As I look around our community and our country, I see both the challenges of division and the incredible opportunities for connection. When I was Mayor, I witnessed firsthand how much stronger we are when we come together – neighbors, businesses, families, and faith communities alike. Unity doesn’t just happen on its own; it requires intention.
I believe now more than ever we need to take unity from being just a lofty idea and turn it into a lived experience. That means making small, everyday choices that build bridges instead of walls. For me, unity begins with simple actions—sharing a meal, listening with empathy, offering grace, and lifting one another up in prayer. These may seem ordinary, but they have extraordinary power to transform our homes, our city, and even our nation.
Here are five ways I believe we can each do our part to practice unity in daily life.
1. Break bread with someone who is different than you
Unity often begins at the dinner table. Sharing a meal disarms, connects, and reminds us of our shared humanity. When you intentionally sit down with someone different from you, you discover common ground in the most ordinary yet extraordinary ways.
2. Lean into difficult conversations with curiosity
Real unity doesn’t mean avoiding hard conversations; it means entering them with openness and courage. Ask questions. Seek to understand the ‘why’ behind someone’s viewpoint. Curiosity transforms conflict into opportunity.
3. Listen to understand, not just respond
Listening is more than waiting for your turn to talk—it’s about truly understanding someone’s perspective. Commit to listening with empathy. Repeat back what you’ve heard. This type of listening fosters unity because it communicates: your voice matters.
4. Extend grace to one another
Unity requires a posture of grace. Grace means giving each other the benefit of the doubt, choosing to believe the best, and being willing to forgive when mistakes are made. Even if we don’t see eye to eye, extending grace honors each person’s humanity and strengthens community bonds.
5. Pray for one another
Prayer has the power to transform hearts and communities. In times of division and uncertainty, our nation needs prayer more than ever. As a person of faith, I turn to God daily for wisdom and strength—and I believe prayer can guide us through the pain and tumult of this world. When we pause to lift one another up in prayer, we invite God’s help to heal divisions, fortify our spirits, and navigate the challenges ahead together.
To dig deeper into building unity, please feel free to check out my new book, The Unity Blueprint.
