Liminal Spaces
Coming from the Latin word limen, meaning “threshold,” the term “liminal spaces” bridges the gap between where you were and where you are going. Liminal spaces, from an architectural standpoint, refer to transitional or “in-between” zones —such as corridors, stairwells, or lobbies. The walkway between the parking deck and Brookwood Hospital is a prime example of a liminal space. These spaces exist solely to facilitate movement between two spaces, rather than function as final destinations. These spaces can be eerie and unsettling. From a psychological standpoint, liminal spaces can describe a life transitional point—for example, graduation, marriage or divorce, a career change, or as in my case, retirement. This period of “in-betweenness” can feel uncomfortable, sad, and anxious, with one foot in the “known” past and one foot in the “unknown” future. Psychologists say embracing this period of uncertainty often leads to profound personal growth. [As an aside, we at Grace Church are in a liminal space as we anxiously await Peter Bartuska’s arrival as our senior minister this late Summer. Let’s embrace this liminal period for all the corporate spiritual growth we can muster.]
There are also liminal spaces in the theological or spiritual sense. How many can you think of from the Bible? One of the best examples is of the Israelites wandering forty years in the desert before they were allowed to enter the land of milk and honey.In this liminal space, the Israelites learned to rely on and trust God as their provider. As Christians, we too experience being in a liminal space. Our lives are lived in their entirety in transition. We are God’s “elect exiles,” strangers in a foreign land, awaiting “an inheritance that is imperishable, undefined, and unfolding, kept in heaven for you.”I Peter Ch. 1. Also, as Christians we live in the tension of the twixt and tween of the “already, but not yet.” We are already adopted in Christ (Rom. 8:15), but not yet adopted (Rom. 8:23); We are already redeemed in Christ (Eph. 1:7), but not yet redeemed (Eph. 4:30); we are already sanctified in Christ (I Cor. 1:2), but not yet sanctified (I Thess. 5:23-24); We are already saved in Christ (Eph. 2:8), but not yet saved (Rom. 5:9); and we are already raised with Christ (Eph. 2:6), but not yet raised (I Cor. 15:52).
By faith in Christ and what He has done for you and me, all of these spiritual blessings are ours “already.” To be clear, the victory has already been won—that was accomplished on the cross. There is nothing we can do on our own to attain that victory; however, the full, complete enjoyment of these blessings is “not yet” ours until He comes again. We have one foot firmly on our earthly home and one foot planted in our future heavenly home. In this liminal space, anchored by our faith, we embrace what we have, we follow Christ’s path, we live out the gospel powerfully, and we completely rely and trust on God’s will for us, knowing in the end He will make everything anew.
Be Still my soul: The Lord is on thy side.
Bear patiently the cross of grief and pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change, He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heavenly Friend
Through thorny ways lead to a joyful end.
Be still, my soul: thy God doth undertake
To guide the future, as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know
His voice Who rules them while He dwelt below.
Peace and Grace—
Carter
P.S. To warm your heart, watch this video:
