Life is all about relationships. And yet, it can be very difficult to cultivate deep and abiding friendships. Finding someone with whom we can be real and honest is a priceless treasure. Both science and the Bible tell us we need the life-giving support of strong friendship. But too often we do not take the time to avail ourselves, make the investment, and let down our guard. Too often we fear taking off the mask and exposing the real person behind the game face. It’s difficult being vulnerable when we are used to going solo. For many of us, it is hard admitting that we need help.
The Power of Horizontal Relationships
October 23, 2016
October 23, 2016 • Pastor Harley Scalf
More from
Power of the Other
The Power of the Process
November 20, 2016 • Dr Charles Kyker
“What makes Corner Four relationships so powerful is that they don’t end even after they end. The lessons we learn, the phrases that motivate us, are ours to keep forever. Psychologists refer to this process as internalization.” (The Power of the other, p.166) Good parents, teachers, coaches, and mentors understand their role is to push for more. They are not satisfied with the status quo, but instill discipline that although hard initially reaps lifelong results. In other words, Corner Four relationships resolve to bring out the best in their child (student, athlete, employee) even if it means temporary pain.
The Power of the Pardon
November 13, 2016 • Dr Charles Kyker
We all have times of complete failure—times when things go really bad and the only person we have to blame is ourselves. When this happens, as difficult as it is to think forward (and even rationally), we find ourselves at a critical juncture. Are we going to allow the negative voices of judgment, guilt, and shame play over and over in our heads, or are we going to move on? In his book, The Power of the Other, Dr. Henry Cloud says that good a Corner Four connection can help us confront the deadly grip of the failure beast head-on. This is the power of the other.
The Power of Freedom
November 6, 2016 • Dr Charles Kyker
We long to connect. Dr. Henry Cloud describes four corners of connection in his book, The Power of the Other. Corner One is no connection—where we isolate ourselves emotionally. Although we may interact with many people at work and home, we withdraw from others in order to avoid deep levels of truth-telling and vulnerability. Corner Two is the bad connection where we can never measure up to the other person's standard. It's unrealistic, unproductive, and unhealthy. Corner Three is the pseudo (feel good) connection where we put on the game-face, but in times of crisis there is no depth or commitment. Finally, Corner Four is good connections that allow us to thrive through deep levels of trust, love, and support.