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About Gentle, Humorous Cattle Prodding
“Gentle, humorous cattle prods” are way more fun than the old-fashioned 500-volt- in-the-fanny variety. They require sweat equity, not cash. Fueled by a careful mix of love, research and thought, they are environmentally friendly; best of all, they work much as Horse Whisperer Monty Roberts does, with others, never abusing them.
Cartoonists Jim Lange, career editorial cartoonist for The Daily Oklahoman and Charles Schultz demonstrated the art of “gentle, humorous cattle prodding”. Excellent counselors, coaches and band directors seem to know exactly how to push for changes that build success and teach character.
Another name for this rare, arcane technique might be “inspiration”. Unfortunately, that term has become more frazzled than my husband’s favorite “Snoopy” t-shirt. “Encouragement” falls short because it doesn’t explain the point (ahem!) of prodding.
Encouragement is great when things are already moving in the right direction. Sometimes they’re not. C.S. Lewis said, “If you are walking on the wrong road, progress means doing an about turn and walking back to the right road; and in that case the man who turns back soonest is the most progressive man.” (Mere Christianity, We Have Cause to Be Uneasy) Truth seeking and Truth speaking aren’t a matter of parroting. They’re more like navigation across vast distances. They require constant vigilance, careful observation and lots of training.
Kinder Ways’ Home for Gentle, Humorous Cattle Prods exists for those who love the truth but know how painful it can be when it applies to us. It is a clearinghouse for respectful dialogue based on the assumption that the truth will set us free and that no question is too dangerous to discuss respectfully. Constructive criticism applies to me first—whoever “me” happens to be. Encouragement without direction won’t help anyone. Courage to question, TLC, and constructive feedback are the tools of truth seekers/speakers. If this is you, welcome home!