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.

Heal the brokenness.

“Now there is a final reason I think that Jesus says, “Love your enemies.” It is this: that love has within it a redemptive power. And there is a power there that eventually transforms individuals. Just keep being friendly to that person. Just keep loving them, and they can’t stand it too long. Oh, they react in many ways in the beginning. They react with guilt feelings, and sometimes they’ll hate you a little more at that transition period, but just keep loving them. And by the power of your love they will break down under the load. That’s love, you see. It is redemptive, and this is why Jesus says love. There’s something about love that builds up and is creative. There is something about hate that tears down and is destructive. So love your enemies. ”
― Martin Luther King Jr.

“But the man who is not afraid to admit everything that he sees to be wrong with himself, and yet recognizes that he may be the object of God’s love precisely because of his shortcomings, can begin to be sincere. His sincerity is based on confidence, not in his own illusions about himself, but in the endless, unfailing mercy of God.”
― Thomas Merton

As my reclamation continues and grows, I cannot help but notice how the thoughts and words I read and hear carry with them an entirely different meaning and mass. Perhaps it is an aspect of the long needed self honesty and an honest embrace of humility that brings with it this resonance. Whatever the case, each day, another epiphany reveals itself.

The daily offering from Pray.com is but one example. Each day this past week they shared something that applied directly where I was on the journey towards redemption. Filling my soul with the sustenance needed for better understanding.

“You may not see the full picture right now, but God is weaving beauty from the threads of your story. Your calling isn’t limited to your job title or circumstances—it’s about living with divine purpose right where you are. Whether you’re in a season of waiting or working, God’s call still stands.”

Patience born of a renewed faith brings with it the peace and serenity needed to hear the calling and pursue a divine purpose. Letting go fulfills His promise to us, in the form of saving grace.

A calling has no real limitations, especially given that in no way will we ever have His field of vision.

I will gladly accept his assignment, as temporary as it may turn out to be. But in doing so, I know that I will finally be where I am meant to be. Fulfilling His loving purpose.

Reclaimed and redeemed.

It floors me that thoughts expressed and documented by the Apostle Paul about 57 AD behold a clarity and exude a resonance that remains powerful and compelling to this moment. More importantly, they are more synchronous than just belonging to the present.  Belief in and adherence to these lessons first shared some two thousand years ago, and a commitment to conduct ourselves accordingly effectively works to make us their contemporaries.  

In many ways, these words of wisdom can help both to direct and sustain a journey towards a genuinely spiritual reckoning and rebirth.

“A ‘spiritual reckoning’ is a moment of deep self-assessment and accountability, often prompted by a significant life event like suffering or a crisis, where an individual confronts the consequences of their actions, thoughts, and beliefs.” Once you experience this on a personal level, the world begins to change for you.  Maybe not so much in a material sense, if at all.  But definitely, your perspective will shift more so in a spiritual aspect. 

The release from dishonesty and relegating ego to its proper stature brings with it the rare reality of calm and palpable presence.  Moments become redefined.  Things that were baffling and seemingly powerful dissipate, their grip on you lessens. 

“It involves facing a deeper truth about oneself and one’s relationship with the divine or the spiritual realm, leading to a personal awakening, a change in perspective, and an understanding of one’s responsibilities and purpose.”  An awakening to the presence of grace and a deeper relationship with Him leads one to what life is really meant to be.  A calling for discernment about true responsibilities and how this leads one to an understanding and embrace of purpose. 

Words can become so abstract and difficult to navigate.  Prone to the fetish, fantasy or fixation of the minute, the meaning of their intended construction can become obscured by ego, judgement or the current trend.   But upon one’s approach to the peace that comes with a desire for repentance, metanoia as it was meant to be,  their truth holds firm and their context remains as fully as it was intended.  

Belief in and adherence to these lessons first shared some two thousand years ago, and a commitment to conduct ourselves accordingly effectively leads one to undertake metanoia and lean into a genuine spiritual reckoning.  

A deep self-assessment and a newborn sense of accountability.  

An awakening.  

A life meant to be lived.  

With Him.