A famous dinosaur you may know from 'Toy Story' shares this personal weakness with his fellow toys(other than having arms that are too short as well!)

 If I could coin a phrase for my life I would think  this one is close to the top. I have memories of growing up with my sister and parents which involved confrontation. I was intimidated by all of them for sure. When we had disagreements they weren't technically resolved but pushed under the carpet. We didn't  talk  through them in a sensible manner face to face. Rather a pat 'sorry' would be offered and perhaps a note (which is rather one-sided, don't you think?) Thus I never mastered the art of 'arguing successfully' ,'arguing fairly' ie, no unkind words,' and 'no physical intimidation.' Since being married to my sweet husband I have been reminded on more than one occasion that this does not make for successful communication! Is there anything worse than being toe to toe with someone in a heated battle where tempers fly and faces are flushed? Then moving on to the silent treatment or seething in bitterness and erupting later.......this whole area of life gives me such an unpleasant feeling in the pit of my stomach. It's kind of like an ache or a festering paper cut. Sometimes it's much worse depending on how much I love the person, and if I have wronged them. Other times it has been to defend what is right, but then I have gotten angry when responded to in anger. How can I as a Christian successfully converse and work through things? When the topics are close to the heart and of a tender nature the more intimidating it becomes. Jesus is the ultimate communicator. He is seen all throughout the gospels patiently dealing with his disciples and others who don't often get the big picture, or are too concerned with their own defence or agenda.  I don't think anyone likes confrontation, (if they are truthful)but this is an area I must come to accept as 'being.' I also must find a  way to deal with it as Christ would. The only way to do that is through tonnes of prayer and by reading about the one who knows best. How ironic is it that the ultimate (and unavoidable) 'confrontation' will come on judgment day. There will be no silent treatments, notes written etc. Thankfully, I have a Saviour who will stand in my place for that confrontation and say 'forgiven', ' I stand in the place of her sin.' How fabulous that is!  I could melt into a puddle right now thinking of the God of the universe asking me about .....everything, and having no answer. But, while I am on this earth I cannot hide, the confrontations will come...... So onward and upward as 'they' say.    (p.s.  another famous phrase I would coin as well.... from the 'Muppet's Christmas Carol' the little mouse said, " And I am here for the food!."