Meet Cherry: Your Guide on the Spiritual Journey
Cherry is a certified Spiritual Director with a passion for guiding individuals on their spiritual journey. Cherry’s approach is rooted in empathy, encouragement, and deep listening, helping you to uncover the Divine in your everyday life.
Cherry's Personal Journey
In Her Own Words
I was raised in the church, walked my own way as a young adult, and suffered pain and brokenness through the choices that my hurting heart made. Fortunately, God slowly and graciously rescued me, and began transforming me into His image for His service. God brought some very wise men and women into my life in the form of Spiritual Directors. Thus began my appreciation and love for the art of Spiritual Direction.
On some level, I have been practicing this art of Holy Listening for many years as a sponsor in 12-Step recovery programs and a Christian mentor. I recently made it official by becoming a certified Spiritual Director with Ignatian training.
By God’s abundant grace and mercy, I am married with four grown children who have chosen wonderful spouses. Our long-awaited first grandchild is on the way. I love nature, especially trees, and water, and am blessed to live in a quiet, serene area surrounded by both.
I long to continue to deepen my relationship with the One we call God—to live life in a concentrated and contemplative way. To take a fresh and deeper look at the ancient path of Jesus. It is an honor to companion those who also seek this path. God has given me His heart for those who have experienced pain through loss, divorce, addiction, and falling away from the Lord. And those who have lived internationally and returned to the United States.
“The role of committed Christians is always to grow richer themselves so that they can richly give to others.” The Rule of Benedict— Joan Chittister
Education:
I have a Master’s degree in Liberal Arts with an emphasis on Spanish language and culture and Sociology.
I have over 30 years’ experience with 12-step recovery work—both in personal recovery work and companioning others on their recovery journey.
I received cross-cultural training as preparation for serving on the mission field for almost 10 years in the Dominican Republic.
I received a certificate in Ignatian spiritual direction through a five-year formation program offered by St. Scholastica Benedictine monastery in Ft. Smith, Arkansas.
I’m especially drawn to the Benedictine and Ignatian ways of life. I am currently in process to become a Benedictine Oblate affiliated with Subiaco Monastery, Subiaco, Arkansas.
I am a member of Spiritual Directors International https://www.sdiworld.org/
I believe that we are always called to grow and allow God to continue His transformation process. I continue in monthly spiritual direction and supervision as well as continuing education.
Recovery:
I have learned so much about myself and about God as I have walked the road of recovery. I can replace the lie(s) I have been believing with these truths:
- Our weaknesses will take us to God IF we let them.
- Telling the truth to myself and others releases me from the power that the addiction has over me.
- Whatever the problem or situation, I need to get the focus off of me and onto God.
- I have to reach for recovery and reach for God.
- Day by day I simply “Do the next right thing.” Simple, yet full of power.
Favorite Scripture Passages & Wise Sayings
“Be still and know that I am God.” —Psalm 46:11
“In repentance and rest you shall be saved. In quietness and trust shall be your strength.”—Isaiah 30:15
“In silence and stillness, my heart waits for you.” —Psalm 6
“Taste and see that the Lord is good.” —Psalm 38:4
“Call to me and I will answer you. I’ll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own.” —Jeremiah 33:3 | The Message
“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”—James 4:8
“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” —Exodus 14:14
When we are powerless, let us be quiet and let God act.
Live life normally, live life thoughtfully, live life profoundly, live life well. To live in awe and wonder with gratitude, clarity of purpose, and confidence. In a quietness born of trust. Let it unfold gradually. Trust the gradual. Inspired by the Rule of Benedict
“It’s hard to let go of the past, and yet, until we do, there is no hope whatsoever that we can ever gain from the future.” Rule of Benedict—Joan Chittister
“…in the dark days of the spiritual life, when we have failed ourselves miserably, we must remember the God who walks with us on the journey to our best selves and cling without end to the God who fails us never.”— Rule of Benedict
“Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.” —St. Catherine of Siena
