1612) I admit it, I am terrified of conflict. When I taught high school, if there was a fight among some students, it unnerved me for hours.

I dislike conflict and will do almost anything to avoid it. Sometimes this is good as I might not be able to do anything positive in the situation, but there are other times when I should face it head-on.

Proverbs 15:18 reminds us that those who have a heated temper stir up nothing but strife, but those who are slow to anger bring a needed calm.

I find it difficult to be a beacon of calm when inside my body there’s nothing but adrenaline and fear. This doesn’t mean I can’t take the steps toward calm. I believe practicing this is essential. Despite my trembling hands, I can still speak with a calm voice. My ability to choose the right words can defuse a tense situation, even if my tone gives away my feelings, after all, the verse does not say to do these things only when you feel calm. That’s good news. I’m not sure I’ll ever be calm in conflict.

As God’s children, we can be beacons of calm amid conflict. Make the choice to let this light shine out of your voice, and choices no matter what you feel inside.