Disoriented

Chances are, you’ve felt it. It happens when you’re experiencing a different surrounding, a new group of people, a culture unlike anything you’ve ever known. You could be in a different part of town, on the opposite side of the country or on another continent when it happens: disorientation.

Ed Stetzer talks about his experience with the similar idea of culture shock. Disorientation steps onto the scene when individuals and groups who take short-term international mission trips experience unfamiliarity of a location, language, food, culture, etc.

When it comes time to help the travelers adapt to their new location, Almost an M says you can only hope those individuals realize their need to adjust. Otherwise, how do you explain to someone how different it really is in the place where you landed compared with the place you left? When people look the same–but the paradigms they maintain are radically different–how do you explain the invisible interpretation process they go through?

The truth is, you can reorient people only after they realize they are disoriented.

Sure, disorientation can be a little scary, but it can also be very rewarding as you set aside preconceived, inaccurate thoughts and allow yourself to adequately adapt. Almost an M says it’s all about your response. Positive and negative models of biblical examples of disorientation can be found in stories such as the prodigal son (positive) and his brother (negative) in Luke 15:11-32, Habakkuk (negative and then positive) in Habakkuk 1-3 and the rich young ruler (negative) in Matthew 19:16-30.

The bottom line is disorientation is a prerequisite for meaningful change. How you respond to it makes all the difference.

Now take this idea beyond that of a mission trip. Where do you need to admit you’re disoriented and want help adjusting for the sake of the Kingdom? If you’re not sure, this Michael Frost video discussing disorient exiled Christians and Almost an M’s suggested follow-up questions may help.