A few weeks ago I heard someone use this phrase: carefrontation. It’s apparently an amalgam of caring and confrontation. Usually when we hear the word confrontation, caring seems like an antonym. But how can we bring caring about people– truly desiring their best, not just saying it to excuse our correction of them– together with a directness that bring the potential for real change? Kind of like the more common phrase “speaking the truth in love,” both are necessary.

Next time you need to confront someone, think about how you can bring caring to the table. And next time you find yourself feeling compassion for someone, consider whether there are words you need to speak that may be difficult to hear but have the potential to bring healing.

photography by Louis Giusto