Power of the Other
Oct 16 - Nov 20, 2016
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.
The Power of a Vertical Relationship
October 30, 2016 • Dr Charles Kyker
We all experience difficult times in life. No one is exempt from seasons of weakness, sorrow, discouragement, and brokenness—moments when we need help and support from others. The Lord knows this. He “knows how weak we are; He remembers we are only dust”. And a true friend is a gift, in fact, “a real friend sticks closer than a brother” when times get hard (see Proverbs 18:24b). The Lord designed us to be in community because He wants us to remember He is God and we are not, and within a community of love, a healthy friendship is a reflection of His goodness. When we are there for each other during difficult times, the love, sup-port and encouragement we receive from one another is like fuel from heaven, energy we desperately need to keep moving forward and up-ward.
The Power of Horizontal Relationships
October 23, 2016 • Pastor Harley Scalf
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 Connecting
October 16, 2016 • Dr Charles Kyker
Both science and the Bible tell us that human beings are unique in that we are spirit, mind, and body. The Bible further explains how we are created in the image of the living God with the ability to love, think, reason, and express ourselves creatively. Also, like our triune God, we are designed to be in community, interdependent upon other human beings as we develop and mature. Life is all about relationships. Healthy relationships are not only satisfying, but life-giving and absolutely crucial if we are going to excel physically, spiritually, intellectually, and emotionally. “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend” (Proverbs 27:17).Christ calls His followers to make a difference by using the spiritual gifts He has given us—by sincerely loving and serving others in His name. The church becomes a winsome influence when we love: “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples” (John 13:35). Although we all have seasons of struggle, Jesus wants us to be mature as we help one another along. He wants us to keep the cause of Christ ever before us and focus on His mission to reach lost people around us.