I want to share something that we've been talking a lot about in the persuasive writing class I'm taking right now. We've been talking about a therapist named Carl Rogers, who developed a theory of communication that has been applied to persuasive writing. Its a pretty interesting form of persuasion because unlike other methods that seek present an opinion and bring others to that opinion, using Rogerian theory means that the writer is open to being persuaded themselves. According to Rogers in the process of getting to know one's audience through "genuineness (openness and self-disclosure), acceptance (being seen with unconditional positive regard), and empathy (being listened to and understood)", one's own ideas on an issue may change, a risk that one takes in seeking to understand the other side.
As part of our discussion, we watched this video. I was struck by it and just really liked it a lot and wanted to share it with you. I really like what she says at the end about how connection mades things better. I feel like connection does make things better, even if it means that we get a little bit vulnerable and open ourselves to the sharing and bearing of hard-to-handle emotions, both our own and those with whom we connect.
This continued and I thought about empathy and how Jesus Christ came to empathize with us, to be able to understand and share our feelings. I love what is written of Him in the scriptures, especially about His role in our lives. Alma shares it so beautifully:
"And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people. And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities. Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me."
I know that He is there to connect with us always. I am so grateful for the invitation that He extends to be yoked with Him and to take on the challenges in our lives with Him by our side. I've recently had a really unhelpful habit of comparing myself with others and one day, it became clear that the Savior's invitation "Follow me" is between me and Him. My connection with Christ and my decision to follow Him is not based on what happens around me or what others are doing or not doing. Its me keeping my eyes on Him and doing what I feel is what He would do in the situations that I encounter.
Remembering this, I feel to say with Paul, "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." Its so personal. He is waiting for us--for me and for you--to come, to give grace and mercy and help as we--you and I--seek it. I love that and know that He is waiting out of love, that He is the epitome of genuineness, acceptance, and empathy. It is so beautiful.
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