The Value of Spirituality

Spirituality is NOT RELIGION. 

Spirituality is not limited to practicing religion. For each of us, it is an important aspect of our humanity. Though broadly defined, it is joy, sadness, hope, and frustration commonly experienced by us all.

Spirituality is your experience of the invisible, intangible yet very real forces affecting your internal environment which determines your effectiveness in your external environments. Spiritual Life is not a rebranding of religion, it is the process of developing appropriate affirmative responses to the opportunities.

Historically, the value of “Spirit” and spirituality is called “heart”: representing the value of doing things with heart (work ethic), having a heart (compassion and courage) and having a good heart (integrity and pleasantness).

Do you know anyone who could benefit from some lessons in heart?

Spiritual wellbeing is an important factor in your overall health and sense of wellbeing. And that health and wellness is your personal responsibility.

Spiritual health and wellbeing are foundationally and principally necessary for successful productivity and progress improvement in personal/professional growth, resiliency & recovery, and positive influence. However, may people abandon that responsibility in hopes that an organization, denomination, or some other institution can better provide the benefits of self care than they can provide for themselves through personal spiritual disciplines. While churches, ministries, and other organizations are helpful and important resources, they are like the hospitals and gyms that support physical health but can never replace the personal disciplines of nutritious eating, exercise, and rest.

Change causes emotional vulnerabilities and is a universal constant that can trigger a contrast of feelings from Loneliness, Disappointment, Anxiety, and Fear to Celebration, Compassion, Appreciation and Concern. But simply put, cultivating spiritual growth adds value to personal or professional relationships by nurturing positive connection, demonstrating compassion, and inspiring celebration that communicate someone cares.

MY STORY

My spiritual perspective was developed through challenges in my upbringing. I grew up with years of hearing all the things that could have me sent to Hell, I figured that there was a high probability of me going. My response was the stance of, “God, I love you and if you have to send me to Hell because of something I’ve done or do, just know I will still love you. And I plan to start a church for you there.” Fortunately my perspective changed. Now, the God I acknowledge and am ever seeking to know can’t be out loved by me.

A son of a preacher, 5th generations deep, I have served people through ministry in many ways, from Usher (like a Walmart Greeter but for church) to Youth Pastor, Worship Leader, Director of Development, and eventually Executive Pastor. Despite all I learned the hard way that the authentic caring connections that are a key to spiritual well-being and important factors of wholistic wellness must be developed beyond the walls of a church. This lead me to the most valuable lesson of my life. I am now learning how to love myself to better love God and people.

Some of my earliest memories are of loving God and seeking to express that love. I recall writing love letters to God and burying because I understood that buried believer see God, so that should be a way for him to get my mail. However, at about nine years of age I experienced the life-altering trauma of molestation which, years later, led to a devastating path of self-medicating with illicit substances and destructive people. This part of my journey culminated in a devastating life crisis that detoured my path.

Eventually, I chose radical change. I dedicated a year of my life to self-development, spiritual growth, and habits for happiness. But I moved forward having nothing. I felt that part if my journey cost me everything. At least everything I thought I needed to be happy. Having nothing resembling my former life - cars, career, status, income, home, car - none of the things I thought I needed to be happy. From that nothingness, I found, “NOTHING made me happier!”

I now offer my new perspective enriched with invaluable lessons learned from all of my experiences. Additionally, I offer insight and guidance from the experience as a development professional with over 20 years of progressive leadership, including executive level management, managing teams, serving on leadership boards, and fundraising among diverse constituents/clients.

My ability to contribute to your enrichment spans from coaching for workforce development, to nonprofit development, to personal development through training, and motivational speaking. But my greatest aspiration is to be your Spiritual Growth Coach and guide people like you unto happiness that is resilient, spiritually rooted, enriching, and tenacious.
"Life is rich with immeasurably valuable treasure and you have what it takes to
MINE IT.

Dig in. Let’s go for it!”