The conversation flows between you.

The dialogue bubbles as smooth as a leaf dancing down a swift current.

As the exchange deepens, the navigation gets tougher to dodge the whirlpools.

You hear a statement, and the pivotal question springs to your mind. It is the obvious question that will lay bare the situation. Your eyes lock, and you both know the inquiry must be asked. The answer will bring insight at the expense of embarrassment, discomfort or pain.

Do you choose to ask the difficult question and engage, or do you ignore the divine prompting?

Insight and the opportunity for change emerge when we ask the hard questions and wrestle with the answers.

I have been on the receiving end of these questions, and the results have been seismic. My friend started our conversations by asking "do you know I am for you?" If I answered "no," the conversation would meander through insignificant topics. If my reply was affirmative, I had readied myself for the tough question by a caring friend.

The discussions with a child, spouse, co-worker or friend deepen when the conversation is of substance. The power of vulnerability shines bright, and shame is weakened. We must embrace the opportunity to engage with the difficult questions. If this measured chaos is not pursued by those that are willing to bring a life preserver, then the outcome can be grim.

Our lives are not perfect and skirting the edge of the whirlpool, dodging the turmoil of the significant does not deliver wholeness. With the right questions, the leaf succumbs to the pull of the vortex of truth. The chaos is short-lived, and the leaf quickly surfaces to continue the journey.

You and I live this intimate conversation within the community. This community is weaker when evading the opportunity to courageously and graciously pursue the unasked questions. We attend to each other as we grow into a new tomorrow.

What needed conversations come to mind? When will you care for those around you by initiating the needed discussion?

How will you ensure they know you are "for them" at the outset?

Do you avoid asking difficult questions because you don't want to be asked the same questions?

Who do you count on to ask you the tough questions?