All human beings share a fundamental need to be heard.  Yet, while we live in a society that bombards us with messages twenty-four hours a day, the majority of Twenty-first Century Americans long for that one person who will truly listen to their thoughts, fears, and ideas.

Even today’s families seem too busy to listen.  The average teenager spends less than ten minutes a day in meaningful conversation with his or her parents.  Couples spend on the average of five minutes a day communicating with one another while shut-ins who live alone may go a week or longer without actually speaking to another human being!  And what about those seemingly lucky few who always seem to be surrounded by friends and conversation?  Many of them report that. While everyone is talking, no one is listening!  

So, how should the church address this issue?  How can people of faith become instruments of change?  Do we need to direct our pastors to preach more sermons and our teachers to conduct more lessons on the importance of listening?  Or could it be the greatest gift we can offer is the gift of holy listening to those who come our way.