Inspirational teacher, author and vocalist Sheila Walsh shares how a movement away from over-introspection and independence can strengthen believers’ faith and purpose. She says,
“I think the last thing we need is self-help. What we need is God-help.”
“Somehow in western Christianity we are so ‘me-focused’ as opposed to ‘Christ-focused.’ You can spend the rest of your life trying to dot every ‘i’ and cross every ‘t,’ and trying to be the best Christian. Or, you can spend your life passionately following Christ who has said, ‘It is finished.’ I want to encourage men and women to take a shift from staring at ourselves in the mirror.”
Walsh tells about her experience growing up in a Christian home in which her father committed suicide. She realized as an adult that she had been spending her life trying to be perfect for her heavenly father since that tragedy. She encourages listeners like Brian, who asks,
“How can I see God’s plan in my life if it feels like it’s been such a miserable experience?”
Drawing on the life of the Old Testament Joseph, Walsh explains how Joseph was able to persevere through the trauma of rejection, injustice and pain. The hero of the faith had to wait many years before his God-promised destiny unfolded. She says of Joseph,
“At every single turn, you read, ‘and God was with him.’ His circumstances do not change his character. He continues to serve and be the man God created him to be.”
Both Walsh and show host, Dr. Jeremiah Johnston, encourage listeners to share their struggles and questions openly with God. Johnston says,
“I struggled at one time in my life. It led me down a path of greater dependence on God. God’s a big boy and he can take your questions.”
Walsh exhorts believers to remember that the level at which we communicate with God indicates our trust for Him. She suggests writing a letter to God in order to fully express one’s thoughts.
When it comes to evangelism, and even talking with other believers, Johnston says Jesus sets the example by asking more than 300 recorded questions in the Gospels. Johnston gives this power tip for witnessing:
“I want to encourage every Christian: be curious in your Christian life. Individuals respond so much better to an inquisitive conversation rather than just an assertion.”
Sheila Walsh is a sought-after speaker, best-selling author, vocalist and Christian program host. Her latest book, “It’s Okay Not to Be Okay: Moving Forward One Day at a Time,” inspires readers to live beyond the life they had imagined. A native of Scotland, she and her family now call Dallas, Texas home.
