Lesson Two: Taylor Reacts to Destiny’s Offense

Plans were going great for the women’s event until one particular team meeting. Taylor brought up a few of what she thought were good ideas. Destiny shot them down…each and every one.

That surprised and hurt Taylor. But she didn’t let on that she was hurt. She kept smiling and bottled up her hurt inside like she normally does. She prides herself on being a team player and doesn’t like to do anything to rock the boat. But she was hurt. And that hurt was starting to do its work.

She didn’t say much the rest of the meeting. She just let Destiny do her thing.

On the drive home, however, thoughts started to creep into Taylor’s heart. She thought about what went on at the meeting. She couldn’t get it out of her mind. Different strands began weaving a larger theme.

• She’s so bossy. I don’t like it. I don’t like it at all.
• She does this all the time. I’m not the only that she shuts down and treats like this.
• Destiny is so full of herself and thinks that she’s the only one with good ideas. She thinks that she’s better than everyone else.
• Probably I should just drop out of the team altogether. After all, I’m busy enough with my family, the kids’ after school activities and my Tuesday Bible study group. I’ve got a lot on my plate already.
• And on and on.

In the next lesson, you’ll discover how Christians typically mismanage conflict by letting it deepen and sowing discord. First, however, finish the balance of this lesson.