Of all religious symbols across many and various faiths, the cross stands out as both one of the most recognizable and one of the strangest.  How is it that an instrument of humiliation, torture, and death came to symbolize one of the world’s great faiths?  How has this symbol lasted down the millennia, and why is it still important today?  In sum, Beau says it is because it keeps Christianity weird in the best ways possible.  

Beau Smith was born in San Diego, California. I’ve lived in the Northwest, on the East Coast, on the Central Coast of California, and have settled this last decade in the mountains of Durango, Colorado. I live here with my wonderful wife, two amazing kids, two dogs, cat and our chickens.  We love being in a smaller community and in a place that offers us access to the outdoors right in our own backyard. I enjoy writing, painting, playing music, and binge watching shows on Netflix (always up for a good recommendation)!  

I served as a minister in the Presbyterian Church for over twenty years and have since been inspired, and always honored, to offer spiritual direction.  Raising my kids, loving my wife, serving people, and working with people of all ages, kinds, and backgrounds has shaped my life and my spiritual journey more than anything else.  These experiences are primarily what I bring and offer in spiritual direction, or soul friendship. Because I love this kind of work so much and have felt called to it most of my life (and because I’m a bit of a nerd); I also have a Masters of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary (’04), and am currently finishing doctoral work in spiritual formation and direction through Fuller Theological Seminary.  

Topics: Exploring Spiritual Paths