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Believe, be still, and Let it Out

“Peter looked intently at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, “I have no silver or gold, but what I have I give you; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, stand up and walk.” Acts 3:4-6

Remember that ‘Empathy and Sympathy are Superpowers!’ A brilliant example of Empathy in Action is visualized by Ted Lasso. There is at least one sermon in the latest Ted Lasso episode (season 4, episode 8, 9/23/26). Although the title of the episode is anti-Gospel “Follow the Anger”, within the episode is a perfect illustration of how to be a Christ-like presence when someone is emotionally suffering. In the scene where Coach Alice is crying alone in the coach’s locker room.

The backstory is that Coach Alice’s personality and career as a player who suffered a career ending injury have made her seem somewhat stand-offish and a very private person.  Perhaps related to those aspect of who she is (or perhaps for other reasons) Coach Alice doesn’t enjoy physical contact, like hugs.  Gemma, the star player, has just got injured and Alice is extremely concerned, especially because it was her call to leave her in the game when Gemma was injured. Before the scene in the coach’s locker room, Coach Alice has already visited Gemma and her mom at their house. Gemma is now expressing wanting to quit the team to pursue a prestigious opportunity in law.

Then at the next practice, without Gemma, Ted notices Coach Alice anxiously shaking her whistle and asks simply “Are you alright Coach?” (21:30). To which she replies, “Yeah I’m alright, I’m just going to head in (to the locker room) early, if that’s alright.” Coach Lasso says “Yeah of course.”

Side note the scenes surrounding this deal with the problems of relying on AI car technology, LOL!

Then at (23:38) Ted walks into the players’ locker room and hears crying from the coach’s locker room. Coach Alice is seen sitting alone with her head down sobbing, Ted walks in and asks in a sympathetic voice; “Hey are you OK?” Alice responds through tears in a strained voice, “Yeah, oh my God, I’m so sorry, sorry…I don’t know why I’m crying, sorry, sorry, I’m ok” Coach Lasso kneels down to look her directly in the eyes. This is vital, he literally comes to kneel down where she is-physically and in solidarity, emotionally. She tries to ensure him she is ok. He ask if she needs time alone or if he should stay, she say “I don’t know, sorry.” He says again, “it’s OK… tell you what, I’m just going to sit down ok.” Then something happens that to me is pretty miraculous honestly, there is almost a solid minute of no dialogue! Only Ted taking calm measured breathes.  This Non-Anxious Presence is a master-class on how to provide Christ-like care! And kudos to the Ted Lasso production team to take 60 seconds of so-called ‘dead air’ silence. In our culture of constant consumerism and instant gratification and constant NOISE and, and , and… This popular show takes a risk, mid-show, it brings the noise to a full stop, ‘100’, and to me it is literally breath-taking! …

There is much more in the scene that follows… but this scene ends with the other coach walking in and asking Ted “Is everything ok?” Ted takes a beat to give Alice a moment to turn around and collect herself, Ted lets Alice respond first “yeah.”

For the purpose of this blog entry let’s end the episode summary right there…But who knows you might just hear a bit about this in the sermon for this Sunday “INENT Attention.” Acts 3:1-21. 10:50a FUMC 206 N Main and live-streamed on Facebook.

Take time to be acutely aware of the call of concern from the other room.  Get on their level in every possible way, when comforting someone. Spend time in silence, do not rush to words. Silence full of sympathy is gold compared to offering empty words. Empathy is a bridge of healing. You’ve joined your pastor in the locker room, now is the time to ‘break’ our huddle and go using the superpower of sympathy.

See you Sunday!