UncategorizedStep on Out of That Comfort Zone April 12, 2011Sometimes, I am blown away by how God works and moves. Two days ago, Chris and I were talking about what God is currently teaching us. What we kept going back to was that we need to step outside of our comfort zone. No growth and in fact, not much good really comes from just staying put and going with the status quo. So often, I put God in a box. Even though I would not usually say it, I feel that there are limits to what God will call me to do. What I’m really saying there is that there are often limits to what I’m WILLING to do. Or, I think there are limits to how God can use me. I forget that the Creator of the Universe is ALL POWERFUL and has a bigger plan for me than I have for myself. Imagine that! Today, I came across a writing blog that inspired me, to say the least. And, look what I saw over there: Wow, God, I get the message. Not that I always have things figured out, but I feel God clearly calling me to act in a few ways that are way outside of my comfort zone right now…and I haven’t been willing. I have two real passions outside of the essentials (my faith, family, etc.) and they are design and writing. I love to create. Whether it’s creating an inviting home or creating a story on the page, I thrive on it. I’m sure you got the design passion from this blog, but some of you may not know that I’m currently pursuing a graduate degree in Creative Writing and that, for that program, I am writing a novel. Writing a novel is definitely outside of my comfort zone, but I’ve realized lately that I’ve been coasting. I’ve written 100 pages or so, but I’ve never poured myself out on the page and gave it everything I had because I am scared. What if people don’t like it? What if others don’t care? What if I can’t even finish it? What if I’m not capable? What if I fail? These are lies that I believe dailiy about my writing . Today, I’m leaving them behind, trusting in the passions that I firmly believe God placed in my heart for a purpose, and stepping outside of my comfort zone on faith. Do I know where it will lead? No. Do I know that I will succeed? No. Do I feel God calling me to pursue this even though I do not have a clue how it will turn out? Yes. That’s all that matters, right? So, to start working toward this, I’m making a commitment. For the last year, I’ve read writing book after writing book about how a writer should write EVERY SINGLE DAY. And, I’m ashamed to say that I have never once tried it. I’ve been too busy, I’ve made excuses. But, for the next 30 days, from now until May 11th, I am going to write every day. I’ll also be posting on here each week day (that’s another commitment I’ve made for myself). Am I crazy? Definitely. Maybe. But, I’m going to give it a go!
d-hizzle says April 12, 2011 at 9:00 pm i’m proud of you rod. you definitely have the talent to take you far. i believe in you! Reply
Kristina! says April 13, 2011 at 10:50 am That’s great! It’s SO hard to commit to writing every day, and even harder to follow through! Good luck! I don’t know if I’ve poured myself into my book like I should (the one about Audrey. I KNOW I haven’t in the one about Vi yet). It’s not something that comes naturally. It leaves you so vulnerable and it’s terrifying. But that’s a part of great writing. PS I want to read what you’ve got so far! We should read each other’s books this summer! Reply
admin says April 13, 2011 at 3:30 pm Kristina, you read my mind! I would absolutely love that. I was telling Chris just last night how sad I will be for our program to end because I will miss you! But, then we talked about, how we should go through all of this together…read each other’s work and eventually navigate the submitting/publishing process together. Let’s do it this summer!!!! But, only if I get to read Phoenix and Audrey!!!! Reply