Episode 34: Liminal Space to Launch
An interview with Cheryl Luke
Cheryl vulnerably shares her 'in-process' story of hanging out in a liminal space, tips on how to leave seasons or relationships well, and the heart behind her non-profit, The Mosaic Life.
The Seeds
Name: Cheryl Luke
Age: 58
Where do you call home: Austin, TX
Relationship Status: Single
Season of Work: Founder of The Mosaic Life
Hobbies: Travel, cooking, listening to old school R&B/Funk
Jesus Journey: I was raised in a Christian, single parent home --I feel like I’ve always known the Lord
The Branches
Cheryl, you are the official first Olive Us sister to have a second interview! In Episode 10 “Worth Waiting For” we talked about patience and how you HATE waiting. You mentioned God was taking you on a journey of waiting and patience. Where are you today?
After approximately 10 years of dreaming, planning, holding off, putting it on the shelf, hearing “ready, set, wait!”, and recovering from illness – I am finally launching The Mosaic Life, a non-profit designed to equip individuals with resources that will help them embrace their unique gift and assignment, empower them to lead with determination and challenge them to do the same for others.
This season at Olive Us…the first 3 episodes will be featuring alumni & all about the changing of seasons. Transitions. We’ll be taking a look back so we can continue to move forward with the plans God has for us. What has shifted in your personal life/ministry life/spiritual life after you spoke to us in Episode 10?
I was on staff at a church in Austin – 20 years, and have taken a leap of faith and am building the dream that has been in my heart. I’m not as “busy” as I have been over the past several years, yet there’s a lot that needs to be done. I have felt divided in my time and attention and that feeling no longer exists. I find that I’m thinking more clearly, as well as creatively, and organizationally, in many ways.
Working in the same place for 20+ years and then shifting to a totally new season can be filled with different emotions. Talk to ‘Olive Us’ about the highs and lows of making this transition from working at your local church to Mosaic Life full time.
It feels surreal to be stepping into this space. I keep thinking “The time is finally here and I’m thrilled”, as well as, “Am I too old to step into something new?” It is evident that the time is now and it’s not too late. It is not lost on me that the work and experiences from my past have prepared me for the next chapter of my life. This is a partner-based ministry, I don’t have to do it by myself. I love teaming with others to propel ministry forward! Another question that keeps coming up: “Will anyone want to partner financially with me?” My friends have come alongside and have helped facilitate the launch in a myriad of ways – it’s been overwhelming. I’ve been excited, afraid, asking myself “what in the world do I think I’m doing?” and “Can you believe we get to do this?!”
Psychologists use the term “liminal space” to explain periods of big transition. Picture “God’s waiting room.” We are leaving the comfort and normalcy of our life and finding ourselves in a place where we know God is doing something new, but we don’t have the full picture. Did you find yourself in a liminal space? When did the Holy Spirit begin the nudge of letting you know you were embarking into new territory and it was time to leave the old behind?
I feel like I’ve been in a liminal space for several years. It’s hard to define when the nudging began. The initial stirring happened approximately 10 years ago. This is the genesis of The Mosaic Life. Uncomfortable and the unknown seemed to be where I existed. Largely because I had a glimpse of what would be, yet had no idea how to get there. The last few years have been the most unsettling, in terms of knowing it was time to make a change. Leaving the comfort and the mundane-ness of a space that was easy, predictable, and comfortable, to start something new – is exciting, difficult, and unexpected. I am learning the art of taking the next right step.
I believe as Christians we should leave/end well. We have the saying “don’t burn any bridges.” Do you believe it’s possible to say goodbye to vocations, relationships, whatever it may be, and honor the people & places you’re saying goodbye to AND honor yourself? How do you do this?
Absolutely. Communication is key. Having conversations is essential. I invited my pastor into the conversation and we talked about the best time to leave. I had one date, he had another and we worked it out. Make sure you do the hard work of reconciliation and/or making amends before or after you leave. This is our responsibility as Christians. Prayer is essential. So is timing. Knowing when the right time to go is so very important
How do you do this if you’re leaving a toxic relationship or job?
This can be tricky. A toxic relationship changes the game. You have to consider one’s safety.
Do you believe we can become stuck in a season because it’s comfortable even though God is calling us to step out and do something new? Has this happened to you?
