Modern Spirituality

Juan Pablo Grisales spent much of his life believing that he had to rely solely on his own strength. Growing up in Colombia, he was surrounded by a culture that valued self-reliance and stoicism, especially among men. This "macho culture," as he describes it, taught him to suppress his emotions and handle life’s challenges on his own. But all of that began to change when Juan Pablo encountered a spiritual awakening that led him to embrace Jesus Christ.

Juan Pablo opens up about his transformation—a journey that took him from self-reliance to total surrender to Jesus. "For most of my life, I thought I could do everything on my own," he shares. "But I realized that my strength alone wasn’t enough."

Juan Pablo explains how his life in Colombia was marked by an internal struggle to balance rationality with the emotions he tried so hard to bury. "I always leaned towards being rational because I thought emotions made me weak," he admits. This approach left him feeling empty and disconnected from something deeper that he couldn't quite identify.

The turning point for Juan Pablo came during a time of personal crisis. It was in this moment of weakness that he found himself open to the idea of surrendering his life to Jesus. "I was raised Catholic, but I never really had a relationship with Jesus," he says. "It wasn't until I was at my lowest that I realized I needed Him."

Juan Pablo’s first steps in his faith journey were hesitant, but he quickly discovered the peace that comes from letting go and trusting in God's plan. "Giving my life to Jesus was the best decision I’ve ever made," he says with conviction. "For the first time, I felt a strength that wasn’t my own, and it was liberating."

Juan Pablo describes how his faith in Jesus has transformed his life. "It's like a weight has been lifted," Juan Pablo says. "I used to carry everything on my shoulders, but now I know that Jesus is carrying me."

Juan Pablo emphasizes the importance of being open to God’s presence and allowing Jesus to guide every aspect of life. "I used to think I was strong enough to face anything, but now I understand that true strength comes from Jesus," he reflects. "He renews my strength every day and fills my life with purpose."

Mariana reflects on the power of surrendering to Jesus and how it can bring about profound change. "Jesus is the only way," Juan Pablo declares. "He’s the truth and the life. Once I accepted that, everything in my life started to make sense."

Juan Pablo’s message to those who still believe they can handle life on their own is clear: "There’s a limit to human strength, but there’s no limit to what Jesus can do in your life. Open your heart to Him, and you’ll see what true strength really is."

His words are a powerful reminder of the transformative power of faith in Jesus Christ. Juan Pablo’s journey from self-reliance to spiritual surrender is a testament to the peace and strength that comes from knowing and following Jesus. "I’m excited about the future now," he says. "Because I know that with Jesus, anything is possible."

In this poignant episode of the Modern Spirituality Podcast, Jenell Sisk opens up about her extraordinary journey through profound loss and unwavering faith. Hailing from Palos and now residing in Mokina, Jenell recently became a widow, losing her beloved husband, Larry, in November. Despite the pain, she remains a devoted mother to seven children and a "Gigi" to twelve grandchildren.

Jenell's story is a testament to the power of faith amidst adversity. Raised in a devout Catholic family, her faith was tested as she watched Larry battle a debilitating illness for over two years. Through it all, she leaned heavily on her belief in God, finding solace in prayer and the support of her family.

Her reflections on grief and resilience are deeply moving. Jenell emphasizes the importance of allowing oneself to feel, grieve, and yet find hope. Her words inspire us to cherish our loved ones and hold on to faith, even in the darkest times.

In a deeply personal and inspiring episode of Modern Spirituality, David Thimmesch, founder of a marketing company, shares his journey of intertwining faith and entrepreneurship. This episode isn’t just a narrative; it's a reservoir of wisdom for anyone striving to blend personal beliefs with professional ambitions.

Raised in a faith-centered household, David’s story begins in Milwaukee, where his early encounter with faith at the age of four set the stage for his future. 

His recount of accepting faith on a car ride to Chuck E. Cheese, punctuated by a memorable victory in a video game, beautifully illustrates how profound experiences often intertwine with the simplest moments in life.

