Comments on: Spiritual Direction (Part 2): A Space for Rigorous Honesty

By: Patricia A Stetson-Warning

Patricia A Stetson-Warning — Thu, 03 Nov 2022 18:14:45 +0000

"Spiritual direction is essential for us as leaders because it allows us to stay in touch with our spiritual longings and to find support in crafting a way of life that opens us to what our souls most want." --Ruth Haley Barton These words articulate so eloquently what both TC13 and connection with a Spiritual Director has done for me. It was a longing that would not go away that led me to TC13, and regular Spiritual Direction. Both are Life-giving gifts. I cannot imagine life without a Spiritual Director where I can continue to attend to those longings and bring intention to them with Spiritual Practice. In the presence of my Spiritual Director I can strongly sense the holiness and sacredness of attending to longing and having a safe person to be vulnerable and honest with about my condition, my stumblings, resistances, and back-peddlings in the spiritual journey.

By: Ruth Barton

Ruth Barton — Thu, 27 Oct 2022 00:47:34 +0000

In reply to carol. Beautiful! Thank you. And yes, God is our Director and we as human director just call attention to how God seems to be leading and guiding.

By: Ruth Barton

Ruth Barton — Wed, 26 Oct 2022 13:45:53 +0000

In reply to Roger Nix. Good to hear from you, Roger, and look forward to having you join our listing of trained spiritual directors who have also completed a Transforming Community experience. BTW--I think you were in TC16; TC17 is in process right now and I know you are not in that one. :)

By: carol

carol — Tue, 25 Oct 2022 21:19:11 +0000

I'm a spiritual Director Ruth. Not conventional, not 'cburched', (as someone described me) but truly at one with all that is life. How could anything or anyone be anything other than in love with all that is life?I don't know. However, when anyone confesses their inner truth to me, and it happens, I am humbled and grateful that nothing can possibly be distorted by ego or self-aggrandization on my part. I can only reassure that beautiful suffering soul their secret is safe with me. After all, I am as vulnerable and human as they are! I don't have wings and a halo. I have the same weaknesses and needs. I truly believe, God,our creator force, is our spiritual director. Our only reason to be is to acknowledge this and be our authentic self at all times Spiritual or not? It's my truth as it is my life. We're blessed, we're here, how could anything be more perfect ? Much love for all you're doing, Carol xx

By: Cheri Hudspith

Cheri Hudspith — Tue, 25 Oct 2022 16:08:35 +0000

The spiritual discipline of being radically honest is so important for transformation. I can’t explain it well. I have experienced it. I have witnessed it in receiving the confession of others. I’m so glad the Lord is calling more and more people into this grace-filled, loving, life changing practice. Ruth, I’m thankful for the work you do to help us trust the invitation is good and necessary.

By: Jeffery James

Jeffery James — Wed, 19 Oct 2022 22:11:04 +0000

In reply to Roger Nix. Roger, there is more information here. Once you graduate from the program, you will need two years of experience before you can join the listing. But it is a great list to be on! I can tell you that those listed are inundated with requests.

By: Roger Nix

Roger Nix — Tue, 18 Oct 2022 12:19:53 +0000

Thanks Ruth for this clarifying and encouraging article on spiritual direction. Since graduating TC 17, I am currently in training as a Spiritual Director (Sustainable Faith) and still receiving spiritual direction. What a lifeline for me as I transitioned out of senior pastoral leadership 3 years ago. . I’d love to find out more about becoming part of your network of spiritual directors. Grace to you

By: Ruth Barton

Ruth Barton — Fri, 18 Oct 2019 10:50:03 +0000

In reply to Timothy Nelson. You're welcome, Tim! I agree...hard to imagine moving forward in life without a spiritual director!

By: Ruth Barton

Ruth Barton — Sat, 05 Oct 2019 17:12:18 +0000

In reply to Randy Tumblin. So good to hear from you, Randy! I remember our connection in and through our partnership with Northern well. I think you would make the most wonderful hospital chaplain; as I think of you in that role I pray for God to uphold you in that important work and lead you to the support of a spiritual director--one who is just right for you.

By: Timothy Nelson

Timothy Nelson — Sat, 05 Oct 2019 15:20:05 +0000

I hear something new and challenging every time I read your work or hear you speak. Your welcoming thoughts on spiritual direction are so helpful. After working with a spiritual director for about two years, I resonate with your thoughts and encouragement. Now, I find it hard to imagine moving forward in life without one. Thank you, Ruth, for your valuable words.