K-Love

K-Love is a christian radio station that I listen to a fair amount, and have started supporting in the six months or so.

I just want to commend them – they called me out of the blue, to ask if I had any prayer requests.

How awesome is that?

What this world needs

People aren’t confused by the gospel, they’re confused by us.

Jesus is the only way to God, but we are NOT the only way to Jesus.

This world doesn’t need my tie, my hoodie my denomination or my translation of the bible.

They just need Jesus.

We can be passionate about what we believe, but we can’t strap ourselves to the gospel.

‘Cuz we’re slowing it down.

Jesus is going to save the world.

But maybe the best thing we can do…

… is just to get out of the way.

– Casting Crowns, What this world needs

Emotional Needs

As part of my therapy sessions, we’ve been discussing emotional needs.

One of the statements made, is that in order to have a relationship between two people, you have to really understand and buy into the following three statements about emotional needs:

  • Everybody has emotional needs
  • It is okay to have emotional needs
  • It is good to have your emotional needs met

By “understand” I don’t just mean that you have to read them and agree to it on some superficial level – you have to really believe it. In your heart, not just your head.

From this list:

  • Attention
  • Acceptance
  • Appreciation
  • Affirmation
  • Affection
  • Comfort
  • Encouragement
  • Respect
  • Security
  • Support
  • Understanding

… it appears that my top three emotional needs are respect, acceptance and understanding.

What are yours?

How authentic are you?

Something that’s been on my mind a lot the last few months, is the concept of being authentic.

One of my struggles has always been the struggle between fully being myself, and being some slightly tempered-down version of me that is more palatable to people around me. (for any definition of “palatable”)

Especially in the workplace, where many people have expectations around you. Image, behavior, often opinions – you name it. We’re constantly pigeon-holed, whether we want it or not.

I don’t think it’s good to deny yourself, however little – so one of my nearer-term goals is to be more authentic.

Be more Dominic.

The world will surely quake.