Rev. Melora Lynngood – At the “heeding our call” weekend in June, many noted that they appreciate the ways in which our church community feels like a “safe space” – a place where people support one another instead of criticize, a place where people feel emotionally safe enough to be their vulnerable authentic selves, where people are comfortable enough that they can relax into their best selves, and let their gifts blossom. In the conversation that followed, some noted that we could do to more to strengthen this sense of “safe space” at our church; some questioned whether “safe space” is ever really possible anywhere-or desirable- is not risk important too?; some questioned whether avoiding criticism is a valuable goal—isn’t there a place for “constructive criticism?” Rev. Melora addresses these issues and more in light of our “Living with Compassion” theme.