David’s journey wasn’t devoid of challenges. His college years at Knox College and later at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire were a time of exploration and self-discovery, a period marked by a "mini prodigal son" phase, as he terms it. This phase was crucial, as it led him to reevaluate his path and solidify his faith on a personal level.

"The rebellion at 18 allowed me to define who I wanted to be," David reflects. This introspection and subsequent transformation highlight a critical lesson: struggles often pave the way to self-realization and growth.

The pandemic brought a pivotal shift in David’s life. Laid off and introspective, he saw an opportunity to reshape his professional life. He realized that integrating his faith into his business wasn’t just an option; it was a necessity. 

This integration was more than a business decision; it was an alignment of his life’s work with his deepest values.

David’s approach to business is a lesson in authenticity and courage. He emphasizes, "If you speak to everyone, you're speaking to no one." Specializing his services for Christian entrepreneurs wasn’t just a niche marketing strategy; it was a declaration of his values.

For our listeners, David’s story is a testament to the power of faith in guiding life choices. It's about finding the courage to integrate personal beliefs into professional life, and the wisdom in seeing struggles as stepping stones to a purposeful existence.

In a world where the lines between spirituality and daily life often blur, Francine Poole's latest podcast episode of Modern Spirituality is more than just a conversation; it's a guide to understanding spirituality's evolving landscape. Joined by Felicia Wilson, Francine navigates through the personal narrative of spiritual growth beyond the confines of traditional religion.

Felicia, a person whose life has been shaped by a quest for spiritual identity, shares profound insights into the journey of finding personal faith. "When I hear spirituality, I hear a voice of God," Felicia begins, setting the tone for an episode that dives deep into the soul's quest. This statement isn't just about belief; it's about the quest for a connection that transcends the physical, reaching for something universal, something that speaks to each of us uniquely.

You might find yourself nodding along as Francine and Felicia discuss the concept of modern spirituality as a non-religious, deeply personal connection to a higher power. It's an affirmation that your spiritual journey is yours alone — a path you carve by listening to the inner voice that guides you toward your higher self.

Francine, a beacon of wisdom on the show, perpetually steers the conversation to enlighten and engage you, the reader. Her intuitive questioning reveals the heart of the matter: spirituality is not a one-size-fits-all experience. It's an individual journey, as unique as a fingerprint, and just as Francine emphasizes, it's about being thankful and embracing gratitude as a spiritual practice.

Felicia's personal story of growth within the Jehovah Witness faith and her evolution towards a broader spiritual understanding is compelling. "It's been religious-based for a long time, but I'm not where I used to be when it comes to religion," Felicia shares, echoing the sentiments of many who seek a more personal experience of the divine.

The podcast isn't just about sharing experiences; it offers relatable lessons. Felicia's approach to manifestation—writing down specific goals and carrying them as daily reminders—is a practical tip that resonates with anyone looking to bring their desires to fruition. "You have to be willing to sacrifice something," Felicia advises, imparting the wisdom that true manifestation requires both vision and dedication.

Francine and Felicia's exploration of modern spirituality culminates in a powerful message: religion need not be the gatekeeper of spiritual experience. This episode of Modern Spirituality is a reminder that your journey is yours to define, and your connection to the universal power is a dialogue you can foster in your own, unique way.

If you've been searching for an infusion of wisdom and knowledge that resonates deeply, Estefanía Galván's recent episode on the Modern Spirituality Podcast may just be your beacon. Her conversation with Mariana Uribe wasn't just another dialogue—it was a deep dive into the realm of personal evolution.

Mariana, whose spiritual path has been both captivating and transformative, shared the essence of her journey with a profound openness. She wasn't born enlightened; she faced struggles, introspected, and bloomed. And it’s her relatability that makes her story all the more transformative.

"Every challenge," Mariana remarked, "is an invitation to delve deeper into oneself."

Estefanía, with her knack for probing the right questions, nudged Mariana to illuminate how these challenges sculpted her. As the star of the show, Estefanía's gift is making her guests reveal layers even they might have overlooked.

