What is your safe space?

Safe spaces might look different for everyone. They may even change given circumstances. For me, I have a number of safe spaces. Each one has its own internal meaning.

For example, being at home sitting next to the fire or sitting on my front porch, brings me peace and serenity. I am 100% safe in my entire well being, sitting in those spaces. This is different from perhaps another safe space I have, such as my 12-Step group. This space is a very safe space for acceptance of my past. However, while I can speak about Jesus in private with those in my 12-Step group, the group sovereignty precludes us from sharing in grand detail, the details of our Faith in a group setting.

Today, I want to talk about my safe space in my church. Church for many, is not a safe space. For this fact, I am truly sorry. I can not make church a safe space for you. If this is you, please know I understand and pray for you and your circumstances. Today however, I want to talk about my church being my safe space and the markers of a safe church.

My church is a safe space for me, primarily because I am free to worship, praise, glorify and ask for His guidance without interference. The messaging at my church is an overarching healthy and accurate interpretation of the Bible. Just like my 12-Step program, I am accepted for my faults and held accountable for my actions. One can hide in any church if they want to. I do not hide. I have NO SHAME. People know me, and they know the TRUTH about me. I have relationships with people from my church. I have a relationship with my Pastor.

WE WORK TOGETHER.

We worship together.
We pray together.
We cry together.
We laugh together.
We eat together.
We have FUN together.
We LOVE JESUS together.

Here are 7 IDENTIFYING MARKERS of a safe church:

Church is a safe space in Jesus, wherein Grace is practiced, not just preached.
Church is a safe space where Identity in Christ is restored.
Church is a safe space that provides Community, not isolation.
Church is a safe space where TRUTH is revealed without condemnation.
Church is a safe space that offers Spiritual Covering and Prayer.
Church is a safe space where Hope is constantly spoken.
Church is a safe space demonstrating the Healthy Love of Jesus.

I am thankful with great gratitude that,

I am Safe at my church.