Member-only story
Mentoring in Memphis
A thin wavy line
“Good morning Mrs. Bonnie. Happy Independence Day. I have a problem. Our landlord wants us to move out by next week and its a lot to ask but I need a place to stay for a few weeks.”
I hesitate. This hasn’t happened before. I text her back, “Oh no! Let’s try to get together tomorrow afternoon and we can talk about it.”
I sink into my body and wish I could have automatically said yes. I helped with her utility bill last month; why does she have to move? I know that I’m in no shape to open my home at this stage of my life. I’ve had long-term house guests before, and it’s stressful, sometimes with troublesome consequences, no matter how much I love them. My considerable responsibilities to my own family are enough at this point. I think of what Jesus said, though: “I was homeless and you took me in.” Or something like that.
But I know this young woman well, and she’s not homeless. Not yet, anyway. I’m glad I haven’t said yes or no. I’ll have to think it through.
About fifteen years ago, a group of women from my suburban Memphis Episcopal church started an academic mentoring program called “Helping Hands,” designed to help underserved students in Memphis gain the skills they needed to graduate from high school.
