In season four, Episode 8, “Follow the Anger,” of Ted Lasso on Apple TV, Ted encounters Coach Alice, who is deeply upset, which reminds me of Dan Rather’s interview with Mother Teresa.

Rather asked Mother Teresa, “When you pray, what do you say to God?”
Mother Teresa replied: “I don’t say anything, I listen.”
Rather: “Well, okay … when God speaks to you, then, what does he say?”
Mother Teresa: “He doesn’t say anything. He listens. … And if you don’t understand that, I can’t explain it to you.”

In the Ted Lasso scene with Alice, I imagine the Holy Creator with me this way when I am in pain. She sits with me and listens. She doesn’t fix me; she’s just there for me.

If you had a friend, cohort, or family member who received unwanted news, rejection, dismissal, death notice, or estrangement, how would they experience you? Would you try to “fix” them? Would you offer advice? Would you say something like, “Time heals all things.” “They are in a better place.” “When one door closes, another one opens.” “They don’t deserve you.”

If you were in their position, how would this advice make you feel? Could you be like Ted Lasso and just sit with the person, take a few deep breaths, and hold the space as sacred ground?

Consider a bit of wisdom my Grandmother left me: “The best talkers are the best listeners.”

And yes, there is crying in football and in life when things are hard.