"The pattern of the prodigal is: rebellion, ruin, repentance, reconciliation, restoration"

This quote by Edwin Louis Cole talks to the concept of a cycle of behavior that can result in an individual's failure and ultimate redemption. The pattern of the prodigal is a five-step process that starts with disobedience. This is when a person selects to break the guidelines and expectations of society, often leading to mess up. Ruin is the effect of the rebellion, and can be anything from monetary loss to damaged relationships. After the mess up, repentance is required. This is when the individual acknowledges their misbehaviors and reveals remorse for their actions. The next action is reconciliation, which is when the person looks for to apologize with those they have wronged. Lastly, repair is the process of rebuilding and restoring what was lost. This quote speaks to the idea that even when an individual has made errors, there is still expect redemption and an opportunity to start anew.