Free People, Free People
Posted on 06. Apr, 2010 by Angie Wyatt in Blog
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When people first meet my dad, Rev. Dr. Robert A. Schuller, they’re often amazed by his genuine and approachable persona. When they first see him, they expect to meet a great orator who is perhaps aloof and impersonal. Instead, they find an authentic, affable man who’s good nature stems from his spiritual journey.
Unlike so many ministers today, my father prioritized his Spiritual Wellness. Several years ago, he joined a Bible study called Soul Renovation. With the help of this small group, he focused on healing his past, and consequently, his relationship with God. As a result, he authentically loves God and people.
He speaks openly, writes books and courageously shares his passion for spiritual healing. Recently, he joined 300 pastors at Kairos, a two-day intensive inner healing event. Though pastors attended from around the world, my dad was the only television figure in the room.
At the event, the pastors all ate dinner together. When it was time for dessert, my dad grabbed a dish of cookies and passed it around the table. Most of the attendees treated him like a regular guy. They talked about golf, kids and all the usual. Still, a few pastors acted awe-struck making it mildly uncomfortable. I confess, it nearly drove me mad when some of the attending pastors would gawk at him and ask inappropriate questions.
When I asked my dad how he managed to stay so calm, he explained the importance of treating everyone with kindness and dignity. “Besides,” he emphasized, “I might miss the opportunity to meet interesting people.” Despite the on look of so many curious eyes, he plunged headlong into this inner healing seminar. That’s my dad!
When we’re able to trust God with our hearts, then we no longer fear being vulnerable. We are able to model the healing process for others. We are able to say, “Hey, look at me. This is how it’s done!”
After all, only free people can free people! How has your healing process helped others to heal? Tell us your story. Share your thoughts.
15 Responses to “Free People, Free People”
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Ms. Gig
13. Jul, 2010
As a ‘regular’ person, please don’t be too hard on us ‘awe-struck’ folks. It is very hard to be casual to a ‘celebrity’…at least it is to me. After all, you live in a world where EVERYONE recognizes you, whereas we ‘regs’ are just the opposite…we need name tags! And we can easily ask other ‘regs’ those basic questions, like; ‘where do you live’, what do you do for a living’, ‘tell me about your family’, whereas we already know the answers to those questions about celebrities, & would feel rather foolish to ask such questions.
So…Angie…tell us…what would be good conversation starters when we meet a celeb/well-known person, such as you or your dad?
rosemarie
13. Jul, 2010
Angie, first of all I met your dad personally and felt he is a very sensitive person. His books are wonderful. I always could read beetween the lines and find out which kind of person he is. – So great! He is a man who really loves the bible and it’s whole content. Wow! – My healing process is still not to get in rage about peanuts. When somebody is not accepting my opinion and gets furious about or angry because he/she thinks I’m the only person who is right like my dad or one of my male friends, I say; calm yourself and speak nicely to me. Sometimes it’s a healing for them and sometimes not. But I’m a kind of proud that I can go towards others with kindness and compashion. – That are sminar experiences for your dad with the other pastors…! My blessings are with you, your family and your husband. – Swiss Rosemarie
roseannesings
13. Jul, 2010
Angie,
What a nice post! I can certainly see why others are so enthralled with your father’s persona, as he is most charismatic individual.There is, of course, so much more to him as I believe he is truly a man of God. He speaks and writes with authority that was given to him by his Maker. There is a Roman Catholic priest here in Colorado Springs that has spent his entire ministry in “healing the whole person.” He founded a group known as “Society of Missionaries of Mercy” and they provide therapeutic services, including massage therapy, art therapy, etc. They also teach courses in healing, letting go of past hurts, etc. as well as providing retreats for lay persons as well as religious. Father Bill Jarema was also pastor at a church I used to attend here and when the diocese decided the Mercy Center should not be located on church property per se, they purchased a facility near downtown Colorado Springs. They have been able, over the years, to purchase houses for people attending classes and/or retreats and also purchased a building and made a chapel on the upper level and a social hall on the lower. They have a huge kitchen and, in addition to providing meals for people in residence, frequently have fund-raising dinners and breakfasts after mass. The people that make up the Society of Missionaries of Mercy make frequent mission trips and the meals help pay for some of the costs. When a very dear friend died last year, Father Bill came to the hospital to annoint her and then offered to have a special memorial mass said in her behalf. Afterwards, there was a lovely dinner and many friends and family who were not catholic commented of the kindness and hospitality shown to them. Towards the end of the meal, many sought out Father Bill and found him busy washing dishes. One does not have to belong to the Society and all are treated with love, kindness and respect. This group has helped me in so many ways in dealing with my loss and helping me to move on with my life.
In my opinion, your father also is this kind of man. Yes, he is a great orator, but he would still have the wonderful gift of helping others through their struggles if he could not speak a word! Please know that I do remember all of you in my daily prayers and hope your ministry continues for many years, as there is such a need in the world.
Yours in Christ,
Rosanne
Angie
13. Jul, 2010
Roseanne: Thank you for telling us about Mercy Center. I’ll have to check it out. I’m fascinated by ministries who have a creative and wholistic approach to spiritual growth.
Rosemarie: It sounds like you’ve learned how to create healthy boundaries with people & the way you allow them to speak to you. That’s SO important…good for you!
