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LATEST EPISODE
Embrace the In-Between: Let Go & Become Who You’re Meant to Be
'Stories and Other Things Holy' Episode 23:
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REFLECTION:
Liminal Space…
By Terry Nelson-Johnson
Imagine if Lent could speak—what might She say?
· “Ashes still lingering, anyone?”
· “What’s the current status of our old standby—no meat on Fridays? It seems a bit off these days, doesn’t it?”
· “How are those Lenten commitments to give something up—or to take on something good—coming along for you?”
· “Anyone else counting down the days until Easter?”
· “Or is it just me, or does the whole Lenten journey feel made richer by the Gift of the Easter Vigil Liturgy—a feast for both the senses and the soul, not to mention the joy and privilege of welcoming the Catechumens into the vibrant, imperfect tapestry of our Catholic tradition?”
Among all these Lenten musings, proclamations, and questions that invite us to hold our breath, to fall silent, to take a long, reflective walk, to experience both trepidation and tenderness, there is one statement that quietly echoes in my heart:
· “I know I am asking A Lot.”
Lent’s essential challenge is to risk letting our lives mirror the journey of Jesus—from Death to Resurrection. It asks us to step into that liminal, in-between space, the very space born from our willingness to let go of what we know in order to embrace something entirely new.
A lot to ask indeed…
Thank you.
Gracercise #1
Reflect on the In-Between
- Sit quietly for a few minutes and ask yourself: “What is it that I need to let go of to step into something new?”
- Journal your thoughts about the liminal space between what is familiar and what is yet to be.
- As you pray, invite God to help you trust the journey from ending to beginning, echoing the pattern of Death to Resurrection.
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Gracercise #2
Count Your Moments of Grace
- Throughout the day, pause and notice small, unexpected gifts of grace—an encouraging word, a moment of stillness, a comforting sign.
- Create a simple “grace journal” entry each evening: list one thing that reminded you of God’s presence, even if it was just in a brief moment.
- In your prayer, thank God for these signs and ask for the courage to count each day as a step closer to renewal.
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Gracercise #3
Embrace the Vulnerable “I Am Asking A Lot”
- In quiet prayer, speak honestly about the demands you feel this Lent: the challenges, hopes, and even the hesitations.
- Ask God for the strength to release control and to step into vulnerability, trusting that in surrender you will be transformed.
- Meditate on the truth that entering the in-between space is both a risk and a gift—a courageous journey from what is lost to what is gained.
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Dr. Terry Nelson-Johnson
Principle Storyteller Dr. Terry Nelson-Johnson is a dynamic storyteller and theologian whose engaging narrative weaves together the rich tapestry of Jesus’ story with our own life journeys. With a passion for narrative theology, poetry, and humor, he invites us to embrace the mystery of grace and spirit. As the mind behind Soul Play and a guiding voice in retreats and faith formation, Terry’s reflections inspire us to see the sacred in every story and every day.
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Joshua Minden
Producer & Host Joshua Minden is the host and technical force behind 'Stories and Other Things Holy.' With a rich background in youth ministry and Franciscan spirituality, he uses the art of storytelling to spark transformation, healing, and community connection. As founder of Amplify and a skilled communicator, Joshua creates spaces where faith, hope, and shared humanity come alive through every episode.
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"Even though we’ve jumped and not yet landed, the source of love is with us—comforting us in our space of uncertainty and vulnerability."
— Joshua Minden