Now What?: How to Move Forward When We're Divided (About Basically Everything)

by Sarah Stewart Holland, Beth Silvers

Overview

From friendships to Facebook to far-off countries, what do we do when our lives seem mired in conflict? How do we find connection when our differences are constantly on display and even exacerbated by algorithms and echo chambers? How do we build a kinder society?

If you are tired of the anxiety, frustration, and fear that pervade your connections with other people, both online and in real life, Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers want you to know one thing—you are not alone. In this book they will help you understand the powerful connections you have with other people on a personal, community-based, national, and even international level. Then they show you how to

- engage your family with a spirit of curiosity
- listen closely to the anxieties and fears of your friends
- explore shared values within your community
- understand your work as a citizen in a diverse country
- hold lightly those things that are beyond your control around the world

The status quo isn't working. If you long to be a peacemaker and a positive influence in your spheres, Now What? is your door to a future that is characterized by hope, love, and connection despite our differences.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780800740801
Publisher:	Baker Publishing Group
Publication date:	05/03/2022
Pages:	240
Sales rank:	1,086,199
Product dimensions:	5.30(w) x 8.60(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers cohost the popular podcast Pantsuit Politics and coauthored I Think You're Wrong (But I'm Listening): A Guide to Grace-Filled Political Conversation. Both Sarah and Beth attended Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky, and later received their Juris Doctors (Sarah from American University and Beth from the University of Kentucky).

Sarah began her career as a congressional staffer, campaign aide, and blogger and social media consultant. She lives in Paducah, Kentucky, where she served a term as a city commissioner and sits on the board of numerous civic organizations. Beth has practiced law and served as a human resources executive and business coach. Beth lives in Union, Kentucky, and serves on several local boards of directors. Sarah and Beth speak frequently to universities, businesses, and civic organizations about improving political dialogue.

Sarah shares life with her spouse, Nicholas, and children Griffin, Amos, and Felix; Beth with her spouse, Chad, and children Jane and Ellen. Sarah's dog, Cookie, and Beth's dog, Lucy, are beloved and frequent contributors to their work.

Learn more at www.pantsuitpoliticsshow.com.

Table of Contents

Introduction 13

Part 1 Those Closest to Us 20

1 Our Families of Origin: Don't Question Grandma and Other Unwritten Rules 23

2 The Families We Create: We Are More Than Our Opinions about Julia Roberts 47

3 Raising Citizens: "Everything's Going to Be All Right" and Other Lies We Tell Kids 67

4 Friendships: Best Friends Forever … or Until We Disagree 85

5 Workplaces: From the Food Chain to the Garden 103

Part 2 Those Farther Away 120

6 Community-Churches and Nonprofits and Schools: Why Churches Don't Belong on Yelp 123

7 Local and State Government: Culture Wars and Poop 151

8 National Politics: You Deal with Your Pain Your Way, I Deal with My Pain Mine 167

9 Social Media: Twitter Ain't Church, but a Group Might Be Good for Your Soul 183

10 Global Politics: Future Problem-Solving Forever 201

Conclusion 217

Appendix: When Connections Are Too Toxic and Need to Be Severed 223

Acknowledgments 227

Notes 229