How to Respond, Not React

Have you ever reacted in the moment only to regret it later? Our reactions to the unexpected can bring further chaos, but when we slow down and take the time to respond we make room for a constructive way forward. In this episode I dive further into the difference between reacting and responding and how whichever one you choose will set a distinct tone in the room. I hope you will join me for the conversation!

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[sonyaroland]

I love your differentiation: reaction is the thermometer that reads the room, response is thermostat that sets the room. Sets the temperature.

[deniserenewashington]

My father taught us that
"Fewer words are more powerful than many words spoken" Thank you for sharing words of wisdom from the Father above 🙏🏿🙌🏾❤

[LindaKLee]

Crystal this video is so good!
It is taking my breath away, I grew up in a home that was reactionary.
I was a teenager who was reactionary, a young mother and wife who was reactionary, and it has taken me to get in my latter 50s to finally make a turn.
My latter will be greater and it is never too late to change for the better.
I thank God for you your ministry and your messages!!!🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[santranettebillingsley]

This was a much needed word for me, as I tend to react and be emotionally lead instead of responding after I've given myself time to think first. Thanks Chrystal, I'm a work in progress.

[vickipalmer]

I feel like I react daily and regret it every single time. So, this video was tremendously helpful to me. I am learning how to take my time to respond to things and give ample time to collect my thoughts before speaking. Thank you so very much for this life-giving/life-changing video.

[jnellp]

This message was for me. I will admit I'm guilty of "retreating" in the form of ghosting because of my own issues and fear of being hurt. In return I hurt someone I care about. Thank God I was able to amend the situation. I was able to leave the situation and uplift someone I respect and have love for. Thank you Lord!🙏🏿

[rosejohnson]

This was excellent! I’ve always had a hard time expressing myself because it’s not something I learned to do throughout my youth. It caused me to sit back and not offer my views, opinions and set boundaries. But then I’d explode when I did try to express myself.

I’ve made a commitment to be more expressive and to do it in a way that is not destructive. I do have a very hard time not giving the same energy I get back though. I went through something recently where I was not gentle with my tone because I felt I was being spoken to unkindly. As you said, I want to own and know who I am. I want to be able to stay in MY element despite the circumstances.

This truly blessed me and let’s know it’s what God wants me to work on. He’s pressing me with these difficult situations so I can overcome them and speak life and encouragement even when I’m not receiving that.

Anyone reading this I pray for your journey and please pray for mine. ❤️

[a.hudson]

This is so good! I’m in a very emotional season. The past few weeks have been full of me reacting when I should have been responding. I’m going to rewatch with a few times so that I can carry this message with me moving forward. Thank you for teaching!

[marianburris]

My 1st time listening to you, yes, I’m a reactor and responding right is usually too late. I will take heed and thank you, God Bless your ministry in Christ. We all now know Wisdom is the principal thing, get wisdom that I’ve done today. Thank you so, so much. God knows I need this structure teaching.

[suporiaa]

I LOVED the part about responding vs reacting even with good things. Last week my boss sent me an email and it said “thoughts?” With an email chain attached. I immediately reacted - going into overdrive the whole night to find the right answer. The next day, when speaking with an expert on the topic, I realize I missed a critical piece of info & it changed what was needed. If I’d responded with a QUESTION instead of reacting, I could’ve saved myself a night of restlessness.

This was GOOD!!!!

[FABFORTY]

This was a timely message for today. Yesterday I received a text message out of the blue from a friend that I hadn't heard from in months. I love her dearly however conversations always center around getting married and weight. True to form -Keeping she opens with, “ hey girl, you married yet?” I reacted and said hello, I am complete❤️❤️❤️. How have you been?”
To which she replied, “what does that mean?” I have YET to respond. What I wanted to text was: WHY DOES EVERY CONVERSATION BEGIN WITH AN INQUIRY OF MY RELATIONSHIP STATUS??? (btw, she is twice divorced, and single). I don't feel that would have left her whole😔. So grateful that I did not take it further. I appreciate this discussion.🙌🏾

[mrschisholm]

Definitely will listen to this again and again. I need Gods help in this area especially when confronting a situation more than once.

[onelove]

Affirming word.. this was affirmation for me dealing with the loss of my mother and my response to a troubled situation with my sibling.. Lord thank you.

[OG_Genesis]

This is so good. I needed this currently in the season that I am in. I've asked God to help me in a few areas in my life and I can physically and spiritually recognize when the devil is trying to knock me off my game in those specific areas. I'm learning to respond and not react at work and at home. I try to train my mind to remember that we do not wrestle with flesh and blood but with principalities. So like Ms. Crystal said, a lot of times what you want to react to, has nothing to do with you. And when I take a breath and not react but respond in the correct way, it makes me feel like I have won against the enemy.
Thanks for this ms crystal. I needed this right now.

[ubiquity]

You have no idea how much this video has helped me. I had a "situation" today where I was very insulted, offended, hurt and angered. My immediate response was to cut some people off, which is what I usually do. I just cut people off and don't look at it from their perspective. But I know God wanted me to hear this because I need to be more mature and less emotional. Thank you so very much. 🙏🏽

[reina]

Thank you Chrystal! Yesterday, I was proud of myself for not reacting, but responding when my car was towed for parking just over the white line at my apartment complex. I was on my way to church. I prayed and caught a ride. Got my car back with little money I had! Glory to God! ❤

[propellingonpurpose]

The problem with reaction is it ends with regret !!! that part!

[kishabethany]

I had this on my "watch later" list because I KNEW I wanted to watch this with no interruptions. This is soooo good. I'm saving this to listen again. Thank you for your ministry Chrystal ♥️

[NaturalMonty]

5/5/22: This is good stuff!! I love every word, lesson Chrystal, Priscilla and of course Dr. Tony Evans brings to us. What a God centered family.

[emilysjoys]

Such a great lesson. We let people get the best of us emotionally and react. So good thank you.