Marianne Lewis

And then I think from changing the question to the separating connection, how do you start to walk the tightrope and learn through this process?

Because it is such a journey.

So you're not looking for a one-off answer

You know it's going to continue.

You're going to make a decision today, but in paradoxical tensions, the underlying issue is going to resurface, and that's okay.

That's some of how we build some awareness of what's working in our world, what's working for ourselves, and I think build that strength.

Well, I would say one way really is the beautiful framing that your pastor provided.

It has to start with some love and compassion, at the very least respect.

Arthur Brooks writes an interesting book called Love Your Enemies, where he really talks about this polarization fostering a culture of contempt and that there are

antidote to that is compassion.

So I appreciate your story very much, Heather, because I think it has to start with taking the deep breath and listening, understanding, tell me what you're hearing, but more importantly, tell me what you're thinking.

Where do you come from?

Because in an issue such as abortion, we're all coming from very particular backgrounds, the way we've been raised, sometimes some very personal experiences.

I think if we share and start with the point of being human,

we have a much better chance of actually working through the defensiveness and listening.

And I do say it goes back to starting with the question.

I mean, so much, we're all reading lots of points of view in this.

And how are you framing this?

I mean, I saw, you know, I've seen a couple of different, just diametrically opposed articles.

One saying, you know, help me understand why you're not for abortion rights, right?