Only equals can be friends.

I have come to the conclusion that only equals can walk together as friends.  Inequality, not in the same form, but yet still equal helps people to appreciate themselves while they appreciate other people.  It is difficult for any person to hear the virgins dancing in the street over the accomplishments of someone who hails as a hero.  I see it so often in relationships of my own.  I count myself as an accomplished person.  Ordained as a Reverend  at the tender age of 25, in the same year, I completed my Master of Science in Education.  Two years later, I moved into my own home.  Six months after moving into my own home, I bought a car.  I secured employment that I have held for eighteen years.  I sing, I preach, I write poetry and I am writing a book.  With all that is going on in my life, I can't diminish who I am to make you feel better standing beside me.  That breeds resentment.  Some of my friends actually rejoice when they see my flaws because it makes them feel better.  They lay in wait, hoping to see the humanity that is in everyone because they can't stand to see another gift or talent.  This weekend, I hooked up with an old college buddy.  A woman, just as accomplished and just as talented.  We laughed like we were twenty two again.  I cried when we parted ways.  I have been missing that.  Compatriots.  People who came up with me.  People who grew up with me.  Many of the people in my life now, met me at a time when I was already a made woman.  They are coming along, and I have not arrived, but we are not equal.  It was nice to have a conversation with an equal.