“You’re moving to Nashville, Tennesse? Really? Why? ”
Questions like these are tough to answer. There isn’t one specific reason. What makes a fourth-generation Californian uproot her life and move 2300 miles away? It’s crazy, really.
How do I share with the people I love that I’m feeling called there? When I handed my life over to Jesus I traded comfortable for incredible and ordinary for extraordinary.
As little as it makes sense to those around me I know this much is true—I want to live every ridiculous, crazy moment with complete surrender.
“Do you have friends in Tennessee?” Nope.
“Family there?” Nope.
”
Does Paul have a job lined up?” Nope.
”
Does Paul have a job lined up?” Nope.
“As a matter of fact…” I tell them, “He can’t practice law there.” So, double-nope.
There’s a story in the gospel of Matthew 14:25-29 where Peter and the disciples of Jesus are in a boat being rocked by a storm. As the days draw closer to pack our belongings into cardboard boxes, this story rings true to my heart.
Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”
“Come,” he said.
Friends who know us well, know my husband and I have felt drawn to the south for years. From the very first time I boarded a plane and landed in Charlotte, North Carolina, I felt at home. Strange. Yet, comfortable. A few years later, my plane landed in northern Florida. Again, I felt at home. Maybe it was the warmth of the people. Or, maybe it was the warmth of the buttery biscuits. Either way, I desired more of it.
A few years ago, my husband and I both felt the stirring to take a trip. But where? Tennessee kept coming up. So, we boarded a plane and landed in Atlanta, Georgia. “We’ll drive up through the Knoxville area and drive across the whole state. “ We prayed and dared God to shut doors and make it clear Tennessee was NOT the place for us. Instead, God gave signs of His provision and peace.
We loved it and made the decision to move.
Then we flew back home and sobered up.
“What are we thinking? We can’t leave everything and everyone we love to move to Tennessee. It’s nuts. We’ve made our home here.” So, we buried the desires of our hearts under have-to’s and to-do’s and went about life.
Six months later, I received a call from an author-friend. “Joanne, what do you think about sharing a table at the MOPS International conference this summer?” This author is not only gifted as a speaker, but hanging out with her would allow me to taste a small part of ministry on the road.
“Of course! Yeesh, this is a no-brainer. Where’s the conference this year?”
“Nashville.”
Seriously, Lord? Are you really sending us back to Nashville? We’ve already made up our minds. We told You we weren’t going, remember?
Side note here: God isn’t much for being “told” what to do.
Californians live in a heavenly climate. They were more than helpful to warn us about the humidity and sun-scorching summers in Tennessee. Wanting to feel every sticky, uncomfortable element of a southern summer, we decided to drive there instead of flying.
Bring it on Mother Nature. Show us your worst!
Our kids weren’t as up to the challenge. “From here? In the middle of summer?” “How many days will that take?” “It’s going to be soooooooooooooo hot.”
By the time we got there, our oldest was fishing for bass and our two youngest wanted to know when we were moving. Just like our trip months before, once again, we fell in love.
Paul isn’t one to make rash decisions. He’s the logical, analytical, black and white thinker. “California is an economical train-wreck. It’s not going to get any better, anytime soon, Joanne.” He’s well -read and understands government and economic statistics like no one else I know. As a college professor, he sees first-hand how many students aren’t getting their classes, and how out of work adults are taking jobs from teenagers and young adults. As an attorney, he sees businesses leaving California in droves. State legislation and tax burdens are too much for them.
“You’re giving up the fight.” My dad told me. Still, he understands our decision.
Even our family orthodontist chimed in, “What are you doing? We need families like yours to stay and ride these hard times out.”
I wonder if these same words were shared with the passengers of the Mayflower? “Stay in England and fight the good fight! America, really? What are you thinking?”
Too many things have worked out . It’s true. I’ve tried to sabotage God’s plan for us. Still He continues to give us reason to believe. It’s enough to keep us taking cautious steps forward, picking up breadcrumbs of faith God drops on our path.
Though, my husband can argue the logical reason of our move, I believe it’s more than this. My heart is torn. Stay in the boat where I’m comfortable, with loved ones and surety, or veer off the course I’ve mapped out for myself and jump into the crashing waves and learn to walk on water.
I’d much rather walk on water.
I think it is great that you are doing this!
I wish I was moving there with you my friend. I’m praying God has a boat rockin’ in store for the Donovan Clan. Love you. Can’t wait to see photos and FREQUENT updates on FB. Hugs.
Wow! This is so timely for me. We are in the middle of getting out of the boat too. In our situation, it’s our church. We are standing up for the truth of the Bible and leaving our denomination, to be nondenominational. We have tried to fight through the proper channels, but there is more concern for the book of church order than the Bible. We have been told to stay and fight, but things are going in the wrong direction and it’s time to make a stand. That stand is costing us our building and in a month we’ll be meeting in a school. We know that God will be holding us up though, and as you said – when He says go – you go!
Thanks for the post – I read it to Bob and we both really appreciated it.
Mari,
I’m so glad. I guess we all have our “get out of the boat” situations, don’t we?
Kudos to you for making a stand for the Bible over administration. It’s a tough stand to take, but so worth it. May the Lord bless you and Bob as you step into uncharted waters. No doubt, in time…you’ll be walking on water, too.
Your a true pioneer my friend, have fun on your adenture!
Thanks Lynn! I’m sad leaving everyone at the PD. I’m sure you understand, huh?
But, guess what I’ll be closer to…DisneyWorld! xo
About 2 years ago, I dared to put my toe in the water. Then stupid Peter pushed me overboard. Yup I got officially out of the boat. And you know what? WOW!
And what I can say is, it’s been the hardest thing and the very best thing.
I confess, I don’t know if it really was Peter or The Wind that had me landing with a belly flop into the in the water. And yeah, I could have quickly climbed back into the boat when it happened. But something told me “no boat, you have to sink or swim.”
And so I swam. And swam. and every now and then there is a life preserver and I get to rest.
In the end, I know I needed that push because I’m such a wimp. I’m thankful for the push.
I’m so happy for y’all. It’s going to be an amazing walk on water. God has a plan already in place. He will see it completed as you say yes and more yes. I wish I was moving South for many of the same reasons. Sweet tea, sweet friends. It feels like a slice of home – oddly. But I haven’t convinced my husband, so Colorado will just have to start growing some Southern roots. 😉 Or better yet, maybe I will start traveling..want to do an event together? xoxo
As you know, Joanne, we got pushed out of the boat and been treading water ever since. With God’s amazing provision, our heads are above water allowing us to breathe. We still have no direction from God, but with no home and no jobs we can go anywhere when he gives the call.
I sure hope a call to visit you in TN is in the mix. xoxoxo
Oh Joanna is it really true! How exciting for you. That will put you even closer and who knows maybe close enough for a visit. I have missed the blog world and am planning to return…just gotta get it set up. and going
Yep, we’re heading east in a few weeks! Hope we can meet up, Barbara!
Well then let’s get you started on some speaking!! I met you at the MOPS Convention with your “friend” and mine too! I oversee all of the Middle TN MOPS groups and would love to get your one-sheet or topic list with contact information that I could send to the 42 groups here. Look forward to hearing from you!
Michelle, I remember meeting you! Looking forward to seeing you again face to face. I’ll definitely be needing some tornadoe-tips, so maybe a coffee date is in order?