible for my transformation as a human being (first) and a peacemaker (second). The good news is that we’re both aware of that and have committed to ever pursuing fullness over happiness. I do wonder how your embrace of difference in the context of your marriage translates into your embrace of difference within your leadership?

By: Vanessa Stricker, NA-22

Vanessa Stricker, NA-22 — Fri, 11 Mar 2022 16:47:47 +0000

In reply to Jennie Chinembiri, UK 22. It's not easy or natural to see differences that way, but we learn as we go. Thanks for reading and engaging!

By: Jennie Chinembiri, UK 22

Jennie Chinembiri, UK 22 — Fri, 11 Mar 2022 15:21:04 +0000

Vanessa, i really appreciate when you say ‘I realize that the differences were not liabilities. They were assets that we didn’t know we needed.’ It challenges me to look at the differences in my life like this. Thank you.