Open Doors & Open Hearts
Table Talk
Setting the Table
You are welcome here. Come just as you are, bringing whatever is on your heart today. Take a few moments and allow yourself to just be. Take a couple deep breaths, grab yourself a cup of coffee, light a candle, do something that brings you comfort. Allow yourself to be present in this moment.
Lead with love, listen with curiosity, and trust that the right doors will open for you to walk through.
Speak the truth in love. And when in doubt, just love.
— Bob Goff
1 Peter 3:15
But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.
Proverbs 16:24
Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
Food for Thought
Part of what I do in my profession is build relationships and bring people together by identifying commonalities among them.
I have found this fairly easy to do, as people made by the same creator share so many amazing and mysterious similarities in this very small world we live in. I bet we share some commonalities! For example, maybe you’ve shared in the thoughts I have had towards the savage inventor of high heels, especially at the end of a wedding reception, where saying no to group dances, like the electric slide or the Wobble, is never a reasonable option. Yes? Ok, and if you’re a parent, maybe you’ve questioned the school decision makers who schedule complex dress-up days like “Dr. Seuss Hair Day,” in which you have two waking hours to prepare a determined 9-year-old. Am I right? See, we may be more alike than we think.
In all seriousness though, I say all this to say that I am confident in the many parallels I share with others at my literal and figurative table. And yet, as we discover our similarities, we also continue to encounter our differences.
I am more mindful now than ever of the number of people who surround me who don’t share my faith.
Perhaps you have a similar spiritual journey to mine. My family took up secondary residence at the church, gracing the doors most anytime they were open, including but not limited to Wednesday nights and twice on Sunday. My early faith was shaped and fueled by like-minded Christians around every “cornerstone” – a little Psalm 118:22 humor.
Similar to almost every human, as I aged, my physical radius increased, and with it, the scope of people I was exposed to expanded — and with that, I’ve been determined to stay curious about the ideas and opinions of others. I’ve found it’s best to “catch flies with honey” versus swinging the proverbial towel aggressively and whizzing them away with overbearing confidence in my own personal views.
I have found that the opposite of that aggressive towel swing is allowing the natural progression of a genuine faith conversation. When you’re open to learning more about differing beliefs you don’t shoo away but you welcome in. And by asking sincere and engaging questions about a person’s faith, we are also prompted to share our own faith when the time is right.
These discussions about different religions and even the questions from others about my faith have only fueled my desire to deepen my own personal understanding of God and the love of Christ.
When discussing personal beliefs with others, I have learned to expect the unexpected, and I have found that to prepare for the unexpected, I must open myself to the heart of God - a heart that is loving, and kind, and always welcoming.
I do this prayerfully, asking God to align my opportunities for conversations about faith with those who have warm and open hearts to hear me. I pray for open doors and open hearts, and then I try to be aware of when those opportunities present themselves so that I can walk through those doors or pull up seats to the table where we meet one another with genuine care and curiosity.
It’s time for Christians to put away the towel (unless it is for washing feet) and pull out the honey. It is time for us to meet others with love, to extend care, to engage with curiosity, and to greet others with welcome remembering we are all made by the same creator.
And so, this is my call to action, both for myself and for you. Pray for God to open the right doors to share your faith and your reason for hope. Then, watch as the doors swing open. Pray for conversations where open hearts and open minds can meet in ways that share God’s deep love for the world. Look for ways to offer that love and welcome yourself. Maybe you send a screenshot of a verse or devotion encouraging a friend who is struggling. Or ask someone who is interested in knowing more about God if they would like to visit your church with you. We do not know all of a person’s journey, but God has called us to be those who plant seeds of God’s love, and you could be planting a seed of love and faith that will sprout in God’s time.
Invite a diverse group of neighbors, co-workers, or community members to gather for a potluck-style dinner where you provide a safe space for sharing a part of their life or faith journey—whatever they’re comfortable with. Maybe it’s just a shared human experience like parenting struggles, career stress, joy, grief, and yes, even high heels at weddings!
If you prefer a written type of expression, try writing anonymous letters of encouragement, blessings, or prayers to your neighbors, co-workers, or even strangers.
For a printable version of today's reflection Click Here!
Blessing
Dear God,
Thank you for giving us a reason for hope. Help us to share that same hope with others. Prepare the hearts and minds of those around us so that we might have conversations that help deepen our faith. Give us discernment to know when the time is right and a humble confidence in sharing the beautiful story of who you are and how you love each one of us.
Amen.
A little Table Talk for your table...
Consider your own experiences where faith conversations have felt natural versus forced. What made the difference?
How can we better recognize and respond to the “open doors” and “open hearts” God places in our path? What are some practical ways to stay spiritually aware and emotionally available in everyday conversations?
Why do you think approaching others with “honey” instead of a “towel” is essential in today’s world? What does that look like to you?
Try taking it to the Kids Table...
Have your kiddos share about a time when someone listened to them kindly? How did it make them feel? What did that look like?
Make a list together of clues that tell us when someone might need a kind word or a reminder that God loves them?
Ask your group why it is better to be sweet and gentle (like honey) when we talk about our faith instead of being pushy or loud? How do people usually respond when we are patient and loving instead of trying to force them to agree with us?
Meet This WEek’s Writer...
Brittani Bunce is a born and raised South Carolinian. She loves calling the Palmetto State of smiling faces and beautiful places home. Brittani became a Bunce when she married her husband and best friend Adam in 2008. Together they share two amazing children who keep them laughing and on the go. A former middle school teacher of 10 years, Brittani began developing the talent of adults in the business world and now serves as Director of Operations for a Columbia insurance firm. Recruiting, talent development and leadership coaching are among the many highlights of her role. Brittani enjoys crafting, ice cream, writing, staying active and any chance to travel with family and friends.
To hear more from Brittani throughout the week, follow along on our Instagram!