In the Pacific Northwest Cascade mountain range, stands the highest elevation in Oregon, Mount Hood. Over 11,200 feet, it is the second highest peak in the range. Legend has it that an old nickname for the mountain was "Stormbreaker." As the big storms rolled in from the Pacific and came into contact with the huge landmass, they were broken up.
Being a conflict coach, I am greatly inspired by this imagery.
I believe the simple truth is, when it comes to dealing with relational conflict, our go-to behaviors needn't be aggression, or power struggle engagement -- all we need do is stand firm:
in our conviction to navigate our relationships with both truth and love, power and grace,
in our dedication to being who we are designed to be, unapologetically,
in our commitment to pursue behaviors marked by both strength and compassion.
So that when the storms of negative conflict come our way, and encounter us, they will break apart.
Being a Christian woman, I believe that Jesus is the Ultimate Stormbreaker. Just as He calmed the winds and waves for His disciples (Luke 8:24), it is my faith that He does the same for us. I believe the authority with which He spoke to make a raging storm quiet is an authority He gives to all of us as we stand for peace in our lives.
This blog is dedicated to you
if your heart cry is for peace
if you long for others to see the truth that you see when it comes to how we treat one another
if you desire a higher standard of respect in the culture of your relationships --
in your family, your workplace, your church.
After all, if you're willing to courageously stand for peace in the chaos of conflict, and allow simply being who you are to dismantle the storms,
You are a Stormbreaker.
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