Almost 40 years ago, St. Mark hosted a Teen Center for the middle school age kids in the area. We had over 100 kids, playing basketball, dancing to a DJ, and being social. With that many kids 12 and 13 years old being “social” there was weekly heart break from being shunned, feeling anxious about their looks, and of course arguments. As chaperones, we witnessed a scene almost weekly: a young lady running out of Gleason Hall with friends following in her wake. Sometimes she was sad, other times angry or humiliated. She ran to the restroom where her friends would try to console her, explain themselves, provide comfort, let her vent. When the tears stopped, the comb and fresh make up came out to prepare her to face "the public".
If this restroom could talk, it would tell you it was a place of sanctuary, providing shelter from the emotional storms of adolescence. It was also a place of reconciliation and a place to freshen up before leaving to face the chaos of the Teen Center. This wasn't just one girl, but one each week. There was so much emotion and comfort in this small "Ladies Rest Room".
“Oh, God, may St. Mark always be a place of sanctuary for those whose life has been turned upside down in turmoil. May it be a place where we can find answers, comfort and the courage to face others who may have even caused the turmoil."
Written for Discover St. Mark blog as part of a 40 days of Devotions.
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