Life on the Porch: From Comfort to Connection with God

Comfort. It’s a word that’s used regularly in society today – particularly American society. At every turn, the word comfort is used as a goal to be attained: a comfortable lifestyle, comfortable house, and a comfortable retirement. But sometimes, comfort is a crutch, keeping us safe and oblivious, immune from taking risks, and from diving deeper into situations, relationships, and faith. Jim Vernon spent most of his life enjoying a comfortable life – until life became very uncomfortable. This is the story of a middle-aged father, husband, and self-described “lukewarm” Christian. He spent most of his life on the comfortable “front porch” of his spiritual walk, looking inside at what a meaningful relationship with God would be like…but not going inside. The comfort of the porch had become normal, ritualized, and all too routine. There was too much walk and not enough spirit. But after a crisis pushed him inside, he found a more significant sense of being, and worked to find the relate in relationship when it comes to Omni-everything. This is a story for believers, non-believers, and anyone who has had the feeling in their gut that there was supposed to be something more than the comfort of their own spiritual porch.

Jim Vernon spent 26 years in the golf industry before he left the comfort of his "regular" job to start his own company - Jim Vernon Ventures. He has spoken to churches, Sunday School classes, charity events, and civic groups describing his progression from comfort to a real connection with God. Through writing and speaking, his story of faith, perseverance, and inspiration resonates with organizations of all types, and he continues to share it with the hope it will impact lives in a positive way. Jim lives in Nashville, Tennessee with his wife Beth and their two daughters Bailey and Anna.