Holding Space by Being Held
September 26, 2019
In her book Holding Space: A Guide to Supporting Others While Remembering to Take Care of Yourself First, Amanda Dobra Hope writes, “If the dream, idea, or situation you wish to manifest is not one you’re easily willing to give up, then it is assumed you’ll also be willing to give it the proper time and space it needs to manifest in the highest and best way.”
This sounds really beautiful, but can we recognize that this is hard work!? Space holding is a way of being present that doesn’t seek to manipulate or control, but rather attend to what needs to emerge. This is countercultural in our power and efficiency prone world.
Yet this is what Bridge of Hope’s program is about – time and space to allow new things to emerge. This is a way of being that is in vital partnership with the hard work our families are doing to reach their goals to break the cycle of homelessness in their lives.
Neighboring invites us to be space holders. It’s a way to say, “I’ve got your back” and really mean it. Think of a time someone did this for you. It doesn’t do the work for others, but it promotes the love and trust necessary to birth new realities.
And it’s all possible because we are all held – completely and unfailingly – in the love of God. We are not holding space for God to show up. God has always been present and is inviting us to join in.