Do you have a spiritual giant? Someone who has gone before you and been that example of faithfulness until the end? Today we talk with Lori G. Melton about her book Journey With a Giant—Choose Your Guide, Pursue Your Purpose and Grow in your Walk with God What a fun conversation about what could be your next step in growing closer to God. Go HERE to receive a free peek at her book. We are led on a year-long journey alongside a "giant" of faith, inspired by the author’s year of studying the life of Mister Fred Rogers, America's favorite neighbor. The practice of walking with a spiritual giant is not a new concept. Since the origin of the Church, believers have studied the Bible and pored over Christian biographies to learn and grow in their faith. In the same way that athletes can improve their game by studying the tactics of seasoned players, we can get unstuck in our spiritual lives, cultivate a deeper connection with God, and explore how to fulfill our purpose by learning from and journeying with a spiritual mentor who has traveled the path before us. Some gems from our conversation: I began my year with this prayer: How can I grow closer to You this year? And He answered, Study the life and faith of Mr. Rogers. To be a disciple takes discipline—to hold onto what God is trying to teach us about ourselves and a deeper walk with Him. The truth is, they lived not perfectly but prayerfully, doing the best they could just like we can—and their weaknesses speak to us as much as their strengths. When we learn from a faithful followerer of God, it makes Him happy—as if He's saying, "Isn't it great to see how I worked in his life and now that's helped you as well!" Fred Rogers was a great model of one who accepted others while remaining faithful to the grace and truth of Jesus Christ I learned better how to love others, listen better and leave space for silence from my year with Mr. Rogers. Following a spiritual giant has brought me closer to God because I've learned to see things from differenct perspectives and it has helped me worship Him more. My legacy is to be one who loved God and listened to His voice, and when I did, I was filled with joy. Lori G. Melton is an author, spiritual director, retreat leader, and a member of Hope*Writers. She and her husband, Bryan, are the creators of the Sanctuary Stirrings Podcast and the founders and directors of The Sanctuary at BearCreek Retreat Center, which serves hundreds of people a year. When she's not writing, speaking, or welcoming guests, she enjoys spending time with her six children and three grandchildren. She and her husband live in Allegan, Michigan. Follow Lori here: lorigmelton.com thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com Social Media: FB Lori G. Melton
