Comfortable is probably the last word that anyone would use to describe 2020. It has been unpredictable, heartbreaking, confusing, and all-around uncomfortable.
While we have learned how to navigate life with masks and social distancing, embracing the new and the uncomfortable is not something that many, myself included, have done easily.
In the latest episode of the More to Be Podcast, I had the opportunity to connect with Dr. Deb Gorton, a clinical psychologist and graduate school program director, to discuss her latest book Embracing Uncomfortable: Facing our Fears while Pursuing our Purpose and how, in a pre- and post-COVID world, we can embrace God’s purpose for our lives.
For over 14 years, Dr. Deb Gorton has been practicing, directing, building, developing, equipping, and partnering. As a clinical psychologist, she is fascinated by what drives decision-making and change. She is in constant pursuit of awareness and big picture perspective. What it all comes down to – navigating our purpose requires creating a bridge between our head and the heart. She loves creating bridges, inspiring courage in others to make the journey across and then leading others to do the same.
Dr. Gorton earned both her MA in Psychology and her PhD in Clinical Psychology from Fuller Graduate School of Psychology in Pasadena, CA. Additionally, she holds an MA in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary. Presently, she serves as the Director of Moody Theological Seminary’s Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program as well as Moody’s Counseling Center. She is also the founding president of Siv Consultation (where she really gets to do all the fun stuff listed above). She currently resides in Chicago, loves the Cubs, Chicago architecture, and, believe it or not, public transportation. If she’s not home in the city or traveling for work, you’re likely to find her with family in Colorado, Oregon, or Oklahoma (family never makes it easy, do they!?).
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Highlights
When you’re faced with your deepest fears, you have to confront the evil lies that have rooted themselves into the core of your being. – Deb
When I really came to the belief that my identity starts and stops with being made in the image of God, and I can’t earn or lose that identity, it really freed me up to recognize where God was calling me into uncomfortable places. – Deb
Making decisions according to our values, in the moment, can bring discomfort, but it’s the short-term discomfort for the long-term gain. – Deb
With every yes, there is a no. With every no, there is a yes. – Lisa
I can believe God is my comforter and still be anxious, but what are the actions in my life that align with God being my comforter? – Deb
What God says about our situation might not fix it at the moment, but when we dwell in the truth, step-by-step, our neural pathways rewire. – Lisa
No detail in my life is insignificant to God. He is present in everything I am walking through. – Deb
We cannot comfort others if we are not already leading with honest vulnerability. – Lisa
God designed the body to stand with us in our weakness. – Lisa
God, you are bigger than how I feel. – Lisa
Validation and agreement are totally different things. – Deb
Mentions | Links | Resources
- Embracing Uncomfortable: Facing our Fears while Pursuing our Purpose by Dr. Deb Gorton
- Life Coach Training Course
- Learn More about Life Coaching
- Book a Discovery Session
- Equine-Assisted Coaching
- Sisterhood Membership
- 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
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