Who Carries You?

My sister’s 13-year-old granddaughter, R, was playing tag when she suddenly crumpled to the ground, clutching her ankle and crying. There’s never a convenient time to visit the Emergency Department, but this moment felt especially ill-timed—R’s mother was getting married in just two days, and the soon-to-be newlyweds were at a celebration for their upcoming wedding.

Two days later, R hobbled down the aisle in an emerald satin dress, supported by crutches. At the reception, with great poise, she gave a toast to her mom and new stepdad, saying, “Earlier this week, I had a bad accident. I fractured and dislocated my ankle. And K (her stepdad) carried me into the house and into the hospital, and was with me for four hours in the hospital.”

Showing up matters. Community matters.

Immersed in Holy Week scripture—I’m reminded how essential it is that we carry one another in community. At Tuesday’s Women’s Circle, there was a profound moment of shared hope when despair lingered near.

Last week, a podcast episode dropped featuring the Threshold Center! Hosted by Drs. Brandon Nappi and Hannah Black, The Leader’s Way Podcast is a production of Berkeley Divinity School at Yale University. In this episode, Brandon and Hannah interviewed John Burruss, rector of Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Church, and me.

I mention community because I was nervous about being interviewed. But knowing John would be there—and could “carry the ball” if I dropped it—helped me be a little braver. And once we got started, it was genuinely fun. Brandon and Hannah are wise and kind hosts, and being able to “tag team” with John made all the difference.

I’m so grateful for this documented conversation about the Threshold Center and hope you’ll listen and share it with others.

If you’re yearning for support, may you have at least one person you can reach out to for community. If that is not so, perhaps you can email me. And if we notice someone who needs a listening ear or a ride to a doctor’s appointment—may we be part of making that happen.

Grace and peace,

Mary Bea