We say we want to love people like Jesus. But are we really willing to make room for everyone, even the people who make us uncomfortable? In this episode of Echos of Impact, Briana sits down with Barb Turner, pastor of Steel City Table in Pittsburgh, for a conversation about loving people beyond their circumstances, seeing those the world often overlooks, and learning what it really means to make room at the table. Barb's story is one of transformation and continuing to say yes to God. From a season of partying, struggling to raise two young children on her own, and feeling unworthy of love, to a life-changing encounter with Jesus on Good Friday, Barb shares how God changed the direction of her life. Years later, she walked away from a successful corporate career to pursue full-time ministry. Today, whether she's leading worship, encouraging others to discover their God-given purpose, or serving meals at Steel City Table, her heart is to help people experience the love of Jesus and know they belong. But this conversation is about so much more than feeding people experiencing homelessness or food insecurity. It's about the way we see others. Are we willing to learn someone's name, hear their story, and love them without expecting them to have everything figured out first? And what about the people sitting beside us in church, at work, or around our own dinner tables who are quietly carrying burdens we can't see? Through Barb's stories and Briana's reflections on Psalm 23, we're reminded that God doesn't wait until we're cleaned up to prepare a place for us. He meets us right in the middle of our struggles. And as we begin to understand how deeply we're loved by Him, we can learn to extend that same love to others. Maybe the question isn't whether we have room at our table. Maybe it's whether we're willing to notice who's missing. What We Cover Barb's faith journey: How a season of difficult choices, single motherhood, and an overwhelming encounter with God's love led to a transformed life. Saying yes when you're unsure: Why Barb believes living out your purpose begins with trusting God, even when you don't know where He's leading. Walking away from success: How Barb reached her financial goals in the corporate world but sensed God calling her toward something different. The heart behind Steel City Table: How free community meals in Pittsburgh became a place where people experiencing homelessness, food insecurity, and loneliness can find connection and belonging. Ridiculous, reckless hospitality: What it looks like to know people by name, look beyond their circumstances, and love without conditions. Who we're choosing to admire: Why outward appearances and having everything together aren't necessarily signs of a life deeply dependent on Jesus. Making room at God's table: Briana reflects on Psalm 23 and the beautiful reminder that God welcomes us in the middle of our mess, not just after we've worked through it. Getting close enough to care: Why following Jesus sometimes means stepping into uncomfortable places, walking alongside people, and helping carry their burdens. Living out your calling right where you are: Why loving others well doesn't require starting a ministry. It can begin in your home, your church, your workplace, or your everyday relationships. Key Quotes "We practice ridiculous, reckless hospitality just to love people." — Barb Turner "He does not wait till we're out of something. He sets up that table in the midst of it, in the middle." — Briana Gray Connect with Barb Turner Steel City Table: www.steelcitytable.org Instagram: @barbturner3231 Learn more about Barb's ministry, the community meals, and how Steel City Table is creating space for people to experience connection, belonging, and the love of Jesus. Join the Conversation Who comes to mind when you think about making room at your table? Maybe it's someone you've unintentionally overlooked. Someone whose circumstances you don't understand. Or maybe you're the one who needs to be reminded that you don't have to have everything together to be worthy of love and belonging. We'd love to hear what this conversation brought up for you. Connect with us on Instagram: @echos_of_impact Join the Echos of Impact Community: Echos of Impact Facebook Group Final Notes If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend who might need the reminder that there's always room for one more. And if you're enjoying Echos of Impact, we'd be so grateful if you'd follow the podcast and leave a review. It helps more women find these conversations and be encouraged in their own walks with Jesus. Thanks for being here.
