Sunday morning I got an urgent call. A young woman was retrieved from the stage where she felt commanded by God to give a special message to Pastor Kerry and the thousands in attendance. This woman, I’ll call her Jane, was adamant about her mission and no amount of talking brought even a bobble to her stance.

While Jane acknowledged many mood disorder symptoms, she was in denial about her mental illness and aberrant beliefs. Her social isolation and disregard for input rendered her impervious to reason.

What a tragedy when we do not invite feedback! We drift further and further in thought and attitude if we fail to set aside our own view long enough to see what our neighbor has to show us.

On Sunday, I desperately wanted to get through to Jane, to help her reengage in a world where she could again have meaningful connections, giving and receiving value. But she would not have it.

Although Jane’s situation is extreme, we all share that tendency to justify our own position without being willing to seriously consider that we may be misguided or misinformed.

Admitting we are wrong sticks in the throat, but it gets easier with practice. When we do not over identify with our thoughts, beliefs and behaviors, we can experience the change in mind and heart we call repentance. It brings humility, growth and an increasingly easy recognition of frailty and imperfection which ironically adds strength.

By connecting with Jane, I saw myself. And while she may not have benefitted from our time together, I did. I wish never to fail to be open to the gift connection brings. It invites us to a path of adventure and growth, to a journey that is only possible with assistance from fellow travelers.

So open your heart. Be like Jane and act on your convictions. But be willing to seek guidance and to reconsider. Reach out and open up to other humble and open souls who, like you, admit their frailty and longing for more.