I was reading Chris Highland’s book “Broken Bridges” this week. He writes about the important opportunities we have to repair or even build new bridges of all kinds.

I sense that everyone, including me, is feeling a bit worn out by all the physical distancing brought on by the Coronavirus. I think we all need more good hugs! And with the lack of travel lately, I miss visiting our Five Talents partners around the world.

So, it often feels like there are now broken bridges between us all in many ways. And I realize I need to do my part to address that.

Learning from Other’s Perspectives

I am grateful for the chances I’ve had to communicate in video conferences with family (even a wedding!), friends, and Five Talents partners that I probably wouldn’t have seen in person or on a computer in “normal” times. And sometimes I even appreciate the ability to “cheat” and look at the names of friends on a large Zoom call.

I’ve realized that just showing up and participating in communication is part of my responsibility to mend broken bridges. But I know I need to do more. I’m trying to see things from other people’s perspectives more now. Whether they are from a different ethnic background, a different sex, a different generation, a different culture, or a different socio-economic background. The more I open my eyes, the more I realize I have a lot to learn.

Reconciliation During a Pandemic

I still believe God can and will use this Coronavirus pandemic to bring about some good changes. I’m still convinced that at some point, people around the world will better see our interdependence and how much we need each other. I believe we all have an important role in repairing broken bridges.

Until next Monday morning,

Dale Stanton-Hoyle,
Executive Director