Safe Space

Every time I get on Facebook I see a post poking fun at millennials for needing a “safe space.” The only thought I have is, “Goodness, why am I even on this website?” I then switch over to Pinterest – which I have customized to the point that it is a well-oiled machine that never rarely disappoints. To be honest, I’m just tired of politics. For me, politics come up nearly every day. I don’t instigate it, but my life is filled with people who are very vocal about their stances regardless of how close to/soon after it is after an election.  That may be the main reason I have never mentioned politics on here. This is my safe space. (Pun intended.) To be honest, I think the whole concept of a "safe space" is out of hand. People on both sides of the argument are being a little ridiculous. Here's why.

People were designed to need a safe space.

I'm sure you're confused now considering I just said the whole concept is out of hand and ridiculous. Instead of getting bent out of shape over it and wallowing in despair over the state of our entire nation, I began to ponder why this has become an issue.

Turn on the news, get on the internet, buy a newspaper, or look at any other form of news coverage. You'll quickly see that the world is a mess. Quite frankly, it's scary. I don't care who you are, things are scary everywhere. I've talked to people still in school and people getting close to retiring, conservatives and liberals, and we can all agree that we are living in a scary time.

I've been trying to ignore all that's been going on, but it's pretty much impossible. One of my escapes is music. I was listening my playlist on Spotify, "A Little More Jesus," when Aaron Shust's song, "My Hope Is in You" came on. I absolutely adore this song. I have always loved the bridge, which states, "I will wait on You, You are my refuge." Last week, however, my brain made a quick correlation between the word "refuge," and the phrase, "safe space."

Light bulb.

That's it. People were designed to need a safe space.

Millennials think they need some institutionalized "safe space," but they're really longing for the refuge that only God can provide. And here's the real kicker - whether you're a Baby Boomer, Generation X, or Generation Z, you need a safe space, too. We all do. We weren't made to be soulless robots. Who do we think we are, Rambo? Oops no, even that war-machine of a man had feelings, and I daresay wanted a safe space. (Listen to his breakdown at the end of First Blood.) 

So. We humans are broken and vulnerable. Millennials realize this. Maybe more so than other generations, but the answer is not in a politically correct society or even a "trigger-free" environment. It's in the embrace of God. A God described by David in various Psalms as: "the living God, my rock, my only safe haven, our refuge and strength, and the Lord of Heaven's Armies." (By the way, I've been reading through Psalm in my "Bible thing," and it's been amazing. David has such amazing insight on the dual might and compassion of God. I highly recommend it for anyone who is feeling bogged down by life. There's is so much truth and honesty packed in these passages.)

If you're still unsure about whether or not we need a safe space, check out this verse:

"Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!" -Psalm 34:8

There's nothing wrong in seeking out a little refuge from a God who is "always ready to help in times of trouble." -Psalm 46:1