1.11a The Arena (West End Park Sissy – Part I & 1.11b The Sanctuary (West End Park Sissy – Part II
Liddle Did I Know: The Memoir Series by David A. Liddle
Episode notes
In this episode, David Liddle recounts how the Christian Service Brigade’s Stockade program became a sanctuary during his turbulent childhood. Amidst family upheaval and shifting church environments, Stockade offered David a rare sense of belonging and acceptance. Here, he found structure, learned practical skills, and experienced camaraderie without the judgment or bullying that marked his school and neighborhood life. The program provided a safe space for David to simply be a kid, blending spiritual lessons with hands-on activities like woodworking, camping, and teamwork. Stockade became a second home, where discipline was paired with kindness, and where David’s gentler nature was valued rather than mocked. This chapter highlights the importance of finding refuge and affirmation in unexpected places, and how such experiences can shape resilienc ...