Everyone talks about how they want to grow, evolve, and be blessed. It is one thing to talk about it, but when the question comes up, “what are you doing to make it happen?” we freeze up! Yes! That question is something to think about. Are we willing to step outside our comfort zone? Are we willing to lose friends in the process? Are we really ready to grow?
I came across this message T.D. Jakes shared from his series GRACE TO BE GROUNDED: FRIENDS. His message blessed my soul and I am sure it will bless yours. He had a lot of great points, but one point in particular really grabbed my attention. He said, “Your next blessing may take you out of your comfort zone, away from your tribe” (friends). Basically, growth begins outside your comfort zone. Meanwhile, elevation sometimes requires separation–separation from your comfort zone, that is.
When I saw this video, I immediately started to reflect back to the old me. You see, I was once anti-social, scared to be around new people or meet new people. I was stuck within a tribe of friends; I was comfortable in my “no new friends” zone. You know the friends that know all your secrets; they know everything about you. You have history together for Christ’s sakes. I would tell myself, “I don’t need any more friends. This is my tribe; I am good. I’m not holding auditions for people to be in my life. I don’t know how ‘new’ friends will perceive me anyway.”
I was living in a box and in a world of fear–fear of people.
Thinking so foolishly, I didn’t realize I was separating myself from a world of AWESOME people. I was so comfortable; I missed out on a lot of opportunities and new relationships. BUT GOD! He reopened those doors. Those doors that led to the people who are helping me reach my destiny, the people who are speaking into my life (nothing like a friend that prays for you), the people who have assisted in my elevation, and the people who have helped me get closer to my heavenly father. Most importantly, these people celebrate me, they do not tolerate me. With that being said, my only regret is not doing this sooner. I just know, that stepping outside my comfort zone was the best thing I could have done.
YOU NEVER WANT TO BE COMFORTABLE, YOU WANT TO BE BLESSED! – T.D. Jakes