Yes and yes. As I look back at my situation, I could have left a few years earlier. I was prepared and my team was prepared. Comfort played a key role in my situation. I’m grateful for the grace of God.
I think we have both experienced people in our lives coming alongside us and championing our dreams. Who has some of those people been in your life? Why is this important? How do we find these people?
All of my pastors: past, present and online, my family, Heather Frierson and Lynn Cherry, Camp Well: Rachael/Jenn/Terri, Meshali, Ashton Dugger, Jillian, Andy and Nora Wall, Judy and Ron Brown.
I don't believe we are to do life or ministry alone. I am not great at technology! I don’t know what I would have done without Ashton in this season or my group of friends who pray for me. I have a friend who sends a devotion EVERY morning to me.
Finding someone to come alongside you is so important. I know some don’t have those people in their lives. I would challenge them to simply ask friends, leaders, and those around them if they have the time and capacity. I’ve learned that some folks just need to be asked.
As you’ve created The Mosaic Life is this why “mentoring” is such a huge part of what you do? Tell us about ML Mentoring.
We should have people in our corner, cheering us on, challenging us in life and our faith. Those who help point us toward our future, remind us of who we are and help us get back on track when we’ve gone adrift. I will create environments and resources to mentor individuals who will be equipped to mentor others. ML Mentoring is designed to help people cultivate masterful connections with God themselves and others. We will walk alongside individuals, hold space for their dreams, and challenge them to step out of their comfort zones
Speaking of changing seasons and transitions…The Mosaic Life isn’t NEW, but it’s entering a NEW season. Tell us about that.
You are right The Mosaic Life isn’t new in practice, it is bigger in form. I’ve created a non-profit and scaled the ministry. I’m expanding and providing a space for more people to be impacted. I’m also providing an opportunity for others to partner or participate in TML financially, by volunteering, or through prayer. I am relaunching The Mosaic Life podcast, offering online and in-person mentoring (individual and group cohorts), we plan to host seminars, conversations, and live experiences. My first live experience is a Fundraiser and evening of worship on October 6 if you’re in the Austin area. I welcome anyone to join us.
What is God showing you as you FULLY walk out TML full time and say goodbye to 20+ years working at your local church?
The support is there. I am not doing this alone. People want to help — financially, and they are willing to volunteer their time and pray for the ministry with me.
Speak to the woman who is sitting in a liminal space. She is feeling the nudge to step into something new but is scared out of her mind. How does she leave the comfort of what she’s used to and step into the new season God has for her?
Wait on the Lord. Write your dream down and pray over it. Invite a trusted friend to join you in prayer. Over 10 years ago I met weekly with a friend and together we mapped out our dreams, asked hard questions, researched, and assigned each other homework. She launched 10 years ago and I’m just now launching. Timing is everything. The Lord sees you and he has the perfect time. If you feel that you have missed your time or could miss your time, remember that he is God and can do anything. That liminal space builds muscle and character. It’s hard and lonely — it’s also not for nothing. I would also say “do it afraid” Take one step at a time and do the next right thing.
Olive Us was created for women to share their in-process experiences and their "Only God" moments so that we can remember we are connected through Christ and we're not alone. Why is this important?
I’m reminded of John 13. Jesus, sitting with his disciples -- humbles himself with humility and intimacy. He removes his robe, ties a towel around his waist and washes the disciples feet - with all power in heaven and earth in his hand! He says “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.”We share our experiences because it was so graciously modeled for us, by the one and only! We do it because it was done for us. We do it so others behind us will continue. Creating a ripple effect.
The Olive Tree
Finish these statements:
God is… my provider and safe refuge. A very present help in time of need.
My season has changed and I…can’t believe I get to do this!!
God meets us in the liminal…in-between space…so we….Remember we are not alone. So we can shed the old, without forsaking it and look towards what’s ahead.
‘Olive Us’ are better when…we see and serve each other.
Olives to Go
𝐘𝐎𝐔'𝐑𝐄 𝐈𝐍𝐕𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐃:
In the Austin area Friday, October 6, 2022? Join Cheryl for The Mosaic Life Worship Night & Fundraiser. Not in the Austin area but want to support Cheryl and Mosaic Life? There are multiple ways to partner on her website.