About the Author

At (in)courage, we empower women to be like Jesus. Our writers share what’s going on in their life and how God’s right in the middle of it. They bring their joys & struggles so that you can feel less alone and be empowered by the hope Jesus gives.

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(in)side DaySpring:
things we love
& you will too!
Find more at
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Comments

  1. Such wisdom, Michelle! Thank you! I’m praying that the Holy Spirit brings His Word and your words to mind the next time I am inclined to disagree.

    Blessings to you today, sister,
    Nikki

  2. Than you Michelle. May God continue to use you. I pray the Holy Spirit prompts me this way each time I disagree with someone.

  3. Thank you so much for this eloquently written post,Michelle. These are words the entire world needs to read. There is so much anger/decisiveness in public as well as within our own families. Sadly trying to understand the other person seems like a forgotten art. I have been guilty of this as well at times. Thank you for reminding us to take a breath, reach for the grace that the Lord has for us all,and open up the conversation instead of focusing on how to shut the other side down (whether it’s arguing that taco night is better than pizza night -yeah thats happened, pls dont judge) or about world political issues. God bless

  4. Loved your article — so wise! It reminds me of the note Mr. Rogers carried in his billfold:
    “Frankly, there isn’t anyone you couldn’t learn to love once you’ve heard their story.”

  5. So simple & yet we complicate it. My bff & I have learned to disagree in love. We have realized emotional maturity & mutual respect goes a long way. We didn’t speak to each other for 3 years over our 49 years of friendship. Grateful we both grew up enough to recognize we are both created in His image. Thank you for spurring us on. I praise Jesus for your testimony.

    • Hi, Tanya. Thanks for sharing some of your story and the wisdom you’ve learned over the years. You are so right — emotional maturity and mutual respect go a looooong way. And they have a much more gracious and positive impact than always trying to win the argument.

  6. Great article. I still love that movie. There is so much wisdom to be seen and gained from any where. God’s love is just every where you look…pun intended.

  7. This week’s fundamental principle from my employer has been “Listening to understand” Today’s article was to listen with genuine curiosity. The wisdom of God isn’t just for religious pursuits but translate to good business principles! I need to memorize your questions Michelle! I need to be better at asking questions not just listening to what is offered by another. Your questions & the Holy Spirit will grow me in that area! Thank you! Blessings (((0)))

    • Oh, that’s good! Yes, we must listen to understand, not just wait for the pause while the other person talks only for us to dive back into whatever we want to say. Conversations should be a 2-way street. Love the way you put that!

  8. Well done Michelle!
    I love how your questions are right Jesus-like: often answering a question with a question.

    • Amen! Thanks so much. I’m learning and growing everyday too. I don’t always say what I should, but I try to learn from my mistakes, be gracious to myself, and keep going <3 It's the small steps that sometime make the biggest difference!

  9. Michelle,

    I totally agree with Kathleen that the world needs to hear these words. Trouble being there is so much divisiveness in our world today. People sit behind a computer screen & type stuff then hit send or post without thinking how it might affect someone else.

    I’m reading a book “Say the Right Thing” by Carolyn Lacey. She uses verses from James about taming the tongue. How the tongue can cause fire if used incorrectly. Lately I’ve needed this reminder myself. It’s not that I disagree with others, but my attitude-mostly at work. I’ve thought & said things I’m not proud of. Trying to change my attitude & be more Christ like.

    Blessings 🙂