Testimonials

Here’s what some of my directees are saying about spiritual direction with me

I find spiritual direction so dignifying. Being prayed for, having a beautiful space to reflect in, being asked questions about my story with God, and piecing it together, phrase by phrase, has buoyed my fundamental trust in the goodness of God and deepened my desire for a life of integrity and response.

Probably the most important thing has been learning different ways and practices to be in the presence of God beyond the prayer practices I was accustomed to. I’ve shifted from “I should pray” to prayer being an act of relationship for which I am grateful.  Somewhat surprisingly, spiritual direction has helped me to put other issues in order in service to who I am called to be—it has helped with anxiety, stress, and anger. 

As an openly gay man, spiritual direction has helped me experience the full embrace of Christ that I often felt barred from when I was growing up in a fundamentalist church culture.  In the process of opening myself up to a generous, loving person like Heather and allowing myself to be seen, I have begun experiencing a healing that I did not expect or think possible.  I can always bring anything into our spiritual direction sessions, and Heather will be able to hold it.  If I am full of doubt or full of rage, she is always willing to explore these states of mind with me and help me look for God in the midst of them.  Our sessions have been catalysts to self-discovery and a deepening of my relationship with God.  I highly recommend spiritual direction to anyone looking for guidance, healing, and a more robust awareness of God’s presence in their lives.

More than helping me create a rhythm of prayer, spiritual direction has given freedom to my already existing practices. I have grown even more aware of the whispers of God’s voice that are woven into my daily reality, not just my meditation times. My conversations with God have ebbs and flows, but I am growing more attuned to the banter that exists between us and realizing that these little encounters can be as meaningful (if not more!) than grand epiphany moments.

Over these months of direction I notice that the fear has drastically subsided.  It wasn’t in one session or at any event I can point to.  It’s just been a gradual erosion and I’m experiencing an increasing dependency instead of fear.  I credit this to an increasing awareness of God’s presence throughout the day.  By God’s grace, I’ve been catching the temptation to fear and praying through it before it grows to a place of consuming me. 

Heather has helped me to slow down and be still, to observe God’s hand at work in my life, and to notice the abundance of His blessings. Having the opportunity to see my life through this lens has been a tremendous blessing that has increased my strength and patience. During some rocky times, Heather has helped me to trust that God walks beside me holding my hand.