In the latest episode of the Can You Just Sit With Me? Podcast, I sit with my friend Liv Dooley, a Bible Teacher, Author and Podcast Host. We explored the deep need for safe spaces—particularly for Black women—to process grief, navigate pain, and find true healing. The discussion centered around the power of creating these spaces when they don’t already exist, the church’s role in fostering safety, and the importance of being present with people in their sorrow. And how to sit with church, grief, and sisterhood.
LISTEN HERE
When we ask why we, the capital church are not safe space, we need to remember that sitting with someone in their grief doesn’t always mean that I’m agreeing with them, but it does mean that I am showing up as a consistent presence in their life.
liv dooley
Modern culture demands tireless ambition and determination. Consequently, we sometimes become restless walking with God in a world that sprints. However, the men and women in First and Second Samuel knew this struggle too. The Selah Bible Study reveals and reminds us of our access to the powerful presence of the Lord when we pause to pray despite the pressures we face.
Get the book here.
One of the most profound takeaways form this episode was this: “God calls us to people.” Too often, we hesitate to step into difficult spaces because of fear, lack of resources, or uncertainty about how to lead. But sometimes, creating a safe space is as simple as extending an invitation—whether that’s a conversation in a living room, a meet-up at a park, or a moment of vulnerability on a Zoom call.
We also talked about how the church, as a representation of Christ, should be the safest place for grief. Yet, many people, especially Black women, struggle to feel supported within faith communities. This is often because we have prioritized structure and productivity over presence and deep listening. True healing begins when we sit with one another, without rushing the process or dismissing the pain.
Lastly, we reflected on worship as an invitation. “Worship is an invitation to elevate His name over every emotion we have ever felt.” In our struggles with grief, relationships, and community, God invites us to bring everything to Him. And as we do, He renews our minds, strengthens our hearts, and calls us to fight for one another in love.
As we move forward, let’s challenge ourselves: Where can we create spaces of safety, healing, and honest conversation? And how can we, as Christ-followers, ensure that the people around us feel seen, heard, and truly cared for?
Let’s go first. Let’s be the safe spaces we long to see.
Main Points:
- Creating Safe Spaces
- Navigating Church and Grief
- The Role of Collaboration
- The Power of Community and Accountability
Episode Talking Points:
- 00:00 Welcome to ‘Can You Just Sit With Me’ Podcast
- 00:35 Experiencing Otherness in Predominantly White Spaces
- 03:59 Grief Over Lack of Support Among Black Women
- 06:10 Creating Truly Safe Spaces
- 09:01 Shifting from Competition to Genuine Collaboration
- 10:20 Genuine Celebration vs. Transactional Support
- 14:57 Historical and Cultural Influence on Competition
- 17:04 Biblical Grounding
- 21:59 Commitment to Uplifting Others Without Recognition
- 28:20 Balancing Influence & Belonging
- 41:14 Safety in the Church
- 45:36 The Hope of Healing and Restoration
About the Guest:
There is nothing Liv Dooley loves to talk about more than the Word of God. She is a Bible teacher and the podcast host of The Best Kept Secret with Liv Dooley, which has featured some of the leading teachers and burgeoning ministry leaders of our day. Liv is passionate about helping people enjoy greater intimacy and authority in Christ Jesus through prayer. She is featured as a contributor with She Reads Truth and the YouVersion Bible app.
In 2023, Liv published Selah: A Study of 1 and 2 Samuel and you can connect with her blog at livdooley.com or follow her on Instagram @candidliv to connect with her.
Mentioned in this Episode:
Black Woman Grief by Natasha Smith
Selah: A Study of 1 and 2 Samuel by Liv Dooley