In my professional life, I’ve witnessed how tension can act as a transformational force in faith communities where people decide to respond to it as an opportunity rather than a hindrance. This new awareness has had a significant impact on my personal life.
I used to think the best way to deal with a challenging situation was to figure out how to cheer up the people involved. If I walked into a room and sensed that people were uneasy for any reason, I’d immediately shift into “fix it” mode and try to make them smile with small talk and kind gestures. But by avoiding uncomfortable feelings in myself and others, I disrupted natural patterns of evolution, growth and change.
I’m learning there’s another way: embracing a spirituality of tension. This framework is constructed on the idea that God is at work inside of disequilibrium – ever-extending us the wisdom, grace and courage to go deeper. Tension can serve as a kind of fuel that leads to transformation in households, congregations and communities.
This message is excerpted from “The spirituality of tension” by Emily Carson in the August 2021 Café online magazine.
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