The analysis and report were ugly. No matter what angle we chose to look at the data from, the facts of the matter lead us to bleak conclusions. Nothing changed the underlying theme of little motivation, no interest, and no emotional commitment. The simple summary was that this group did not care. Like many things, a simple conclusion, as accurate as it might be, hid the complexity of causes, drivers, and influencers.
As I look back on the report, I am still convinced that our analysis and underlying points never came through. Our readers were not interested in the complexity, although my writing suggested that there were reasons to be hopeful. Others had contributed along the same line as my writing, but the harsh reality is that we could not mask how bad the situation was. It was a “yes it is terrible, but” report with our readers abandoning the writers are the comma. Whatever came after the “but” was lost.
I have looked back and wondered about how we stated reality. Could we have softened the story? Was there a way to paint a picture that was not so full of darkness? Maybe would should have started with the possibilities.
The story was real. If I used another’s words it would sound more flowery, yet the message would essentially be the same. “They’re—Puffs of smoke pushed by gusts of wind; late autumn trees stripped clean of leaf and fruit, Doubly dead, pulled up by the roots; wild ocean waves leaving nothing on the beach but the foam of their shame; Lost stars in outer space on their way to the black hole.” (Jude 1.13)
Knowing this was the starting point positioned, if one chose to take on the challenge, everyone for something better. It was the right thing to do, then and now. We, especially I, need to look in the mirror and see what is real. Whatever it is, is the starting point for our embrace of acceptance, mercy, and compassion. The writer always has a choice in their story for something better.
