Transitions series: week 1

“Uncertainty and Discomfort”

Opening:

Are you feeling? . . .

Tired and emotionally drained

Loss of direction or purpose

Like you need a year-long vacation to get “caught up”

Lack of motivation and initiative

Spiritual disconnection

We are in “liminal space”

“The term "liminal" has its origins in the field of anthropology and was later adopted and expanded upon in various disciplines, including psychology, sociology, and cultural studies. The word "liminal" comes from the Latin word "limen," which translates to "threshold" or "boundary." The concept was first introduced by the anthropologist Arnold van Gennep and later popularized by the anthropologist Victor Turner.

Arnold van Gennep, in his work "The Rites of Passage," published in 1909, introduced the idea of a "rite of passage," a ceremonial process involving three stages: separation, transition (or liminality), and incorporation. The liminal phase, according to van Gennep, is the central and crucial stage where individuals are neither here nor there, belonging to neither the old status nor the new one.

Victor Turner, building on van Gennep's work, further developed the concept of liminality in the mid-20th century. Turner emphasized the transformational potential of liminal experiences, describing them as times and spaces where social norms are suspended, and individuals have the opportunity for personal and communal growth.

In cultural and social studies, "liminal" is used to describe states or spaces that exist at the threshold of change, where the old structures and norms are disrupted, and new possibilities emerge. It is often associated with transitional phases, rites of passage, and periods of ambiguity and transformation.

Today, the term "liminal" has found its way into broader discussions beyond anthropology and is used to describe a variety of in-between and transitional experiences in fields such as psychology, literature, art, and spirituality. It has become a valuable concept for understanding and navigating periods of change, uncertainty, and personal transformation.”

Visual representation: Venn diagram

Characteristics of “liminal” space:

Transition and threshold

“In-between”

No longer in the previous state, but not yet in the new state.

Uncertainty and ambiguity

A sense of disorientation

Loss of identity, purpose, or direction

Transformation and growth

Opportunity for personal growth

Challenges and uncertainties

Shared experience

Unity and shared identity

Partnership and collaboration

Fluid and open

Existing structures and norms suspended

New possibilities and perspectives

Temporary and not permanent

Transitional

Passing through on the way to a new reality

Presence

God with us

“I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Key attributes needed:

Adaptability- Flexibility in adjusting plans and perspectives as the situation evolves.

Resilience- Capacity to endure discomfort and ambiguity with a positive mindset.

Patience- Understanding that meaningful change takes time and may involve waiting.

Open-mindedness- Willingness to explore alternative paths and consider diverse viewpoints.

Courage- Willingness to step into the unknown with trust and confidence.

Spiritual grounding- guidance and strength

Vision and hope- Maintaining a vision for the future beyond/Holding onto hope

What are the biggest risks faced while in-between?

In-between Egypt and the Promised Land . . .

English Standard Version (Exodus 13:17-22)

17 When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near. For God said, “Lest the people change their minds when they see war and return to Egypt.” 18 But God led the people around by the way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea. And the people of Israel went up out of the land of Egypt equipped for battle.

19 Moses took the bones of Joseph with him, for Joseph had made the sons of Israel solemnly swear, saying, “God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones with you from here.”

20 And they moved on from Succoth and encamped at Etham, on the edge of the wilderness.

21 And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night. 22 The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night did not depart from before the people.

God led them a different way . . .

Not bad, but different

God was leading

A different way requires adaptability, resilience, and patience.

By the way of the wilderness . . .

A shorter way

Change of mind

When they see war

Exodus 14:3 “And Pharaoh will say of the Israelites, ‘They are wandering around in the land. The desert has closed in on them.’”

Wandering

Closed in

The voice of the enemy

Equipped for battle . . .

Equipped but not ready

Protected from ourselves

Who gets the credit? (Exodus 13:14) “And when your son asks you in the future, saying, ‘What is this?’ you will say to him, ‘With strength of hand Yahweh brought us out from Egypt, from a house of slaves.”

Traveling by day and night . . .

Pillar of cloud and a pillar of fire

To give them light

God did not depart . . .

Exodus 14:10–15 “And Pharaoh approached, and the Israelites lifted their eyes, and there were the Egyptians traveling after them!

And they were very afraid, and the Israelites cried out to Yahweh. And they said to Moses, “Because there are no graves in Egypt? Is that why you have taken us to die in the desert? What is this you have done to us by bringing us out from Egypt! Isn’t this the word we spoke to you in Egypt, saying, ‘Leave us alone so that we can serve Egypt!’ because serving Egypt is better for us than our dying in the desert.”

And Moses said to the people, “You must not be afraid. Stand still and see the salvation of Yahweh, which he will accomplish for you today, because the Egyptians whom you see today you will see never again. Yahweh will fight for you, and you must be quiet.”

And Yahweh said to Moses, “Why do you cry out to me? Speak to the Israelites so that they set out.”

God doesn’t depart, but we can depart.

Emotions must be surrendered to Christ.

Keep moving forward!

How about you? . . .

How are you handling the space in-between?

Where is your perspective? Egypt or the Promised Land?

Do you see this space as an obstacle or an opportunity?

How can you embrace the journey?

Prayer . . .