Today we’d like to introduce you to Lori Cardona.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I worked in the field of Non-Profit/Human Service agencies for more than 20 years, as a Counselor, Educator, and Program Administrator. One day, in 1997, I got a call from a friend who told me about a seminary for Interfaith Studies, which sounded to me as if it fit into the category of “spiritual but not religious” or Mystic Studies. Out of curiosity, I immediately called for more information and then applied to attend. This is why I jokingly say that my call to ministry came in an actual phone call. For most of my adult life I was exploring various religions and faith paths. I found them all so interesting so the idea of a deeper dive intrigued me.
I started seminary in 1998 and was ordained in June, 2000. After graduation, I served as a hospice chaplain, and a guest minister at new thought churches. I also performed wedding ceremonies, baby blessing, house blessing, and funerals. In 2008, I started my own congregation, LMC Interfaith Ministries, which is recognized by the state of Florida as a church and we have 501c3 status as well. In 2013, I co-founded the only Interfaith Seminary in the Southeast United States; Sacred Journey Interfaith Seminary. The seminary is currently inactive, but LMC Interfaith Ministries continues. My current offerings include: Teachings on A Course In Miracles, which I call “Miracles With A Twist” They are archived on my YouTube channel (Rev. Lori Cardona/Miracles WITh A Twist) as well as on Facebook/Miracles With A Twist. I also perform monthly sacred gathering on the beach, on or around the Full Moon. I send out daily inspirational messages via WhatsApp, and I also have a private Spiritual Direction Practice.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Years ago I wrote a book called The Bumpy Road To Enlightenment (currently out of print), which is a very real-life look at the highs and lows of incorporating spiritual practices into life struggles. Keeping a focus on my vows and well as on my own personal standards often collides with “spiritual amnesia”, those times when I forget to be my best self because I let some pesky upset throw me off track and off the sacred path. Pretending this doesn’t happen is just spiritual bypassing because we are here to do the best we can as often as we can. And so, I try my best. I remind myself every morning that I might not be where I want to be, spiritually-speaking, but I’m not where I was before I made this commitment to a higher holy way.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Ever since I was ordained, Ive enjoyed combining my two great loves: teaching and ministry. In addition to Hospice Chaplaincy, I was also an Educator for the Hospice Employees. When we started the seminary, it was a perfect opportunity to share wisdom teaching to future Interfaith Ministers while also sharing the ways of sacred service, religious rituals, and faith practices. Through it all, I found that my own personal focus was, and continues to be A Course In Miracles. So in 2015 I started my own education program as part of LMC Interfaith Ministries, called Miracles With A Twist. I like to take the course material from being so “heady” and bring it in to a practical interfaith perspective, into the heart, and into a way of integration for everyday living.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
We are lucky to live at time with access to so much information though podcasts, YouTube, audio books and even book apps.
I’ve just celebrated my 25th year of ordination (and 50 years of working in Human Services), so while I’m not starting out, I can still learn so much just by listening to someone who says exactly what I need to hear at the perfect diving time of coming across their wise advice or perspective.
Pricing:
- $95 per Spiritual Direction Session
- Donations for Spiritual Gatherings
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.lmcministries.org/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RevLoriLMC
- Youtube: Rev. Lori Cardona
