The Unexpected Change That Shook Me
A vulnerable story about how I faced uncertainty…
I want to share a moment with you that really shook me and challenged me to my core. It was November of 2014, and I was sitting in what I knew would be my last service at the church I'd called home for the past 23 years. I was heartbroken, and I couldn’t keep the tears from flowing. This wasn’t just any church—this place had shaped me in so many incredible ways.
A Place That Shaped Me
When I first walked through those doors in my early 20s, I had no idea how much it would impact me. This was the place where I discovered my identity, my self-worth, and, most importantly, God’s unconditional love. I grew up there—in every sense of the word.
I used to believe that this community would be my home forever. I thought once you found your place in a close-knit church family, you’d always have a spot, no matter what. And I believed with all my heart that God’s provision would make the transition smooth. I mean, isn’t that what we’re told?
"God will always provide..."
"Trust His timing..."
"Everything will work out for the best..."
But here’s the truth I hadn’t been prepared for: Sometimes, things don’t go according to plan.
When Plans Fall Apart
My husband and I were certain we were being led to a new chapter. Mentors encouraged him to share his plans with leadership, and after conversations with them, we agreed he would continue to work with full commitment while we navigated the transition. We were asked to let leadership know once he secured a new job.
As months passed, despite interviews and hopeful possibilities, no job offer came through. Leadership, assuming we were close to finding something, set an end date for his role. We let them know that we were not yet close to landing a position, but they felt the decision to set the end date was best. What made the whole process even harder was that we couldn’t openly talk about it until we were closer to leaving. It was a stressful and confusing time, and unfortunately, relationships were hurt along the way.
It felt like the ground had been ripped from under us. The people we had called family for over two decades were telling us our time was up. I couldn’t process the hurt, the confusion, and the sense of being cast aside.
Navigating the Grief of Change
So there I sat in that final service, heart aching, trying not to completely fall apart. I knew deep down it was time for us to move on, but it didn’t stop the hurt from cutting deep. And what made it harder? I couldn’t really talk about it with anyone because we had guidance from the church leadership that they wanted us to follow.
Have you ever been there? Where it feels like the ground beneath you is shifting, and you’re not quite sure what’s next?
What I’ve Come to Realize…
Transitions are rarely clean and easy. They come with both excitement and grief—sometimes in equal measure. People change, communities change, and what once felt like home might not be able to hold you in the same way. And God’s provision? It doesn’t always look the way we expect. It’s not always a smooth road or a direct path.
But what I tried to hold on to is that God is always with us—guiding us through the messiness, even when it feels like the walls are closing in. Sometimes, it means finding new communities and building new support systems to help you through the pain and uncertainty.
And you know what? That’s okay.
It’s okay to feel both the hurt and the hope, the sadness and the excitement for what’s next. It’s okay to grieve what you’re leaving behind while trusting that something new is on the horizon.
Another Transition—And a New Perspective
As I sit here writing this, my husband and I are heading into another big transition. After 10 years of working with his family, the business is closing, and at 49, he’s stepping into another career shift. This wasn’t the plan, and we don’t know what’s next.
But this time, I know something I didn’t fully grasp in 2014: We don’t have to figure it all out at once.
Because the way we move through change isn’t about giant leaps—it’s about small, daily habits that keep us steady.
If You’re in a Season of Transition…
If you’re walking through a transition right now, I want to encourage you:
Keep showing up for your routines.
Keep doing the small things that ground you.
Keep taking the next tiny step.
You don’t have to have it all figured out. Just keep going.
A Final Word
Wherever you are in your transition, remember—there’s no one “right” way to do it. Give yourself grace, and know that you’re not alone on this path. As we navigate this unexpected season, I’m leaning into seven daily habits that help me stay steady when everything feels uncertain. I’ll be sharing more about them soon, but for now, just know—small things done consistently make all the difference.
With you and for you!
Your Coach Tami
