Why Learn to Dialogue?

I was just re-reading the last post about Lifeways Russia, www.liferoute.ru and was struck by how healthy the people look. If I compare the pictures from recent workshops with those I took when I first started to train in Moscow and St. Petersburg, the differences are startling.

First, I must say that almost everyone appears to be better off now than they were in 1992. Their clothes are better, the grooming is better and their color is better. Just the absence of a Socialist government must take away much of their stress and strain.

Second, the people who are attending church are looking healthier. Knowing God has not only eternal effects it also produces better individual vitality and certainly better family health.

Third, I can see a difference between those who are learning how to communicate with each other and resolve conflicts better. Communist Russia/USSR was a brutal, insensitive, crushing place that killed the soul and destroyed the body. Paranoia was considered to be better than open communication. Mistrust was rampant and secrecy was paramount.

Although the Russian people still suffer from the pain and practices of horrible leadership Galina and her team of people are teaching hundreds of people how to get sober and then live in peace with one another. Look at the photos' page at www.liferoute.ru and you will see the sharing in small groups and the way people attend to each other. It is beautiful.

I remember a session when I was training the leadership team and a woman doctor, was sharing with a man who listened to her with great sensitivity and deep interest. After a few minutes the woman began to weep quietly and as tears rolled down her cheeks she began to smile through the tears.

Later, she said, "This was the first time in my life that I ever had a man listen to me. My father never listened to any woman; my husband has never really wanted to hear what I had to say; the other male doctors in my institute are not interested in a woman's point of view; even my sons will not listen to me. When Ivan began to simply listen and not interrupt or put me down I was overwhelmed with sadness and joy.

We so often worship MONOLOGUES and fail to enter into DIALOGUES with others. However, dialogues bring understanding, insight, healing and peace. One reason the people in these photos look so good is the result of learning to dialogue.

Have someone from Life Way Ministries come to your church and teach your people to listen. They will be happier, healthier and a whole lot better members.