Safe Spaces

By Pamela T. Barber-Freeman

This book is comprised of various safe spaces through theological virtues for those of us on this Christian journey. The term safe space is often used with social justice and free speech. Safe space refers to "a place or environment in which a person or category of people can feel confident that they will not be exposed to discrimination, criticism, harassment, or any other emotional or physical harm."

This book also includes personal stories and biblical stories created as theological virtues built on safe spaces that were created by GOD for our life's journey. Each chapter in the book includes a narrative (personal and biblical stories), scriptures, and prayers relative to each safe space.

In the years it took me to write this book, I've experienced some unbelievable challenges and barriers that took concentrated practice, reading, and prayer to develop safe spaces. In fact, I've had some pains in my life that took years to heal, and it's only by understanding the theological virtues of being a Christian that enabled me to walk through this journey without losing my mind, becoming an alcoholic or drug addict, or even just giving up on life. These life experiences are the foundation for the theological virtues presented in this book as safe spaces. However, finding my safe space grounded in theological virtues enabled me to endure heartbreak, engage in new endeavors, and embrace life's journey. I pray that you receive the same freedom in finding your safe space.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Mar 8, 2023
• ISBN: 9798886167863

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Safe Spaces

Pamela T. Barber-Freeman, PhD

ISBN 979-8-88616-785-6 (paperback)

ISBN 979-8-88616-786-3 (digital)

Copyright © 2023 by Pamela T. Barber-Freeman, PhD

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Christian Faith Publishing

832 Park Avenue

Meadville, PA 16335

www.christianfaithpublishing.com

Edited by Clara Young, EDD, and Lucyll E. Freeman, MA

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Foreword

Preface

GRACE: Growth Reflections After Challenging Experiences

FAITH: Finding Answers in Times of Heartache

PRAY: Powerful Refinement and Yielding

LOVE: Life Offers Vicissitudes Everyday

HOPE: Having Our Pain Evaporated

PEACE: Painful Experiences Advances Christian Evolution

JOY: Just Open Yourself

References

About the Author

To the loving memory of my father and mother, Rev. Lewis E. Barber and Mrs. Lucille E. Barber. Thank you, Daddy and Momma, for teaching me how to love GOD, how to pray, how to find a safe space, and how to be still and hear His voice.

Foreword

In life, we will always encounter potentially ominous, perilous, and dangerous places along the journey. We walk seemingly beset on every side with that which portends to destroy us. Indeed, life can appear to be completely unsafe. In such a world, we need something to protect us, something to shelter us, something that will keep us from harm. We look to GOD our savior, our redeemer, our keeper, to surround us with His covering arms. He keeps us safe from all impending doom.

We find GOD to be our safe space. And we all need to know that we have a safe space in GOD when other places can be harmful. Oftentimes, however, we may overlook our safe spaces, we may run right into danger not knowing that danger abides us in the place where we have run. But this book will help you discern and recognize the safe spaces you need to make it in life. Pam Freeman writes beautifully about how you will find safety in GOD along this journey. When you read this book, you will be encouraged!

Dr. Ralph D. West

Pastor and Founder

The Church Without Walls

Preface

This book is comprised of various safe spaces through theological virtues for those of us on this Christian journey. The term safe space is often used with social justice and free speech. Safe space refers to a place or environment in which a person or category of people can feel confident that they will not be exposed to discrimination, criticism, harassment, or any other emotional or physical harm (Oxford Dictionary). Virtues have been identified as traits, qualities, features, or attributes used as guides for us to conduct ourselves in a morally good manner. However, virtue is defined as strength, beneficial quality or power of a thing, valor, or courage (Merriam-Webster, 2020). Aristotle created the philosophy of virtue ethics, which is the quest to understand and live a life of moral character. His thought was we acquired virtue through practice. In the years it took me to write this book, I've experienced some unbelievable challenges and barriers that took concentrated practice, reading, and prayer to develop safe spaces. However, finding my safe space grounded in theological virtues enabled me to endure heartbreak, engage in new endeavors, and embrace life's journey. I pray that you receive the same freedom in finding your safe space.

This book also includes personal stories and biblical stories created as theological virtues built on safe spaces that were created by GOD for our life's journey. Each chapter in the book includes a narrative (personal and biblical stories), scriptures, and prayers relative to each safe space.

My mother was an avid gardener. She had the most beautiful and abundant vegetable garden and the most amazing roses and flowers planted all around our home. So often, she taught us using metaphors associated with gardening. I remember her often saying during certain trials of life, This is going to be a long row to hoe. In other words, this pain will take a while to heal. I've had some pains in my life that took years to heal, and it's only by understanding the theological virtues of being a Christian that enabled me to walk through this journey without losing my mind, becoming an alcoholic or drug addict, or even just giving up on life. These life experiences are the foundation for the theological virtues presented in this book as acronyms.

I was in the third grade when I learned the difference between an acronym, synonym, and an antonym. I realized at an early age that acronyms inspired me, assisted me in learning information, and I hope they will do the same for you. So take this journey and prayerfully you will discover your safe space!

* * * * *

Scriptures in this book are taken from the King James Version (KJV) and the New International Version (NIV).

Chapter pictures are from Pexels (Free Stock Photos, Royalty Free Stock Images & Copyright Free Pictures, Pexels).

Chapter 1

GRACE: Growth Reflections After Challenging Experiences

He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time.

—2 Timothy 1:9 (NIV)

Grace is favor, the free and undeserved help that GOD gives us when we respond to His call to become children of GOD. Grace is most needed and understood best in brokenness. As believers, we understand that grace is also mercy and not merit. Grace is getting what we don't deserve and not what we do deserve. While we all need grace, we must understand that grace is not about us, but it is all about GOD's love toward us. Grace is GOD freely demonstrating how much He cares for us.

According to Richard Peace (1998), as we grow in the understanding of GOD, we experience moments of crisis. Those crisis moments require us to find our safe space especially during crisis of faith, crisis of doubt, crisis of disobedience, crisis of depression, and crisis of darkness. GOD's grace has blessed me through these experiences of crises to find a safe space that has kept me and helped me to reach the other side. Don't misunderstand me and think it was easy; life's journey is filled with valleys and mountaintop experiences. During those walks in the valley, GOD will provide a safe space because of His grace and love for us. What happened to me is that I understood the power and the love of GOD's grace through my challenging experiences. I'm not trying to imply that through our crisis moments we earn or learn grace, because we can do neither. Grace is a gift from GOD. So what