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"To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven". Ecclesiastes 3:1

As the seasons change, I awoke this morning and enjoyed the crisp air as I took Coco Chennel (the family dog) out to do her business. Fall is, without a doubt, my favorite season. Once again, the change in seasons inspired and reminded me about the importance of preparing for and not being afraid to face challenges and change.

For today's Discipleship Devotional, I would like to summarize what I shared with the audience I recently spoke to during the Printers Row Lit Fest in Chicago, IL. I reminded the people that, like seasons change, so does life. Some things in life we control, and others are beyond our control. I reminded the audience that when it comes to conflict, it can be a lot like changing seasons; whether we like it or not, change still comes. The same can be said about conflict. Situations and circumstances change; some we are prepared for, others we are not. The good news is, just as there are things we can do to prepare for seasonal changes, there is knowledge we can acquire and skills we can practice to manage better or resolve conflicts within and with others. 

I want to leave you with a few words from my book, Conflicts Within: "If your questions are not understood, confronted, properly managed, or resolved, your past will continue to dictate your present and fill your future with many more questions and uncertainties. Instead of managing or mastering conflict, conflict will manage or master you."

What changes do you need to make in your life? How many unresolved/unmanaged conflicts are you now facing? Remember, self-identification is key to your brand and identity. Knowing who you are, where you stand, and to whom you belong will empower you with the ability to:

  • Respond to your critics.
  • Handle your conflicts rather than allow conflicts to handle you, and
  • Maintain your own brand (identity) rather than surrender your brand (identity) to others. 

As you prepare for what life has in store for you today, please keep this Discipleship Devotional in your heart, mind, and spirit. Remember, "Self-identification... enables you to confront conflicts within and with others boldly, bravely face the aftershocks of grief, loss, and separation, and gracefully face the bitterness, anger, unforgiveness, and any other life-management challenges you face." 

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