One poignant moment unfolded when Mariana discussed a turning point in her life: a low phase that made her question her essence. But instead of drowning, she used it as a buoy to float up. "In our weakest moments," she opined, "we often find our most potent strength."

For you, the person searching for growth or seeking a spark, Mariana's story exemplifies how our experiences aren't just random events; they're lessons. They're not hurdles but stepping stones.

But how does one transform pain into wisdom? Estefanía's conversations often orbit around this quest. And this episode was no exception.

Estefanía prompted, "How did you transition from hurt to healing?"

Mariana, reflecting on her past, said, "It's about acknowledging the pain, not running from it. Once you do, you find tools—be it meditation, books, or mentors—that guide you."

You don't need to mirror Mariana's journey, but there's a universal thread you can pull from it: embracing and understanding oneself leads to growth. As you navigate life, remember that introspection is the compass, and self-love, the North Star.

Another significant takeaway was Mariana's emphasis on mentors and guides. She candidly admitted, "I wouldn't be where I am without them." Estefanía aptly added, "We all need mirrors to reflect our potential back to us."

Are you allowing yourself the gift of mentorship, of being seen and guided?

As the conversation neared its end, Mariana left us with a thought, "Life is a blend of predestined paths and choices. While we can't change our destiny, our choices shape its quality."

Reflect on Mariana's words. They're not just philosophical musings but navigational tools. Tools that you can incorporate in your life's tapestry.

In a world brimming with noise, Estefanía and her guests, like Mariana, bring you the symphony of soulful introspection. So, the next time you find yourself at a crossroad or a contemplative evening, remember the wisdom shared here. Let it guide, inspire, and transform you.

Ana Barajas's journey in spiritual consultancy stems from her painful childhood experience. Having been sexually abused by a highly religious man at age five, Ana felt God wanted to devour her and associated Him with abuse. The trauma programmed in her brain as a child is an ongoing fight that inspired her journey in helping Christian women heal from past traumas and identify love.

Growing up in a very religious home, Ana knew she was connected to the spiritual realm but didn’t understand what it was. She attributed every evil action to Christ before his first spiritual encounter with God at 18 when her fiance cheated on her.

“I remember being so confused to the point that I prayed for the first time, believing that God was going to respond. I actually heard, not with an audible voice, but within the spirit of God's guidance and knowingness, God's saying to me ‘Don't go with him. I have a life for you that you cannot imagine. I have a husband that you cannot imagine.’ And to me, it just felt so real.“

Although spirituality was an ongoing battle for Ana, at 21, she understood the essence of Christ's love and got addicted to agape love.

“I locked myself in my room for a whole year just reading the Bible. I cut off all my friends. At that time, I had friends who were on a very different path.  I just remember cutting them off. I’d lock myself in my room after work, and I was so excited to read my Bible. I would read my Bible from 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM. It became like this book of wisdom and knowledge, and there were amazing stories of war and rape and resurrection and all these stories of amazing people.”

People have their own resistance. They tend to reject love and their life.

“These people are at war with themselves, and therefore with me from a lens of love and compassion, because loving compassion is the antidote.”

Tune into the episode as our first ever spiritual consultant on the show takes us through her childhood trauma, the rage, finding love in Christ, and extra tips for healing traumas.

On this episode of the Modern Spirituality Podcast, Stephanie Welter, a realtor with Keller Williams Success Realty, sits down with a special guest - Reverend Scott Donahue. Not only is Reverend Scott the President of Mercy Home for Boys and Girls, he is also the priest that married Stephanie and her husband and baptized their children.

Good friends already, these two quickly get into conversation around Reverend Scott’s upbringing and how he found his way to priesthood. Growing up in Mt. Prospect, Reverend Scott paints a picture of an idyllic suburban childhood filled with neighborhood kids running around. By the time he reached 7th grade, however, his life took a serious turn with the sudden death of his father. 

His mother, wanting him to have a positive educational environment as well as mentors in his life, put Reverend Scott into a Catholic high school, St. Viter run by Viatorian priests and brothers. 

