I believe in Living Uncomfortably

I believe we all enter this world as raw potential, but it’s through trials that shape us, hardships that sharpen us, and renewed confidence that polishes us into unique glittering gems. The strength to step out of my comfort zone and overcome the trials at hand has been developed through my experiences, my family, and my faith in God.

Growing up with sports has been an avenue by which my strength has been tested and my character forged. As a child I was taught how to throw a football, swing a bat, and ride a bike. Most of which I was reluctant to learn, unable to see the benefit of my hard work. After crashing my bike, I remember saying, “I will just wait until I can drive a car because I’ll never learn how to ride a bike.” My parents were persistent guiding me through some of my first uncomfortable times and instilling in me values I haven’t realized until now. Teaching me how moral men and women stand up to adversity through their actions and equipping me with confidence.

During middle school my dad persuaded me to try wrestling, saying it would make me a better athlete. I ran miles and practiced moves with much stronger wrestlers; putting my body through a Marine style boot camp. My first match I got pinned after diving in for the kill too early. In those short minutes all of my energy was depleted, and I still had two matches. I could have waved the white flag, called it quits, but I realized I had already devoted too much work into this sport to give in now. After that match, I didn’t lose again; I finished the year thirteen and one with ten pins. None of the wins were easy though, each time I was pushed beyond my limits, off the edge of the map, and new coordinates of will and drive were established.

The core values of my belief stem from my relationship with God. His word states in James 1:2-4, “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” As I walk down the difficult road, facing challenging tests or looking ahead to a future filled with uncertainty, I rely on my foundation of trusting in God.

I’m not saying my life has been the most traumatic or that I have succeeded more than anyone else, I just believe it is important for us all to continue in the pursuit of perfections. For I believe my experiences, my family, and my faith in God have given me the strength to stride though insecurities so that I may mature from my mistakes and be complete, not lacking anything for the trials that lay ahead.