Talk like an ambassador (Eph 4:29-30). 1)Consider the person (only what is helpful for building others up) 2) Consider the problem (according to their needs) 3) Consider the process (that it may benefit those who listen)

She needed what most colored girls needed: a chorus of mamas, grandmamas, aunts, cousins, sisters, neighbors, Sunday school teachers, best girl friends, and what all to give her the strength life demanded of her—and the humor with which to live it.

He wanted her in that room with him giving him the balance he was losing, the ballast and counterweight to the stone of sorrow New York City had given him.

Of all of the places on the planet, your marriage should be that one place where you are encouraged, reminded of your strengths, and given the motivation you need to live out those strengths well.

Let your words and actions be seasoned with encouragement so others are stronger after being with you.

God wants the church to be a community where real people in real relationships are meeting real needs in real ways. God did not create the church simply as a classroom where you get instruction or as a theater where you come to watch a performance.

There's a way out for you personally. And you can lead by example. Let's put you in a position to celebrate the positive. It's easy to get trapped talking about what's bad, but after today, we are no longer going to choose easy. We are going to decide to celebrate the positive. Together, let's change the narrative and talk about what's good.

theology is the serious and joyful attempt to live blessedly with others, before God, in Christ, through the Spirit

Christian identity, the role disciples have been called to play, requires being with others. It takes two or three gathered in Christ's name fully to represent him. It takes a company.

In the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, for in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed.

when someone believes in you before you deserve it, it transforms you.

I've often found myself in circumstances that were too big for me. But I've never faced anything in life that was too big for my family.