Fellowship.

When things become broken and remain so for a long, long time, sad to say, a wide variety of actions, inaction and rationalization begin to take over. Done so in the name of change, mending and rebuilding. But alas, more so to remain as such.

It becomes a way of being. Strange as it may seem, there is comfort to be found in this mode of existence. Being in and remaining in that state, one can be assured that nothing out of the ordinary, challenging or changing is not going to disrupt the rhythm of “life”, if that is what you want to call it.

This applies to individuals, and in an effort to keep this contextually correct for current media, teams, organizations, states and yes even nations.

Once nestled within that comfort zone, ego can emerge and frightfully remain front and center. Nothing changes albeit in the name of change.

“I have this under control, no one is going to tell me what to do or how to do it.”

“Your point of view is just wrong. What kind of person comes up with that nonsense? Have you no clue?”

“Why in the world would I want to talk to you? You can’t tell me how to think, feel or act. How dare you!” The hole expands and wreckage grows, hidden and distorted by the rose colored glasses of ego.

Close behind in tandem is its sibling, self-righteousness. Placing oneself not just on the pedastal, but firmly ensconced in the pulpit. A pharisee of your own design and law, willing to bring disorder, destruction and even death to see that your aims are met.

Things and those that are broken can be mended.

For anything to grow out of those ruins, adding ever more manure will never yield the desired outcome. It takes a firm resolve, a willingness to embrace discomfort and an embodiment of genuine humility.

Only within true fellowship can one put those pieces back together and enjoin a life as it was meant to be. Person to person. Teammate to teammate. Resident to resident. Countryman to countryman.

Just love your neighbor as you love yourself.