The Richness of Life's Paradoxes
When we find ourselves in this betwixt and between state, where the past is behind us and the future uncertain, it's a time of tremendous unsettlement on all levels—mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual. Our instinct is often to rush through this discomfort, to minimize it, yet this process is rarely quick or painless.
However, if we shift our perspective, we can see liminal space as a realm ripe with potential for creativity, construction, and transformation. It's a space where the Holy Spirit resides, not erasing the vastness of this threshold time but inviting us to confront it, despite its challenges.
In personal experiences, like navigating cancer treatment, vulnerability becomes a source of transformation. What might have seemed like weakness becomes the very thing that leads to survival and eventual thriving. Opening up to others, showing not just physical struggles but the full range of emotions—pain, sorrow, gratitude, joy—allows for genuine connection and growth.
The image of Jonah in the belly of the sea monster resonates with our resistance to liminal spaces. Yet, it's in these uncomfortable places, whether forced upon us or chosen, that we often discover untapped inner resources. Life unfolds in this unknown, between past and future, and if we're attentive, we may sense the Holy Spirit moving alongside us.
Liminal time becomes a teacher, urging us to let reality—darkness and all—guide us. It's a paradoxical space: one that breaks us down but also offers profound gifts. Here, we find fierce aliveness, a sense of freedom, sacredness in the midst of chaos, companionship in solitude, and a deep awareness of Presence.
Embracing liminal space offers humanity the opportunity for profound growth and transformation. It challenges us to confront discomfort, embrace vulnerability, and discover the richness of life's paradoxes. It's a reminder that even in the darkest times, there is potential for beauty, connection, and spiritual growth.



(adopted from: Sheryl Fullerton, What Else Is There?)