So here's the scene:

Your brother just received his degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Kansas with the highest honors while wowing the crowd with his eloquent words as this year's emcee. Imagine the feelings of pride and inspiration you feel as you watch your little brother walk across the stage embracing the top academics in a moment of gratitude for their participation in his accomplishments. You too are feeling fortunate to be a part of this emering leader's life. And then ...





What's your reaction? Your intial gut reaction?

These guys are extremely intelligent. This is a major liberal university in a conservative state. They know their message will create a wake among both the convservative and the liberal populations. It's a lesson in viral marketing for sure as they had everyone engaged and talking about their "brand" instantly.

The focus was immediately taken away from my brother. As I was calming my cousin down (a soldier who just returned from his Iraq tour), I began to understand the reason for his anger. He fought for and lost friends so that these individuals would have the freedom to voice their opinion. And in his mind, they were abusing a priveledge that others had sacrificed on behalf of.

As this was going down, my mom, dad and uncle were surrounding the ring leader, quoting Scripture and engaging in a heated theological debate. My reaction to this side-show sent me into a whirlwind of emotions. I was embarrassed. And then I felt guilty for being embarrassed about the fact that they were standing up for something I used to be so passionate about defending. I then felt certain that this was not the context in which this battle should be fought. I became very aware, within that 30 second internal dialogue, that when we have an agenda to change others, others won't change.

The protestors woke up with an agenda: to ruffle some feathers.
My family approached them with an agenda: to tell them they were wrong – according to Scripture.

Real conversation don't errupt from this kind of exchange (mainly because it's not an exchange).

Worst of all, those who didn't agree with the protestors, but didn't have a reason to "prove" them wrong, were left alone on the outside of the conflict, watching as a war broke out in a place that they were certain was meant for celebration and victory.

The truth is, the world is full of opinions, full of passionate individuals who will fight for just about anything. All the more reason for us to be certain of what we're willing to fight for at a moment where you may have influence on what others care about.

I'm curious:
How are you contributing to the growth of future generations?
What do people hear you saying?
Who are you influencing?
Do you create opportunities where even your "enemies" are open to conversations with you?