2319: Accompaniment

I did something new this week: I posted not one, but two Instagram reels documenting my half-marathon training with Fleet Feet. For a long time, I imagined myself posting a podcast—something I technically experimented with about a year ago through my “Newsletter Podcast.” I enjoyed the idea, but it never fully stuck. Writing has always felt more natural to me. Still, I want to walk through my thought process behind creating these reels and what I hope they can become. Running has grown into a pillar of my life; it has taught me how to approach challenges with patience and intention, and how consistent effort almost always beats rushing or forcing progress. Before the new year, I read Show Your Work by Austin Kleon, which centers on the idea of openly sharing what you’re creating and passionate about. That concept stuck with me—sharing invites others into your world in a way conversation alone sometimes can’t. It reframes vulnerability from “boasting” into something more human: curiosity. We’re naturally drawn to understanding what drives one another. Interestingly, videography wasn’t on my vision board at all this year, yet reading that book planted a seed that made last week’s opportunity feel natural. When I was asked to document the Saturday and Tuesday runs, I said yes immediately. I usually prefer being behind the camera, capturing moments rather than being in them, so filming myself is still an adjustment—but one I’m enjoying. My goal is to immerse viewers in the experience and, over time, put a spin on these videos that feels authentic to who I am.

During my monthly healthcare foundation Zoom call, we discussed a simple but weighty question: How can we be useful? Not only as future healthcare providers, but as human beings. As part of the discussion, we read an article titled Paul Farmer and the Audacity of Accompaniment, which introduced us to a powerful framework. Paul Farmer, a global health physician and medical anthropologist, was known for his humanitarian work in under-resourced communities. One quote of his stood out to me: “There is nothing I like more than building a hospital—that’s what I call a good pastime.” Farmer helped adapt the concept of accompaniment, originally rooted in liberation theology, into healthcare practice. At its core, accompaniment means walking with someone through their suffering—not just addressing symptoms, but remaining present emotionally, mentally, and spiritually for as long as it takes (Kleinman, 2015). Expertise is important, but it can sometimes overshadow the human experience. Often, what people need most is compassion, empathy, and the assurance that they are not facing hardship alone.

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Experiencing winter in both the Midwest and the South has been an interesting contrast. In the Midwest, the infrastructure is built for it—when a storm hits, people hunker down briefly, snowplows work around the clock, and life resumes quickly. In the South, where I was born and raised, even the threat of winter weather can feel apocalyptic. Grocery shelves empty, gas lines stretch on, and there’s a shared sense of uncertainty in the air. When the weather finally arrives, there’s no clear timeline for recovery—it’s simply a waiting game due to limited infrastructure. Still, I’m looking forward to seeing some winter precipitation and hoping it stays safe and manageable. Stay warm out there.

Peace,

Zechariah Davis

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Sources & Further Reading

• Liberation Theology — EBSCO Research Starters
  A concise overview of liberation theology and its roots in Christian ethics, social justice, and compassionate action.
• Paul Farmer and the Audacity of Accompaniment — Arthur Kleinman, Think Global Health
  A powerful reflection on what it means to walk alongside others in their suffering, shaping Farmer’s lasting impact on global health and humanitarian care.
• In Memoriam: Paul Farmer — Harvard Medical School
  A tribute to Paul Farmer’s life, work, and legacy as a physician, anthropologist, and advocate for underserved communities worldwide.
• Liberation Theology — BBC Religions
  An accessible introduction to liberation theology, exploring its beliefs, history, and influence within Christianity.

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