If it's Comfortable, You're not Growing

It's time for me to be more honest and authentic with the things that I struggle with...
For those readers who know me, you know that I run away from conflict. The simple thought of having difficult conversations turns my stomach. The idea of making other people uncomfortable, makes me uncomfortable. For the past six months, God has really been challenging me to step out of my comfort zone and speak for myself. The problem is that I'm afraid. Afraid of being transparent about the way I feel to others, afraid of rejection, afraid of my feelings not being validated. I've been in denial for the past six months.

I've been running away from the difficult conversations that could've been avoided if I would've been more willing to express myself. I realized that me staying in my own little conflict-free bubble was keeping me away from growth, I feel like I've been stuck in the same cycle of conflict and somehow I felt comfortable and just learned to live with it. Was my silence affecting someone else besides me? Nope. I was just hurting myself by keeping quiet. Bottling up the different negative feelings, I started to feel trapped within myself. This week, I'm making small steps to change that. I want to grow. I refuse to stay in my comfort zone. 

This week, I challenge you to step out of your comfort zone and chase after personal growth. Do not be afraid. Joshua 1:9 (NLT)says, "This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” If you're a Jesus follower, don't doubt for a second that God will be there in those difficult situations. He will. He always is. God will never put more on you that you can handle. 

This book has really challenged me to use my voice. Your voice is powerful! Use it.