It’s always fascinating to me how we all carry around the massive weight of our lives, and all it takes to release some of that weight is a hint of patience and the silence that follows from a non-judgmental ear.
Recently an “unknown number” called our organization’s phone. We don’t have the resources yet for a staff person to answer our calls, so all the calls come to me as a Google number on my cell phone. I rarely have the capacity to answer at the moment a call comes in, so our voicemail encourages guests to come see us in person, text that number, or email us.
But for this call, I was able to answer. “Thank you for calling the Homeless Resource Center, this is Brett, how can I help you?”
“Hi Brett. You have met me a couple of times. The person I’m staying with has turned into an abusive alcoholic. I’m safe right now, but I need to escape and I need help.”
I always start with, “Thank you for trusting us with this information.” Shortly after I got that out, this person broke down. They were able to let it all out. “I’m fine, I’m fine. I’m safe. I just needed to let that out.”
Zero judgment. “Thank you for trusting us with those emotions. Here’s what next steps look like.”
We are still actively working with this person. There isn’t an ending to this story yet, but I’m always grateful that we have built a place, as a community, where people know they can have a moment of reprieve from the weight they carry through each day. Even if it’s just a minute to let the walls down and know you are safe, that is what we aim to create.
Then we use the relationships we have in our community to find the best next step forward for those who trust us with it.
This is just a reminder that you never know what someone is carrying. I have met this person multiple times and had no idea. We all hide it well. Too well. Often for our own safety, but that doesn’t take away from the weight of it.
So please, walk gently among those around you. Be slow to judge and quick to listen. You may get the opportunity to hold that place of peace, with zero judgment, for someone near you.
I’m so grateful that we can do that here.