I have had some interesting conversations about living in Santa Barbara lately. Through these conversations, I have come to realize that there are only a couple of different types of people who live in Santa Barbara. The 1st group (a lot of the times it is the wealthy ones) love living in such a beautiful place, and wouldn’t trade it for anything. The 2nd group (usually the middle, working class) is always whining and complaining about how expensive it is to live here, and their desire is to move away. I realize that there are probably people somewhere in the middle of these two spectrums, but most people would be able to drop themselves in one of the two groups.
Many of the people I have had conversations with recently are disgruntled with the expensive Santa Barbara housing. I don’t mean to be rude, but basically all I hear is a bunch of bitching and moaning about how hard it is to afford housing in this town. Most of the people that I talk with seriously consider moving away to a cheaper city so that they would be able to buy a house, or be able to rent a house for a much cheaper price. I guess the thing that bugs me about this is that it seems like such a huge act of faithlessness and selfishness. In essence, when we decide to move to another city because things are tough in the one we are in, we are basically telling God: “I am taking things into my own hands because you can’t provide for me enough to live here.” Sure, there are those of us who are “called” to other countries and cities, but we better not justify our lack of faith with the “I am called” speech.
Sure, Santa Barbara isn’t the cheapest city in the world to live in, but I love the fact that Jesus said “he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.” I know that God has me here for a reason, and as long as I follow Christ with my whole life, God will take care of me, and that includes my housing. I know that because I follow him, God’s got my back…even in Santa Barbara.
9 Responses
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Ryan, what category do you fall into? Those of use who aren’t rich are always looking at what our options are. Being a family man, a priority of mine is to provide the most comfortable and safe environment for my family to live in. Our money might go further living somewhere else but we would be compromising living in a beautiful and safe place like S.B.
Posted by Mario
I just read the rest of your post. No need to answer my question.
On a side note…
Every time I see that commercial with that woman from We the People saying “There are so many things to do in Santa Barbara, aren’t we lucky to live here.” I feel like taking off my shoe and throwing it at the t.v. Ever try finding a place to take your wife to on a Saturday night after 9:00pm. Your options are limited.
Posted by Mario
I agree Ryan, and we can still leave an “inheritance” for our children by being good stewards of what we have been given. Owning a home does not equal financial stability, most people are in WAY over their heads with a morgage that has completely strapped them. If God blesses us with a house in SB - great! If not, I still get to share life with some great people and leave my children a ton of money because we are putting money away now. A house is just like a savings account, really. And you can’t take it with you…
Posted by Kristin
It can be challenging to live in SB, but like others have implied, there is a give and take.
I think that the reasons that many people complain and decide to move out of SB are also the same basic reasons that people settle for mediocre lives outside of God’s abundance. Yeah, it can be challenging to live the life that God has called us to, but the rewards are so great!
People want to be able to make their own decisions and take control, rather than follow God and trust Him completely. To be honest, I find it hard to do that at times, but it’s definitely, definitely worth it!
Posted by Marieke
Wow…the lurkers come out of hiding to participate. That is funny Mario. I can hear that monotone line reverberating in my skull: “aren’t we lucky to live here?” Ahhhhhh, living in santa barbara also comes with lame and cheesy commercials apparently. Guess SB isnt all its cracked up to be.
Posted by Ryan
Totally Marieke. Rick McKinely, in his book Jesus in the Margins says that “At its core, sin is our desire to run our own lives any way we want.” I thought about it, and its hauntingly true…
Posted by Ryan
Fudge man who does not complain about fricken rent and trying to make it here in this beautifull city,(by the way great pics) shoot man everywhere I fricken go I here the moaning and groaning anout how expensive it is here. The thing is people come and people go and people moan and people graon. I know for Recia and I there is going to be a time when we will start to moan and groan, I just hope that I stay connected with the voice inside and I don’t ignore that voice.
Posted by Mark
Hi everyone, I know it’s been a loooong time since I’ve talked to you all. I felt compelled to just say a few things. I am not innocent of taking this same attitude Ryan is talking about. From time to time I whine and complain about the cost of housing in Santa Barbara and California in general. When I have doubts as to how I will make it, I’m doubting what God can do for me. I know that living a life trusting God is far easier than living a life trusting myself. I only hope and pray that the time I spend trusting in God outweighs the time I spend foolishly worrying. Striving to live for the Lord solely is what I long for and will continue to do. The comfort derived from knowing God has my back is far greater than knowing I have a big house to come home to. Security doesn’t come from a house, job, car or money. It comes from God. He’s the one who gives us all these things and entrusts us to be good stewards.
On a side note, I wanted to say that I’m trying dilligently to return to Santa Barbara in the fall. I’ve already been admitted to UCSB and am trying to work the financial aid and housing situation out. I don’t know exactly how that is going to work out but I’m praying and trusting that God will provide a way if it’s meant to be. I hope you all are doing well. You’ve been in my thoughts and prayers ever since leaving. God bless.
Posted by Brandon
Continuing the Discussion