Being Called To Companion with Lisa Tilstra

What is your calling? Do you have more than one? Is your calling what drives your career? How about your vocation? When I was a kid, I thought we got one – one calling, one career - and our job was too perfect it. It didn’t turn out that way – thank God. And I share that sentiment with many friends and colleagues.

In my conversation today with Lisa Tilstra, a leadership coach, consultant, facilitator, and creator and host of the podcast “Make Life Less Difficult," I ask her to share some of her story about one of her earliest professional titles – that of chaplain.

Google chaplain, and you’ll discover a chaplain is a spiritual companion. Ordination isn’t the point or a necessity – what is necessary is a heart that is drawn to bear witness to the holy humanity within each one of us. Humanity we choose to share in our stories.

Lisa, in my opinion, is still a spiritual companion, if not technically, a chaplain. She lives into a purposeful calling to encourage people to share their stories in varied formats, workshops and conversations. What a gift and a joy to learn more about the thoughts and feelings that came from those experiences and to find those places of support and resonance that come through intentional conversation. 

Lisa Tilstra - Bio

Originally from the United States, Lisa has lived and worked in the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, the Netherlands, France, and currently, Sri Lanka. Her work extends around the globe. She’s served individual coaching clients from 20+ countries, conducting training in over 30 countries, and had participants in her courses from over 80 countries.

Lisa summarizes her work via a quote by Mary Anne Evans (aka George Eliot): "What do we live for, if it is not to make life less difficult for each other?" She hosts a podcast, Make Life Less Difficult, that is based on exploring what it means to make life less difficult for each other. Lisa is married to John, a US Diplomat. Together, they enjoy paragliding, rock climbing, sailing, outdoor adventuring, travel, and managing a real estate investment business.

Click here for Lisa's website.  Click here for Lisa on LinkedIn.

Lisa's podcast, Make Life Less Difficult, can be found on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other podcast platforms.

Click here for the conversation with Greg Boyle and Krista Tippett that Lisa and I discussed!