What doesn't kill me only makes me stronger

On Wednesday, I had the pleasure of going to see Donald Miller at Hope Church. He is promoting his latest book, A Million Miles in a Thousand Years. Ever since reading, Blue Like Jazz, Don (we shook hands and shared an awkward joke, I can call him Don) has been one of my favorite "Christian" authors. He presents the Christian life in a raw, earthy way- nothing is sugar coated. I also highly recommend another of his works, Searching for God Knows What.

Anyway, Don's latest book is about making his life into a movie based on Blue Like Jazz. What a humbling thought... packing a life into twoish hours. A movie on my life would be incredibly boring. This has always been true, but I have never wanted to admit it. During his talk, Don made clear why my life is lame. Conflict. I have always fought my very hardest to avoid conflict of any type. Growing up, my brother, Scott, and I never fought. Ever. In fact, on more than one occasion, his best friend DS would look at both of us and say, "fight or something." I always thought (and still think) that this was a great thing, we just got along really well and had pretty chill dispositions. I also didn't have much of the typical teenage girl drama. I can only recall doing a few really mean things in Middle School (sorry, Britani). Most of my time was spent avoiding or appeasing the drama.

Don, however, noted that without conflict, life is not beautiful or inspirational. Conflict makes us feel things we don't want to feel. Conflict makes us grow and change as human beings. So my frantic running from fights, uncomfortable situations, letting others down, and not sticking up for myself has prevented some degree of growth. Sad.

So... I am working on slowing my roll when it comes to conflict. This will not be overnight. But I am going to tell you what I really think, give my opinion, and even say "no" when it is necessary. Challenges, I welcome you with (half) open arms, because I know that you are what makes life beautiful.