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.

Beth Strano

In a world where some people are sooo wrong and I am usually sooo right, it is hard to examine what I know for sure. (Honestly examining what I know for sure feels fundamental to building brave space in my life.) In a world where safe spaces are often mocked and ridiculed and snuffed out, an invitation to build a brave space may seem quaint or impossible. In a world consumed by exploiting division and hate and cruelty, brave space ask us to wrap our arms around it all and create something else. In a world built upon individualism, brave space ask us to be vulnerable and connect.

What are brave spaces? (I want to speak them into being.) Everyone feels safe in brave spaces. (Many people are not safe in our world and that must change.) Brave spaces are big enough to include everyone and generous enough to know we are one. Comfort in brave spaces is our dreams and stories and experience being cherished and lifted up for all to see. Brave spaces are flexible and open to changed minds and soft hearts. Brave spaces embrace imagination and trust science. Brave spaces speak the truth in love. Violence is not brave. Cruelty is not brave. Hate is not brave. Brave spaces remember the past, pay attention to the present, and look toward the future.

Building brave space has never been more important. I accept the invitation.