Resolve Minor Differences Early – February 23, 2003
The first annual family reunion that took place in June of 2000 in Pikeville, Kentucky, looked like any other. But this reunion was actually quite unusual. It was held for two families—two families famous for their ancestors who were entangled in one of the longest and most lethal family feuds in history: the Hatfields and McCoys.
For more than a hundred years it would’ve almost seemed folly to imagine a reunion between these two families. But when reunion founder Bo McCoy envisioned them together, somehow he knew the time was right and the stage would be set for lots of warm handshakes and hearty back pats. Now every summer the families look forward to enjoying each other’s company on peaceful ground. Without rifles or reviling, healthy competition is pleasantly channeled through softball games, tug-of-war—and most remarkably, by taking friendly shots at each other with harmless paintball and laser-tag guns.
Watching them now, it’s hard to believe these families were ever at odds with each other and even harder to believe that the whole thing started over a stolen hog. As with so many overblown conflicts, the cause was actually quite small. Unfortunately it’s all too easy to let little things undermine the associations we have with others. If care is not taken soon enough, one small offense can lead to another until a relatively trivial matter flares up into a downright ugly feud. And this could drag on for years if neither party is willing to be the first to concede.
Perhaps we have a neighbor or acquaintance who needs to know we want to let bygones be bygones. Our first move could set the stage for all future encounters. It’s certainly within our ability to do so. If the Hatfields and McCoys can do it, anyone can.
Program #3836