Cultivating Resilient Relationships in Uncertain Times

We are living in a season where relational division feels louder than unity or connection, and uncertainty touches nearly every part of our lives—from our work, to our families and homes, to our communities. In moments like these, keeping our focus on cultivating relationships is not just important; it is essential in order to thrive in life.

Strong relationships don’t happen by accident or happenstance. They are built intentionally, especially when things feel unstable. Whether it’s with family, friends, colleagues, or business partners, resilience in our relationships is what helps us stay grounded, hopeful, and moving forward—together. God intended humanity to cultivate value in one another and to live in a way that allows us to thrive on this planet.

Resilient relationships aren’t about avoiding conflict or pretending things are fine. They’re about learning how to stay connected through differences in thought, opinion, and yes—even political views—through change, chaos, and discomfort.

Here’s what that looks like in my daily practice as we navigate life:

Choose Curiosity Over Judgment

In times of division, it’s easy to assume motives or retreat into our own perspectives. Choosing curiosity—asking, “Help me understand”—opens the door to connection where defensiveness would otherwise close it.

I have personally found that when I seek to understand instead of seeking to be understood, I see a shift in the other individual’s openness to receive what I am saying. Proverbs says it well: “Yes, if you seek out insight and lift up your voice for understanding.” When I listen and learn first, I often find that my own view of the other person’s perspective begins to shift. Without curiosity, we jump to conclusions that can harm relational synergy.

Lead with Empathy, Even When It’s Hard

This is a tough one for me—and one I am intentionally leaning into more and more this year. Empathy doesn’t mean agreement; it means acknowledging someone’s humanity and the lens of their lived experience.

Whether you’re navigating tension with a family member who may not be meeting your expectations, a spouse, coworker, or community partner, empathy creates safety. And safety creates trust. Empathy means tapping into emotional intelligence in a way that is forward-looking. It generates compassion in our hearts and minds for the other person’s perspective.

Communicate with Intention, Not Reaction

When emotions run high, reactions come easily—but they rarely build bridges. Intentional communication means pausing, choosing words thoughtfully, and focusing on clarity over control. It’s not about “winning” the conversation; it’s about strengthening the relationship.

I love the power of the pause as a daily practice. Let me be clear—this is not easy, especially in a culture that reacts quickly, explodes easily, and is constantly roused. Learning to pause, remain silent, and reflect before we act or respond is the only way forward in preserving healthy, life-giving, and strong relationships.

Stay Anchored in Shared Purpose

Purpose is one of the most powerful forces in our human journey. In work relationships especially, resilience grows when we reconnect to the why. Even amid disagreement, shared goals—service, growth, impact—can re-center the relationship and restore alignment.

I have found that staying centered on my purpose—and what God has planned for me—keeps me balanced and focused on why I am here. My personal metric in life has always been impact. If I lose sight of purpose—especially as it relates to maintaining healthy, thriving relationships—I lose my ability to create impact through my life story.

We have all experienced seasons of wondering and questioning our purpose. Let it remain our anchor in relational synergy. Let it guide our impact. Often, when I lose sight of purpose, I find myself less tolerant with people. Line of sight is key!

Be Willing to Repair

No relationship is immune to missteps. What matters most is the willingness to repair—owning mistakes, offering sincere apologies, and recommitting to the relationship. A posture of repair isn’t a weakness; it’s a sign of strength and maturity.

We all blow it in life with people. What matters is whether we own it. Moving quickly to repair broken or fractured relationships that are important to us demonstrates our growth in leadership and character. We have all been impacted by people who refused to lead with forgiveness or a willingness to repair.

God demonstrates this so well with us as fallen humankind. His love, mercy, and grace lead the way in showing us how to embrace a posture of repair.

There is a scripture I love: “To whom much is given, much is required.” I, for one, have been forgiven for much—past failures, faults, hurts, and sins. Who am I not to move quickly in repairing relationships I may have had a hand in damaging? Life is too short. And honestly, when it comes back around to me, I want to see God’s demonstrated repair in myself.

In Summary

Establishing resilient relationships doesn’t eliminate uncertainty, but it helps us navigate it with greater confidence, compassion, and connection. It reminds us that we are not meant to do life alone—especially when the world, and America, feel heavy and fragmented.

One of the greatest privileges in my work and life—both as a CEO and a thought leader in the community—is seeing what happens when people shift from defending their position to protecting their relational connection. That shift changes families. It changes teams. It changes communities. It opens the door to more love in our lives.

Especially now, in America and in uncertain times, resilience isn’t just about surviving or reacting to what’s happening around us—it’s about loving and investing in the people beside us. And when we do that well, we don’t just endure the moment—we grow through it.

The Serenity Prayer is a powerful compass for me. It forces me to pause and stay relationally grounded by engaging in my top five daily practices:

1. Staying curious

2. Leading with empathy

3. Choosing intention over reaction

4. Staying anchored in purpose

5. Maintaining a willingness to repair

   
   

"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,

Courage to change the things I can,

And wisdom to know the difference."

To read other blogs and access additional resources from Rebecca, visit www.rebeccacontreras.com and follow her on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.