Something Positive for the Community of Fairfield Bay-Healthy Communication

Can we ALL agree in our culture today that there is a great need for more Healthy Communication? Can we ALL agree we need to get back to a mindset of agreeing to disagree? Can we ALL agree we need to have more face-to-face communication than just social media interaction? Can we ALL agree that if we ALL worked together at communicating in a more respectful manner it would be helpful when there are disagreements? Can we ALL agree we should do a better job of interacting with those who are not part of our 'tribe'? If we ALL cannot agree that there needs to be more healthy communication, we probably will not get very far in bringing positivity in Fairfield Bay.

Healthy Communication
Let's define what we mean by healthy communication; Healthy communication is where there is clear, respectful, honorable exchange of thoughts, opinions, feelings while listening to, and considering the thoughts of others.

a. When there is healthy communication between those who have varying perspectives, there is the ability to learn from each other.

b. When there is healthy communication there is active listening.

c. When there is healthy communication there is the willingness to acknowledge when there is agreement instead only finding the negative.

d. When there is healthy communication there is truth and honesty in a respectful manner.

e. When there is healthy communication there can be strong disagreements, but respect.

The Benefits of Healthy Communication
a. It fosters trust, when there is trust more can be accomplished because there can be collaboration between parties.

b. There can be collaboration.

c. More chance of problem-solving than just focusing on the problem.

d. Inspires others to be part of the solution instead of focusing on the problem.

e. It creates a more positive environment.

What is Dysfunctional Communication?
Dysfunctional communication is when there is when the main focus is to attack, to oppose, rather than to communicate effectively. It is a unwillingness, a refusal, to listen to the other side, to recognize the other side has valid points, to dominate the conversation.

a. Being hostile to control a conversation.

b. Having the goal to put the other person on the defensive, rather than creating an environment for healthy interaction,

c. Attacking the messenger instead of the message. Using character assassination.

d. Name calling, labeling, mocking, bullying, accusing.

e. Distorting the truth, misleading, exaggerating.

f. Giving the impression that you are the only one with the facts, that you are more intelligent, that you are the only one that can be trusted.

How to Increase Healthy Communication
Communicate. Let others communicate for themselves, not speak for them.

a. Be humble, you are not always right on everything.

b. Have a willingness to open, transparent, vulnerable.

c. Acknowledge when you have been wrong, in error.

d. Listen to the opposing viewpoint with a willingness to gain insight.

e. Give constructive feedback to determine if you are understanding what is being said.

f. Have a conversation, dialogue.

g Be willing to negotiate whenever possible.

h. Focus on solutions more than problems. Willing to accept others may have a better solution than you.

i. Communicate in a healthy environment, In an environment that is conducive for healthy conversation.

j. Build up, not tear down.

k. Do not claim to know the heart and motives of others when communicating.

l. Do not hold the threat of lawsuits. That certainly will not encourage healthy communication.

m. Be honest with yourself, Read the above and ask yourself where you miss the mark and make a sincere effort to improve.

Reality
There are times when there are too many issues, too many wounds, too much has gone on that there cannot be healthy communication. Do your part to resolve these items in your own heart before trying to have a conversation. Set boundaries when needed. Do not participate with those who only want to create drama.

Private Discussion
Many times it is best to have a private conversation than a public conversation. One of the main reasons there is so much negativity at times is because of words that should be spoken privately are spoken publicly. Do not share conversations that are meant to be private with the purpose to have ammunition against someone.

Prayer
Each week we have prayer for all public officials, various businesses, individuals. We pray for there to be healthy communication. We pray for exposure of those who manifest dysfunctional communication. We pray for there to be humility among all.

Standing in the Gap has a 24/7 Prayerline: 1-866-WANTGOD, 1-866-926-8463.

Standing in the Gap does much more than just prayer for Fairfield Bay. Standing in the Gap also believes there are many more things that can be done to benefit Fairfield Bay than just prayer. It also believes there are things done that do more harm than good for the community of Fairfield Bay.

Positivity in Fairfield Bay-Positivity
Solutions-Prayer for Fairfield Bay
Solutions-Christians Act Like Jesus
Solutions-Transparency
Solutions-Healthy Communication

Disclaimers
Standing in the Gap has no alliances with any ungodly entities. Our ministry is not controlled by any entities. On most of the political issues Standing in the Gap has no position.

Richard D'Andrea Dover (PreacherRichD) is the founder of Standing in the Gap. There are times that PreacherRichD will take some stands on some issues. When he does so he makes it clear if his position is that of a private citizen or as Standing in the Gap.