Ms. Gig: I’m SO amused by your comment. You are clever and funny! I see your point. Let me give your question some thought – perhaps for my next blog… Angie
Jan-Michael
13. Jul, 2010
Firstly, Angie, you have eloquently expressed your admiration for your Dad and his persona in the light of his well known face and public image. You have spoken volumes about your Dad’s true personality in the well chosen words you wrote about his heart, from your heart! I have read your Dad’s books and read the brave way he chose to recognize the importance of “Walking in Your Own Shoes”.
As he chose to dress more as himself which in fact was more like his congregation rather than in “robes”, and he moved down to the front of the alter to be closer to his congregation, I felt that “here is a genuine man, here is a “friend” who can teach me how to handle life better, all in a way God would bless! You have confirmed my impressions of your Dad, not that I had doubts, but your words made me feel the spirit of God and truth like a refreshing mist off an ocean, if that is not too poetic; just how good were your words and phasing.
You wrote that the healing seminar was on “Kairos” so I looked that up and understand that it refers to the qualitative aspect of time as opposed to Kronos/Chronos or Chronological time. Also, if I have it rightly, it is the time not measured in minutes or days but in experiencing “the appointed time in the purpose of God”
I have felt God carrying me over life’s hardships several times. As I for a time grieved loss both in a death and in health deterioration, my journey has seemingly helped some others in their trials.
Many have said “I could not have handled that” or “I think I would have given up if I were in your shoes”. So, I try to honestly express that at one point I too did not want to live but somehow knew there were things I could do to share my journey and that I had wonderful memories to treasure and opportunities to maybe help others with their hurts.
Often people who know my story have seemingly found a new strength in themselves and they get through what they have been faced with.
Then, I know, God led me through the valley and taught me that no matter the losses, we have experienced joys and have the memories of what we did do but importantly, to cherish the good past, let go the harsh past and embrace new opportunities to try to do His will, and do it with His Grace.
Thanks to all who posted their thoughts that help me as I continue to understand and learn new perspectives and ways others find His peace.
God is blessing you Angie and all followers,
Jan-Michael
barbie
13. Jul, 2010
Hi there Angie. I was lucky enough to meet both your father
and Donna when they came to
Australia several years ago.
I have never sensed peace coming
from another couple as I did
from them.
Thank you for this blog I
really enjoy what you share with us.
God bless
Barbie M Brisbane Australia
Donna
13. Jul, 2010
Hi Angie,
I remember when your dad first started recovery groups when he was pastoring Rancho Capistrano Community Church. It was not a very popular thing to do in the church back then! I’m talking about almost twenty years ago! 17 years ago he wrote the book “How to Dump Your Hang-ups Without Dumping Them On Others.” As I recall there was some backlash from the both of us speaking so boldly.
If we can’t get healing from life’s addictions, hurts and problems in the church then where can we get it?! Christ is the greatest healer of all time! As a public speaker I have always found that I am much more effective if I am transperant, honest, and real. “Know the truth and the truth will set you free.” The problem is that so many people don’t know the truth about themselves. It takes a lot of hard work to dig deep and heal from past mistakes we have made and wrong-doings cast on us by others. I believe that pastors should be the first ones to boldly face their shortcomings, hurts, addictions, and bad habits and prayerfully put them before the Lord for His healing. Jesus came to heal everyone if we would just be brave enough to first confess and then take the necessary steps towards wholeness. Kairos was a great conference and it was so wonderful to see so many pastors in attendance. I know that I will continue to be blessed by the transparent teachings of so many of the pastors who spoke during our time together. Thank you!!
roseannesings
13. Jul, 2010
Hi Angie, just thought I would mention that the Mercy Center in Colorado Springs I mentioned in an earlier post has a website. It is mercycenter.com It lists a number of programs they provide and gives other contact information. They have a Rich in Mercy Institute starting in Sept. as well as self-directed retreats, therapy etc.
Rosanne
roseannesings
13. Jul, 2010
Angie, FYI the Mercy Center in Colorado Springs has a website with a lot of information about its programs and offerings. It is mercycenter.com
Rosanne
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Rose Woringer
28. Jul, 2010
I only say, we are unique and other people are not better as we are, so why taking care of the nasty things they are telling about us and spreading gossip around. Are they maybe envious of what we are or achieved in our lifes? – Blessings, Rose
Barbara Maple
01. Aug, 2010
Oh boy oh boy I am so happy and
pleased to get joined up here.
I remember the night that I met
you and Donna here in Brisbane
Australia. I was so excited.
About 16 months ago I had to have
an operation for Breast Cancer
I thought what am I going to read
in hospital. I took a copy of
Getting through what you are going
through I got teased by some of
the nurses for reading it. It really
helped me get through and over
the operation God bless you, Donna and all your children and
your lovely little Grand-daughter
blessings Barbie Maple
Angie
01. Aug, 2010
Barbie, Welcome all the way from Australia! I’m glad to see the site works for you out there. I hope you were able to load the videos? God Bless, Angie
joelie
24. Mar, 2011
Angie, my family and I were blessed to have had your father as our minister at the Crystal Cathedral, he baptized my son and my catholic husband embraced my faith. The day he was let go was the last day we attended that church, we cried and where angry for what his father and family did. How do you explain to a 10 year old that a Christian family can do that to a family member. we so miss the honesty, Passion and true warmth your father has when he preaches, thank you for what you wrote in this blog.