Response to “Responsibility”
Sadly, the girl ended up leaving the ministry and returning to her old life. The pressures of home constantly delivered the messages of her worthlessness and how their lifestyle must “keep up with the Joneses”. Her increased income didn’t seem to make a difference in her family’s mind but at least she was doing her best. The ministry was devastated to see her go and pleaded with her to return to her job. To my knowledge, she still has not returned to the ministry and is out of contact.
Conflict is the Only Way
Across the board, the most challenging part of the World Race experience is learning to live in community. You are with at least 5 other people twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week 325 days in a row. It’s truly jumping into the deep end as the community is forced to form quickly and meld just as fast. Communication, compromise, deference – all are areas that begin to be exposed and challenged. For example….
Two teammates have quite different ways of communicating. Jill and Chrissy come from very different backgrounds and approach relationships very differently.
Chrissy grew up in a home with just her mom. They’ve had a rough life and have weathered the storms that have come together. The general understanding between them is honesty. Everyone in their extended family acts the same way: everyone has the freedom to be who they are. Emotions can run high but there is an understanding that family sticks together. Chrissy often can get in heated arguments and yelling is the norm. In her mind, it’s sincere, honest and keeps people from stuffing emotions down and failing to deal with the issues at hand.
Jill comes from a quiet nuclear family. Mom and Dad work hard, she and her brother get along well. The family is not boring, but are soft spoken and intellectual. Dinnertime conversations commonly venture into bringing opinions and theories to the table on a variety of subjects. The family is cordial and considerate. Jill has never seen her parents fight nor has she ever raised her voice at them. She is a good student and is motivated quickly by the slightest correction or critique. She believes calm, rational discussions can solve almost every problem and sees harmony as one of the greater goods in life.
Jill and Chrissy are poised for disagreement.
Is the “right” answer for Chrissy to respond calmly and rationally to everything?
Is the “right” answer for Jill to start getting in touch with her emotions?
