Talking about problems can help bring awareness. But it can also feel like we’re doing important work — that we’re solving something.

And if we need to be heard, or we need to find affiliation, or we need to explore the details of an issue … then the job is done. Talking solves it.

But more than likely, the real problem is not that we need to talk.

* * *

The difficult work is in moving beyond, “This is a problem,” and arriving at, “What can we do about it?”

It’s uncomfortable. It prompts action. It calls for accountability. It invites participation.

But that’s where we’re called to be. Not close to the problems, but close to the possible solutions.