I remember sitting in church the morning that the Telecare volunteer stood up to talk about Telecare. He was a kind man from our church whom I respected. As he spoke, I felt a presence draw close to me whispering, “He is talking to you”. 

That was in the fall of 2011, and the next spring I signed up for call responder training. At the training, friendly people welcomed me, and the principles and roleplaying we experienced convinced me I had a long way to go to be a genuinely empathetic listener. With time, I got better.

My first few times listening to callers were scary. Who was I to support hurting people I had never met? However, I remembered that the Telecare training staff had said we do not need all the answers—we need to enter into the caller’s space, validate their pain, and encourage them. I did not need to fix their life. I need to love them. That was so freeing.

I serve on the lines now with only a little nervousness. I am still nervous because we really are touching people who carry big burdens and struggle immensely. But I gain confidence in knowing that the Holy Spirit is helping me help others. Even when I may not feel on top of my game, the Spirit spurs me on to listen patiently, affirm, and encourage. After a shift, I often come away stronger knowing callers were thankful for me just being there. In a small yet meaningful way, they feel loved.

I wonder sometimes if that warm presence I felt in the fall of 2011 is the same Spirit who helps me be present to hurting others.     

~ Name withheld