Perforated Boundaries

Reading "Joining the Dance: A Theology of the Spirit" by Molly T. Marshall I came across a wonderful quote from Roberta Suchoki saying we are "called to an existence with 'perforated boundaries.'" We are all familiar with the concept of "boundaries' especially in maintaining "boundaries" between Pastor and People, between our physical bodies and others' bodies, being given the freedom to have our own thoughts, emotions, and spirituality without being abused by others who break through the boundary in our lives. Sometimes we are gui8lty of building walls to keep others out because or abuse in our childhood or youth. But, as God's involves God's Self in transforming our lives we need to embrace "perforated boundaries." Marshall continues this idea and writes, ""Perforated boundaries" speaks of an openness regarding human personhood, a willingness to experience oneself as unfinished. We do not ground our own becoming; rather, that is the fructifying work of God's Spirit as well as other humans God has given to us to form our lives." (p.107-108) More than calls for social justice, freedom, and peace we are also called into authenticity in living our lives. This is done in community (autheticity). Previously Marshall points to C.S. Lewis' book "Until We Have Faces" to reinforce this sense of authenticity when she writes, "The life task, therefore, is this: by the power of the Spirit to find and develop the true face, the unveiled face, with which to meet the face of God, which will yet be more fully revealed." (P.106)