Blog 34: Living Blurred

One Whole Life: Faith Without Code Switching

Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.

Growing up in the 80s and 90s, many of us remember calling our parents at work, talking to a receptionist, waiting on hold, all just to ask if we could have a snack. One day, after hearing my mom answer in her “work voice,” I asked why she sounded like a white lady. She said, “I’m not sounding like a white lady. I’m at work.” 

Now, to clarify, my mom has always spoken proper English with high energy. So this really was just a funny, very childlike observation about moms and their “work voice,” not a critique of her at all. Looking back, it also turned out to be an early example of how many of us come to understand code switching, the subtle ways we adjust ourselves depending on the environment. Even without the vocabulary, I understood the concept long before I ever heard the term.

By the time I entered the workforce in 2008, the idea of code switching had expanded far beyond academic spaces. Stepping into my first job at a global CPA firm as one of a handful of Black staff in my local office made it very real, very quickly.

I knew how to be professional. My parents modeled it. I had strong examples in professional associations. I understood the unwritten rules: keep it light, blend in where you can, and avoid rocking the boat. I could talk sports with the guys, travel with the women, and keep conversations comfortable. Still, while I could relate conversationally, I often did not relate personally. The young, mostly white, mostly married, with kids and pets culture around me did not reflect my reality. So I edited myself. I shared the “work-appropriate” version of my weekends and left out the parts that felt too cultural or too churchy.

Meanwhile, outside of work, my life was deeply rooted in church. I was ushering, serving as a trustee, attending Sunday school and Bible study, and eventually co-leading and helping grow a church. I was also active in civic and political organizations. Yet during the workweek, none of that crossed the line. My life existed in neatly separated boxes. Work in one lane, church in another, community in another. Separate roles, separate conversations, separate realities.

Over the years, I was increasingly surprised by how many people were deeply active in ministry—pastors, worship leaders, musicians, and more—but their coworkers had no idea. They were bold and visible in church but silent at work. Not because they were ashamed, but because we were taught to keep those worlds separate. That has always stayed with me. It showed me how normalized compartmentalized living is for believers, even though our calling touches every space we enter.

The disconnection between who we are and where we show it was obvious, exhausting, inauthentic, and the opposite of discipleship. We are called to a life of integration, not separation. 

So one day I decided: I am not doing this anymore. I am not code switching. I am not keeping my life separated into boxes. The intersections of my life were not a problem. They had a purpose. That realization is where Blurred Lines was born. In 2018, I updated my LinkedIn headline to say, “Blurring the lines between church, community, and career.” 

Part of living integrated is using what God gave us for His kingdom, not only on Sundays. If I am an accountant, why wouldn’t I help with church finances? If I have the gifts of administration and leadership, why wouldn’t I use that in ministry? Our gifts were not meant for one lane. They were not meant only to build résumés. God gave us talent, skill, insight, and expertise so we could build His kingdom. What we do professionally can and should be part of how we serve God.

Our key verse, Colossians 3:17, one of my foundational scriptures, reminds me that wherever I am and whatever I am doing, I am a representative of Christ. The Colossian church lived in a community shaped by competing beliefs and cultural pressures that blurred the truth of the gospel. Paul wrote this letter to correct false doctrine, reaffirm the supremacy of Christ, and anchor believers in what it truly means to live a life centered in Him. Colossians 3:17 also serves as the summary statement to Paul’s instructions on Christian character earlier in the chapter, where he urges believers to put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and forgiveness. These qualities are meant to be visible in all areas of life, not just in spiritual spaces.

When Paul says, “do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus,” he is not talking about attaching Jesus’ name to our actions. He is calling us to live in a way that aligns with His character, reflects His values, and honors His presence. This is true discipleship. Paul is challenging us not to shrink our faith depending on the room we are in. The version of us that shows up on Sunday morning should be the same version that shows up at work, at home, and in community.

This connects directly to living blurred. Every space we occupy is an opportunity to live out our identity in Christ with integrity and gratitude. When Christ is central, the different areas of our lives begin to align under one purpose. Paul reinforces this again in Colossians 4:5, where he urges believers to live wisely among others and make the most of every moment. He encourages us to let our speech be gracious and attractive so we offer the right response in every situation. Identity, integrity, and witness are not meant to be compartmentalized. They travel with us.

I often wonder how different my early life might have been if I had embraced this sooner. If I had shown more of my faith, church work, and community involvement instead of assuming those pieces did not belong in certain spaces. I hope people remember me as kind and professional, but I also wonder how many opportunities I missed to encourage someone or simply be who God called me to be without editing myself.

Today, I try to lead differently. I speak up for people who are not in the room. I advocate for equity. I try to display the fruit of the Spirit in how I lead and make decisions. I encourage others to get involved and use their gifts. And I use my career expertise to strengthen both community work and ministry. This is what living blurred looks like for me now. (note: this does require both courage and wisdom, especially in work environments - so discernment and prayer matter as we navigate those spaces.)

Whether I announce it or not, I never want anyone to be surprised to learn I am a believer. I never want to miss an opportunity to help someone or be the “only Bible they ever read.” A friend once said, “I am just trying not to embarrass God.” A motto we should all adopt. We will not always get it right, but by God’s grace, we get another chance every day.

Be one whole person in every space, doing all things unto Christ.

No separation. No performance. No switching.

Live with purpose, consistency, and authenticity.

Live Blurred

ZeNai

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Reflection

• When did you first notice “blurred lines” in your own journey?

• Where in your life do you feel tempted to code switch — not just in language, but in identity or presence?

• How might Colossians 3:17 guide your decision making and how you show up this week?

  
  
  
  

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