Hard Sayings and Safe Spaces: Making Room for Struggles as Well as Faith | Eric D. Huntsman | 2018

Eric D. Huntsman explains how "hard sayings," which can undeniably be a source of struggle in our lives, can also serve to deepen and strengthen our faith.

This speech was given August 7, 2018.

Read the speech here:
https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/eric-d-huntsman_hard-sayings-and…ruggle-and-faith/

Read more about Eric D. Huntsman here:
https://speeches.byu.edu/speakers/eric-d-huntsman/

Subscribe to BYU Speeches for the latest videos: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgXbCVJ79-JVyHoBIDhpvEQ

https://speeches.byu.edu/speakers/eric-d-huntsman/

Read and listen to more BYU Speeches here:
https://speeches.byu.edu/

Follow BYU Speeches:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/byuspeeches
Twitter: https://twitter.com/byuspeeches
Instagram: https://instagram.com/byuspeeches
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/byuspeeches

© Brigham Young University. All rights reserved.

When I use the expression “safe spaces,” I do not necessarily use it in the same sense as some in our broader society use it. Rather than alluding to trigger warnings, the effects of micro­aggressions, or the need to shield ourselves from difficult language and ideas,7 I am using it to refer to the creation of environments that are, on the one hand, places of faith where we can seek and nurture testimony but that are also, on the other hand, places where our sisters and brothers can safely question, seek understanding, and share their pain. This requires flexibility and sensitivity on our part; it requires that we listen as much as—or more than—we speak.

Sociologist Charles Derber, for instance, has warned of the danger of “conversational narcissism.” Sometimes we default to platitudes to avoid uncomfortable situations when we do not know what to say. Or, in an attempt to find common ground, we shift the conversation to our own experiences, rather than just listening or giving supportive responses.8 Jesus’s example with Mary suggests just the opposite.

Even harder is overcoming our own implicit—and often explicit—biases and prejudices. None­the­less, there is ample scriptural precedent that God loves all of His children, and we need to have that same openness.

Видео Hard Sayings and Safe Spaces: Making Room for Struggles as Well as Faith | Eric D. Huntsman | 2018 канала BYU Speeches