Dr. Reed taught me that expressing my perspective makes me opinionated but understanding someone else’s makes me educated.
By E. Ken Harmon
Some time ago, I attended Dr. Harry Reed’s African-American History class at Michigan State University. I felt confident in the class and in the papers I had to write. I had already earned over 40 credits in African-American culture, covering history, sociology, geography, social economics, social psychology, and family studies. However, when I got my paper back, my grade was, well, less than impressive.
Wisdom #1 - Understanding is Not Agreeing
Dr. Reed permitted me to revise the paper. When we met again, I was extremely frustrated. He mentioned that I needed a counter-narrative. A counter-narrative isn't just another theoretical framework supporting my view but rather an opposing perspective. Since I was validating and arguing 'against slavery,' he suggested somewhere in my paper, that I present a counter framework arguing 'for slavery.' This seemed absurd to me, as I don't support any perspective 'for' slavery. He explained, “I’m not asking you to agree with it. Just understand it.”
Dr. Reed taught me that expressing my perspective makes me opinionated but understanding someone else’s makes me educated.
It’s not simply a matter of agreeing or not agreeing with a particular idea, philosophy, or strategy; rather, it is fundamentally about achieving a deeper understanding of the underlying principles and nuances involved. Understanding is crucial in counseling, in ministry, and in life. This comprehension is crucial for effective application, which in turn can lead to greater victories in various contexts, whether they be personal, professional, or communal.
Understanding allows individuals (and groups) to assess situations more accurately, enabling them to make informed decisions that are not merely based on surface-level agreement or disagreement. When people engage in thoughtful analysis, they can identify the strengths and weaknesses of different perspectives, which fosters a more robust dialogue. This dialogue is essential for collaboration, as it encourages diverse viewpoints to be considered and integrated into a cohesive strategy.
Moreover, when a group prioritizes understanding over mere agreement, it cultivates an environment of trust and respect and they feel valued for their insights, leading to enhanced morale and a collective commitment to achieving shared goals. Psalm 119:144 shares, "Give me understanding that I may live." Understanding forms a collaborative atmosphere can spark creativity and innovation, as team members are more likely to share their ideas and suggestions freely, knowing that their contributions will be met with consideration rather than dismissal.
Furthermore, a focus on understanding can also lead to more effective conflict resolution. In any group dynamic, disagreements are inevitable; however, when individuals strive to comprehend each other's perspectives, they can navigate conflicts more constructively. Rather than allowing disagreements to escalate into unproductive arguments, a mutual understanding can pave the way for compromises and solutions that benefit all parties involved.
Resource: Life-Changing Cross-Cultural Friendships, Gary Chapman and (my friend) Clarence Shuler.
Wisdom #2 - A Present Pain May be for a Future Purpose
After that class, I intensely disliked Dr. Reed. I found him difficult and, lacking a Greek or Hebrew term, he sucked. I genuinely believed his aim was to make me fail no matter what I did. I revised every paper in his class multiple times. This was challenging because my pride led me to believe I was an exceptional writer; or so I thought. Dr. Reed was simply tough.
Coaches, the military, and even large corporations recognize the profound principle of resilience and the necessity of facing adversity in order to foster growth and development. This understanding is often encapsulated in the idea that challenges and hardships serve as critical training grounds for individuals, allowing them to build strength, character, and the skills needed to excel in their respective fields. However, it appears that many Christians may not fully grasp or embrace this concept, which is deeply rooted in their own faith tradition.
The early disciples of Jesus Christ encountered a multitude of severe trials, including stoning, beatings, and expulsion from towns, which were not merely random acts of violence but rather significant experiences that shaped their identities and missions.
Each of these harrowing encounters was a lesson in perseverance, courage, and unwavering faith. For instance, when faced with the threat of stoning, the disciples had to confront their fears and reaffirm their commitment to their beliefs. These experiences were not only physically taxing but also spiritually formative, as they forced the disciples to rely on their faith and each other in the face of overwhelming opposition.
Moreover, the repeated instances of persecution served to strengthen their resolve and deepen their understanding of their mission. As they endured hardships, they began to embody the teachings of Jesus more fully, learning to love their enemies and to forgive those who wronged them. This transformation was crucial in preparing them to take on the monumental roles of Apostles, where they would be tasked with spreading the message of Christianity to the far corners of the earth.
The trials faced by the disciples were essential experiences that equipped them with the wisdom, resilience, and spiritual fortitude needed for their future endeavors. Like coaches and military leaders preparing individuals through challenges, early Christians were molded into leaders capable of inspiring others and spreading their faith despite adversity. This legacy of endurance highlights the importance of embracing challenges, a principle that could greatly benefit the Christian community if fully recognized and applied.
Tough prepares you for purpose and success. I didn't know then that much of my purpose would be writing. God did so He sent a Dr. Reed.
You Cannot Get to the Promise Land without going through the Desert.
During my time as a student at M.S.U., I never spoke with Dr. Reed again although we were in the same circles. Years later, however, I called him to express my gratitude. Understanding a perspective you disagree with can be difficult. Marriages and nations have crumbled because of this. Hard work is challenging, but it prepares you for purpose and success. At the time, I didn't realize that writing would become a major part of my purpose. Yet, God knew and sent Dr. Reed, among others, to help me develop my writing skills.
If you're like me, we desire the promised land but not the desert. We are annointed King but then have to face giants. Yet Hebrews 12:11 reminds us that, "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it."
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