The Uncomfort Zone

Modeling in a hair show? An all-spandex Aquaman Halloween costume? These are just two examples of experiences I have had recently outside of my comfort zone. If you had asked me whether I would do either just two years ago, the answer would most likely have been “No.” Both were fun, bizarre, entertaining, and good examples of positive experiences when I was definitely uncomfortable.

While modeling and portraying my favorite super hero are kind of superficial examples of being uncomfortable, I have had a sense lately that God has me in an uncomfort zone. OK, so uncomfort is just sort of a word, but for some reason it fits better than discomfort. The urban dictionary defines uncomfort as an absence of comfort or ease; uneasiness, hardship, or mild pain. Moving to San Diego more than a year ago has been one of the best experiences of my life, but if I am completely honest, in every area of my life, there is definitely still a fair amount of uncomfort.

Home – I live with three friends after almost a decade of living alone, renting while managing a property I own across the country

Work – I am teaching film, more than broadcasting

Ministry – Still trying to find my niche in lay ministry, without being involved in youth ministry for the first time in ten years

Family – My entire family now lives on the other side of the country

Friends – My closest friends here are at least a decade younger than I am

Creativity – Still seeking the right creative outlet for my skills in the visual, written, and performing arts

Again, I love my new home, new work, new church, new life. I am thoroughly enjoying this city and its culture. None of the challenges I describe above are life-shattering or extreme hardships, but I have been thinking about the uncomfort of it all lately. I also have a real desire to see how God is going to use this uneasy, but exciting time in my life.

Recently, Leeana Tankersley, a former staff member, from our church, Flood, shared a message based on a new book she’s published: “Found Art: Discovering Beauty in Foreign Places.” She basically said we have two options when we are in foreign or uncomfortable settings: escape or stay and trust.

Often we escape by consuming the imposter, taking shortcuts that provide relief, choosing comfortable situations even though we know they are not good for us. We take control of the situation and give the appearance everything is fine. For some people, these could mean getting back into a bad relationship, sarcasm, watching hours of TV, shopping, overeating, or any number of addictive habits.

Tankersley pointed to the Israelites in Exodus when they start to question God for bringing them into the wilderness. At that point, they complain about everything, and it appears they actually begin to think they were better off in slavery. Their reaction was to horde the manna God provided, when he specifically told them not to do that. They wanted to take control of their situation and food supply.

The other option is to stay and trust -- sit in the discomfort and receive the gift that God has for us in that situation, ask God to sit with you, and trust Him in the moment of discomfort. Sitting does not mean inaction. Admit that it is difficult, and ask God to comfort you. We should be praying and seeking help. Help could mean encouraging relationships, a small group Bible study, counseling, or any number of non-toxic situations. The more we chose this route, the more God can use this time of our lives to grow and transform us into the people He wants us to become.

Moving a lot as a kid, I have been in this particular uncomfort zone many times. I have never forgotten that feeling, but it is definitely interesting and different at this stage in my life as an adult. As a child and teen, I usually chose the escape. Television, books, and movies were a big part of my escape route. It is definitely easier and comforting to retreat. This time around, I can definitely see how I have clearly alternated between the two – escape and trust. I am working on that.

It has been almost three months since I have written on this blog. On and off, throughout this period of time, I have been trying to figure out how to explain or discuss this topic. I definitely do not want to give the impression that I am complaining or not happy. Please know that is not the case. I love my life. God answered my prayers when he placed me near the beach, in my favorite city, with an amazing church and great friends. I am just in a season of change, and God is all about the process. The process is just uncomfortable some days. From past experience, I know the outcome will be more awesome than I can imagine. I have a feeling God can even use modeling or an Aquaman costume in his plan for me or at least use them to provide some humor in the middle of the process.

So, what is your uncomfort zone? Are you escaping or sitting, trusting, and seeking His will for your life? Take some time during this season of thankfulness to thank Him for the gifts He has provided you in the middle of the madness and trust that His plan for your life is perfect. I know He wants to be with all of us throughout the process.


You can order Leeana Tankersley’s book “Found Art: Discovering Beauty in Foreign Places” at amazon.com.