It’s been over a week since my surgery and time for me to pick up where Frank left up with updates. It’s a bit risky for me to be doing this, since I’m still on pain meds (meaning loopy), which can result in some rather confused messages. Evidently I sent some incomprehensible text messages when I was in the hospital—fortunately, only to family. I’m counting on Amy Lauger to protect me from myself. Right now, I’m in recovery mode and so grateful to be on this side of surgery. Thank you so much for praying and for your encouraging notes. Recovery is going slower than I would like, although not slower than normal. Besides getting a lot of rest and reading, I’m also getting good exercise. The past four days I’ve been outside walking and enjoying warm spring weather. Frank and my cousin Karen are taking good care of me. Friends at Biblical Seminary are providing wonderful meals. Please keep us in your prayers. Means a lot to both of us. Carolyn
Carolyn Update # 9
A message from Carolyn herself!
Missio Alliance Comment Policy
The Missio Alliance Writing Collectives exist as a ministry of writing to resource theological practitioners for mission. From our Leading Voices to our regular Writing Team and those invited to publish with us as Community Voices, we are creating a space for thoughtful engagement of critical issues and questions facing the North American Church in God’s mission. This sort of thoughtful engagement is something that we seek to engender not only in our publishing, but in conversations that unfold as a result in the comment section of our articles.
Unfortunately, because of the relational distance introduced by online communication, “thoughtful engagement” and “comment sections” seldom go hand in hand. At the same time, censorship of comments by those who disagree with points made by authors, whose anger or limited perspective taints their words, or who simply feel the need to express their own opinion on a topic without any meaningful engagement with the article or comment in question can mask an important window into the true state of Christian discourse. As such, Missio Alliance sets forth the following suggestions for those who wish to engage in conversation around our writing:
1. Seek to understand the author’s intent.
If you disagree with something the an author said, consider framing your response as, “I hear you as saying _________. Am I understanding you correctly? If so, here’s why I disagree. _____________.
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We deeply desire and value the voice and perspective of our readers. However you may react to an article we publish or a fellow commenter, we encourage you to set forth that reaction is the most constructive way possible. Use your voice and perspective to move conversation forward rather than shut it down.
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One of our favorite tenants is that “an enemy is someone whose story we haven’t heard.” Very often disagreements and rants are the result of people talking past rather than to one another. Everyone’s perspective is intimately bound up with their own stories – their contexts and experiences. We encourage you to couch your comments in whatever aspect of your own story might help others understand where you are coming from.
In view of those suggestions for shaping conversation on our site and in an effort to curate a hospitable space of open conversation, Missio Alliance may delete comments and/or ban users who show no regard for constructive engagement, especially those whose comments are easily construed as trolling, threatening, or abusive.