“I was really influenced by the Victorian priests and the brothers and their commitment to education, but also their commitment in terms of lifestyle, taking care of people, being inquisitive, compassionate, good listeners, you know, and that stuck with me.”

While a student at Loyola University, Reverend Scott was on track to going to law school, taking the LSATs when, as he calls it, the “hound of heaven” that was nagging him inside. 

“So have you thought about ministry? Have you thought about priesthood? And so truly it was very pragmatic. So I went to a fifth year of college and I took some more theology and some philosophy.”

From there, he tells his story of his love affair with the Church and how that drew him to make a commitment that has led him to 40 years of service to the Church this upcoming May. 

“I think the great gift in life is journeying with people.”

The pair go on to talk about how important it is to align your thoughts and your behavior and how that is reaching true integrity - the opposite of cognitive dissonance. They also chat about Reverend Scott’s book, Years of Mercy, a collection of stories of ten children he’s worked with at Mercy Home. It’s a book filled with love’s remarkable power in changing traumatic and dire circumstances. 

Join these two in a beautiful conversation about the power of love, hope, and living out the Gospel to truly help and inspire others on this episode of the Modern Spirituality Podcast.

Bryan McDonald is a partner with onPurpose Growth serving as a Sales and Executive Business Coach. Bryan's background is in service based businesses such as financial services and insurance, where he spent his 20+ year career in business development and new revenue growth.

Bryan says what he does is about understanding his clients needs and positioning their products/services to be seen as rare by their clients.

“It's everything around sales systems, sales process, sales skills, sales strategy and what our clients tell us is that when they learn and apply the things that we talk about, they're assessed as rare by their prospects and clients. Therefore, their offers are more readily accepted and everybody makes more money.”

What Bryan has learned in business has come more from his spiritual evolution than from his professional experiences. As he explains, he’s had several spiritually awakening moments, but it was a retreat he attended that would forever change his perspective. 

“When I did that (attend retreat), it was really the biggest jump I made from giving myself permission to be who I was, because it allowed me to go on a certain type of spiritual journey and maybe down a certain path that would unlock things that I could serve the world even more.”

That experience would not only transform him personally, but his business as well. With a newfound approach to life, Bryan would coach his clients from that perspective to help them achieve their goals. 

“I tell clients once they come in the door, what if I told you that all of your business issues have nothing to do about your business strategy and it has everything to do with who you are. Sometimes I get a sideways (look). Sometimes I get absolutely. What I've learned is that when I serve people and help them transform to become who they want to be, usually everything takes care of itself.”

Having been raised Catholic, Bryan talks about how he wanted to go beyond the religion to find a deeper meaning than what he’d been taught. 

“My spiritual journey is not about this outer religion. It's about my inner journey and where I'm going.”

Tune in to hear Bryan’s share his story of overcoming obstacles and finding meaning in his life and work through his spiritual practice. 

Our first episode of the Modern Spirituality Podcast is a special one. TFOCB Influencer, Myra Nimchaiyong sits down with her friends Kimberly Buss, Lindsey Miller, and Andy Gaston to talk about what spirituality means to each of them; specifically what each believes. 

Myra starts off the discussion by indicating all three of her guests have played such an instrumental part in her own spiritual journey the last couple of years.

Kim kicks it off sharing how her spiritual journey started and how tied it was to her move from Alabama to Chicago at the age of 13.

“From an early age, I realized God has a plan for you. And you can sit here and you can pray for the things that you want to happen. But at the end of the day, I think God knows what is, God knows what's best for you. He knows what's best for you more than, you know, what's best for you.

Coming from the opposite end of the spectrum, Lindsey shares her story of not growing up with religion or faith at all and the near-death and life changing moment she found God. 

“I think everybody has to start somewhere, especially for those of us that haven't really been exposed to it.”

Andy talks about growing up as an altar boy reading the Bible every night and how that curiosity evolved beyond the Bible to other spiritual texts. 

Together, these four delve deep not only into their own journeys and what spirituality means to them but also how that translates to each other. All coming from different backgrounds and religions, they come together to see how those different experiences fit within each other.