Finding Mercy in the Liminal Space
I learned years ago in a class on how to study the Bible that whenever a word or phrase is used repeatedly in a passage, it indicates God wants the reader to perk up and pay attention!
A great example is Psalms 136, in which the psalmist repeats 26 times a phrase about God, declaring “His mercy endures forever.”
During a recent spiritual direction retreat, many participants—from a variety of geographic locations—described the current state of their souls as being in a “liminal space.” Although I wasn’t familiar with this phrase, when I learned what it meant, I knew I was part of their ranks!
“Liminal” derives from a Latin root word meaning “threshold.” Liminal space is the “crossing over” space. Something has been left behind, but a person is not yet fully aware of what will be its replacement.
Any type of loss or grief creates a liminal space. Since her death in early September, I’ve thought several times, “I need to give Mom a call.” Sadness creeps in as I realize I won’t speak to my mother again during this lifetime. I will adjust to my new reality. I know that. But, in the meantime...
Indecision about making any variety of changes creates a liminal space. Moving from one locale, job, church, friendship into another are all examples.
Our nation—indeed the world—seems to be in a liminal space as we deal with
Pandemic
Quarantine
Financial and employment upheavals
Pending political changes
Enflamed racial anguish.
The state of being in a liminal space can dredge up a ton of tension for most of us who prefer normal and predictable.
While thinking about this during the days following my retreat, I imagined a liminal space was like being suspended over a chasm between two mountains. Since I dislike heights, I should be feeling uncomfortable and afraid. But I’m not. Why?
God is not dangling me menacingly but is holding me safely.
I realize when God allows me to be suspended between understanding and unknown, I am in a great place to grow. Lovely lessons of faith can be learned while in the liminal space.
Ultimately, a God-ordained liminal space will lead me to a sacred place!
And, like the psalmist, I will emerge with renewed assurance, declaring, “Yes, God, your mercy endures forever!”
