Pastor B.J. Knefley

I recently had the opportunity to witness a challenging and delicate situation transform into a heartwarming story of neighbors coming together to support one another. In one moment, there was anger, distrust, accusations, fear, and hostility. In the next, there was peace, calm, and a desire to work together for a common good. I walk away with hope—hope for our communities and our world.

It all started with one family mistrusting everyone, especially the authorities. They set boundaries and dared anyone to cross them. They hired legal help against those they believed had wronged them. They took their battle to anyone willing to listen. They truly felt everyone was against them and their way of life. But in the end, patience and love proved more decisive. How did that happen? It was when the right people said the right things and asked the right questions.

I’ve said many times that we are most dangerous to _______ when we’re right. Fill in the blank—because whatever you put there, it’s true. In this case, many good and well-meaning people had some right ideas, but those ideas ultimately caused and spread more fear and distrust among the very people they intended to help. Everything was at a standstill, and neither side was willing to budge. Ultimately, it was the children who, with some well-chosen words, sparked a healing process that soon involved neighbors and the entire city. It became a story of hope—hope that, no matter the situation, peace can be achieved, community can flourish, and even the most challenging problems can be solved. The key ingredient is for the right people to sit down and communicate. In this case, communication meant seeking and offering forgiveness. It also meant truly listening to what others had to say—active listening.

In the end, stories like this are what we need. We need hope that our communities and the world can change. Personally, I believe it’s possible, but it must start with my home and me. Someone has to take the first step. Think about it.