Is it possible to have constructive conversations with people with whom you disagree these days? That’s a question I’ve been wrestling with for a while now. It’s also a question many have asked me. For over a decade, I’ve tried to create space for these kinds of conversations on Tuesday nights at a local bar. Is it possible? Absolutely! But that declarative statement requires nuance and further explanation.
Let me begin with a story.
One of the things that I have learned over the last few years, in many areas of my life, is that faithfulness counts far more than exuberance.
Today’s lunch was last night’s leftovers, nearly 60g of protein! 💪
Oh, this is excellent from @bjhess:
[A Bit Naive](https://bjhess.com/posts/a-bit-naive)What I wouldn’t give right now to be a bit more naive.
What I wouldn’t give for all of us to be a bit more naive.
A bit less social media.
A bit less 24-hour news.
I really need to develop some intentionality in spending of my days. There is too much time lost to scrolling and mindlessness. I am using today, my day of rest, to process this and come up with a plan to begin implementing.
This morning’s lift. 💪
This morning’s breakfast. It was savory and tasty. I seasoned the omelette with pepper, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and rosemary.
Today I begin a new phase of my journey towards physical fitness.
I turn 50 on September 7, 2026.
I will weigh 195lbs on that day.
Today, I weigh 259.9.
I keep thinking about what I am seeing online these days and realizing more and more that integrity is the rarest of qualities.
Listen to the full message here: Lives Hidden With Chris - Reconciled
We live in a world that seems to thrive on having enemies. Everywhere we turn, someone is telling us who we should hate, who is coming for us, who we must fear. And what’s the expected response? Hate them back. Strike before they strike you. This is the way of the world.
But for those of us who follow Jesus, we are called to be in the world but not of it. We are called to look different—to respond differently.
Your Yes to God demands your No to all injustice, to all evil, to all lies, to all oppression and violation of the weak and the poor, to all godlessness and mocking of the holy. Your Yes to God demands a brave No to everything that will ever hinder you from serving God alone, whether it be your profession, your property, your house, your honor before the world. Faith means decision.
More and more I am doubting the value of online “dialogue.” I want it to be a thing, but I have not seen legitimate conversations happen in a long time. It typically devolves into “gotcha” games and name-calling.
What’s a show or two you really enjoy that you think would help people understand who you are?
I can think of two, Ted Lasso and The Good Place.
I don’t know about your social feeds but most of mine are simply filled with people posting mis- and dis-information. Most of it is AI or other versions of edits.
I am so excited to invite to something our community is hosting in October in Ann Arbor!
🌿 Join us for The Art of Being: Living Through Love 🌿
Slow down. Reflect. Connect. Renew.
🗓️ Saturday, October 18, 2025 • 8 AM – 12 PM 📍 912 N Main St, Ann Arbor, MI 🎟️ $20 | Learn more & register
Featuring Erin Kracjik & Dr. Michele White—insights on love, emotional wisdom, and living with presence. 💫
