Get Out of the Boat

Sarabeth Stone
Sep 23
4 min read

Updated: Sep 27

Lessons from SC State Rep. Mark Willis

By Sarabeth Stone

The world we live in is full of storms, and over the past two years, Americans have weathered a lot. From soaring inflation to assassination attempts on political figures, historic weather events claiming countless lives, and the murder of Charlie Kirk, many of us are weary. In the face of such devastation, we can be tempted to hunker down and wait for calm—or for Christ's return. But the answer to raging winds and stormy seas is neither to ignore the problems around us nor to cover our heads in fear. The answer is to open our eyes and focus on the One Who treads over careening times and calls us to step out of a lurching boat.

In his September presentation to the South Carolina Christian Consortium, Rep. Mark Willis highlighted Americans' tendency to retreat into comfortable spaces where everyone thinks and acts like us—whether times are good or bad. We create these comfort zones in churches, boardrooms, country clubs, and industry conferences filled with like-minded individuals. The challenge of our day, however, is to answer the Lord by stepping into the arena, striving to bring more light and life to a lost and sometimes violent world.

Resist the Lazy Boy Temptation

Rep. Willis referenced John Ortberg's book "If You Want to Walk on Water, You've Got to Get out of the Boat" to define America's #1 temptation as the "Lazy Boy syndrome." He explained it as our tendency to seek comfort and avoid the unknowns that may come with our calling. We avoid engaging with everything and everyone that doesn't fit the familiar.

Willis's professional journey demonstrates what God can do when we're willing to shift away from comfort zones. Starting in the Laurens County Department of Human Rights serving the disabled community, he recognized limited advancement opportunities and pivoted to private industry. Willis eventually co-developed a retirement community in Honea Path with 50 assisted living residents, 18 independent living homes, and 27 employees.

His background as a long-term care administrator wasn't just a career choice—it reflected his passion for working with older populations. This authentic heart of service became the foundation for Willis’ success.

"Despite my achievements in the long-term care industry, I felt that I needed to challenge myself more," Willis reflected. "I decided to run for state office but lost my first race. In 2008, I ran again and won." This experience taught him a valuable lesson about stepping beyond comfortable circles. "When you get into politics, not everyone acts or thinks like you. And that's a good thing! You just have to stay focused on Jesus and He will help you navigate difficult situations."

Practical Ways to Serve

Willis encouraged leaders to look for opportunities to step out of their comfort zones to engage with the local community, offering tips relevant for anyone who has a heart to serve:

Year-Round Commitments are Better than Seasonal Gestures: Christmas brings 4-5 groups per day to most nursing homes but February and March see virtually no visitors. He suggested establishing monthly music performances, sponsoring birthday parties, or regular fellowships for men. Business leaders can create sustainable programs like monthly team volunteer days, quarterly mentorship programs for underserved populations, or regular corporate-sponsored events that highlight the work of local charities and nonprofits.

Keep it Simple: Simple acts of service can make a profound difference. Rep. Willis shared about a woman who is faithful to collect expired magazines from local grocery chains, redistributing them to his facilities to bless the residents. Beyond donating money, business leaders can consider similarly simple ways to serve. A marketing firm can help nonprofits with branding, an accounting practice can offer financial literacy workshops, or a restaurant can cater nonprofit events. Contact facility directors to identify specific needs.

Fill Emotional Voids: Willis encouraged people that are experiencing their own grief or emptiness to “fill the void through service.” Taking the time to develop meaningful relationships with the elderly or other underserved populations can bring great joy to our own lives.

Three Action Steps for This Week

Identify Your Comfort Zone: Where do you spend most of your professional time? With what communities or populations does your network rarely engage?
Contact One Local Organization: Reach out to a senior care facility, disability services program, or nonprofit organization that is doing good. Ask their director: "What specific needs could my business or I help address?"
Mobilize Your Team: Don't serve alone. Engage employees in identifying service opportunities and utilize team members' unique passions and skills.

Stay Focused Through Storms

"The world we live in is full of storms," Willis shared. "We have to be the ones who stay focused."

This isn't just about maintaining business profitability—it's about engaging with the world beyond the comfortable walls of our homes, churches, offices and conference rooms.

The challenges around us aren't going away. The question is whether we'll remain safely in our boats or answer the call to walk on water—bringing light and life to communities that desperately need both. Sometimes, the greatest business decision you can make is to take that first step.

Sarabeth Stone is a wife, mother, and freelance writer residing in the Upstate. Her background centers around public affairs and communications work with Fortune 500 companies, nonprofit entities, and small and mid-sized organizations from a variety of industries.

Located in the Upstate, The South Carolina Christian Consortium connects South Carolina’s small business community with likeminded leaders. We host monthly luncheons where experts from a variety of industries come to encourage, equip, and educate you as a business leader. Come rub elbows with state and local elected officials, business owners, University leaders, and more at our events.