As part of Escambia County’s Law Week, presenter Zachary Helton explores the spirituality behind our national motto, E Pluribus Unum—“Out of many, one.” More than a civic slogan, it points to a sacred truth: that wholeness comes not from sameness, but from honoring and connecting our differences. From the inner workings of the brain to … Continue reading The Spirituality Behind E Pluribus Unum: Out of Many, One
The Palm Sunday story has been told in many ways, often weighed down with religious baggage, but what if we understood it differently? What if we read the “Triumphal Entry” as a story of a bold political resistance and anti-imperial protest, leading into a week of courage, hope, and transformation through overwhelming odds? This talk … Continue reading Palm Sunday: A New Way to Read the Story
“Judgment” is often a bad word in liberal spiritual circles, but what if there were a healthier way to think about it? Not as shame or condemnation, but as a kind of karma—the natural consequences of our collective choices? Using Lenten passages from the Gospels, this talk explores how judgment, differently understood, could lead to … Continue reading Judgment, Karma, and the Work of Lent
In narrative theory, good antagonists aren’t just villains—they’re complex, relatable, and essential for growth. When we reframe the ‘bad guys’ in our experiences as real people in difficult situations, we open ourselves to empathy and transformation. This talk explores how the wisdom of narrative theory can help us live deeper, more compassionate, and more meaningful … Continue reading The Spiritual Wisdom of Narrative Theory: Beyond Villains and Heroes
What if the gaps in our lives—the tension between what we want and what actually happens—are where transformation begins? Drawing on narrative theory and the craft of storytelling, this talk explores how the struggles, surprises, and unanswered questions in our lives might be inviting us into wholeness. When we embrace the ‘story tension,’ we may … Continue reading The Spiritual Wisdom of Narrative Theory: How Life’s Gaps Transform Us
Presenter: Zachary Helton is a spiritual care counselor and author. His work centers on creating imaginative spaces for reflection and connection, especially in times of transition. You can find more about his work on zhelton.com. Whatever the outcome, the days after an election can leave us feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or unsure of what’s next. On November … Continue reading A Space to Breathe: Staying Grounded After the Election
… That Changed the Way I Think About My Life. Guest Speaker: Zach Helton is a writer and interfaith chaplain who likes exploring practical spirituality and the formative impact of story. You can read some of his published pieces or find out more about his work at zhelton.com. Zach will share why he has never … Continue reading Two Movies and a TV Show…
Presenter: Zachary Helton, M.Div. In 1970, Earth Day was created as a day for education and awareness. It was a time to stand in awe of the Earth and to nurture hope for the future. 54 years later, for some of us, Earth Day can stir up more anxiety than hope. In this talk, we’ll … Continue reading Nurturing Resilience: A Spirituality for Climate Anxiety
It’s a commandment common across nearly every major spiritual tradition to “love our neighbor as ourselves,” but far less common is any practical instruction on how that’s even possible. Let’s face it: Some people are undeniably hard to love. Are we supposed to white-knuckle our way to love? Fake it ‘til we make it? In … Continue reading Turning People Into Trees
