An Invitation to Brave Space
by Micky Scott Bey Jones
Together we will create brave space
Because there is no such thing as a “safe space”
We exist in the real world
We all carry scars and we have all caused wounds.
In this space
We seek to turn down the volume of the outside world,
We amplify voices that fight to be heard elsewhere,
We call each other to more truth and love
We have the right to start somewhere and continue to grow.
We have the responsibility to examine what we think we know.
We will not be perfect.
This space will not be perfect.
It will not always be what we wish it to be
But
It will be our brave space together,
And, we will work on it side by side.
Rules of the Table
It’s Christ’s table, and we are all guests; a good guest helps make room for everyone present to stay at the table.
This is a place to process together. Questions rooted in curiosity and process are encouraged, rather than questions intended to force agreement or coerce a specific answer.
Keep answers to 1-2 minutes so there is room for everyone to share.
The facilitator will interject when the conversation moves too far away from our explicit topic. All questions are good, but they are not all useful for this specific time.
We commit to hold Brave Space with one another, meaning that we can disagree without being disagreeable; we own both our intentions and our impact; we allow ourselves to be challenged by what others share without immediately needing to defend our own position; we show respect to one another; and we never attack someone else.
Conversation
Opening Question
What stood out to you tonight? What is one idea, image, question, or curiosity that is still stirring?
Head | Insight & Understanding
Where do you think the story of Jesus is taking us?
Heart | Emotion & Experience
What part of this story feels most alive, hopeful, difficult, or unresolved for you right now?
Hands | Embodied Practice
What is one thing you want to carry forward from this story into the way you live?