Episode 713: Why Cluttery People Need Spiritual Giants (And How to Find Yours)
Do you ever feel like your cluttered home is just a symptom of something deeper? That nagging sense of overwhelm, the guilt about unfinished projects, the shame that creeps in when company comes over—what if it all points to something going on in your heart?
In this thought-provoking episode, Kathi Lipp sits down with author Lori G Melton to explore a beautiful spiritual practice that might just change the way you approach both your faith and your clutter. Lori's new book, Journey with a Giant, invites readers into a year-long journey of walking alongside a faith mentor from history—someone whose life and example can inspire transformation.
What You'll Discover in This Episode
If you've ever felt "less than" or wondered why you can't seem to get your act together, this episode offers a fresh perspective. Lori shares why she chose Mr. Rogers as her spiritual giant—and what she learned about showing up faithfully even when life feels messy.
You'll learn:
Why studying imperfect human faith heroes can be more transformative than only studying biblical characters
How Brother Lawrence's simple practice of scrubbing pots can speak to overwhelmed, cluttery hearts
Why Harriet Tubman's story offers courage for those who feel small and insignificant
How to keep a year-long spiritual practice simple and doable for real, busy people
The surprising connection between decluttering your home and going deeper with God
Why This Matters for Your Decluttering Journey
As Kathi points out, our hearts are where clutter starts. The fears, guilt, and shame that lead us into the path of clutter can only be truly addressed when we draw closer to God. And sometimes, seeing how other imperfect humans have faithfully walked with Him gives us the courage to believe we can too.
A Practice for Real Life
Lori's approach is refreshingly doable: just two to three times a week, varying your resources month by month. Watch a documentary one month, listen to a podcast the next, read a chapter when you have time. The goal isn't perfection—it's presence.
Key Takeaways
Decluttering creates margin for deeper spiritual growth
Walking with a faith giant for a year allows for deep, transformational work
Imperfect people make the best mentors because they show us we can be spiritual giants too
Showing up faithfully, even when you feel insufficient, is enough
You can take Lori's "Transformational 10" quiz to find your perfect faith giant match

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About Our Guests
Lori G Melton
Author, Spiritual Director & Retreat Leader
The Sanctuary at Bear Creek Retreat Center
Promised Resources
- Journey with a Giant (Book) by Lori G. Melton
Book introducing the practice of walking with a spiritual giant to aid spiritual formation; includes the subtitle: Choose Your Guide, Pursue Your Purpose, and Grow in Your Walk with God.
Resources Mentioned
- Transformational 10 Quiz (Spiritual Giant Quiz)
Spiritual Giant Quiz developed to help people find their spiritual giant; described as Transformational 10; exact quiz URL not publicly specified and may be embedded on the site or accessed via signup.
- So Long Status Quo by Susy Flory
Book highlighting nine women who changed the world; recommended as a companion resource for Lori's Journey with a Giant practice.
- Lori Melton's Website
Lori Melton's official website; mentions presence on Facebook and Instagram as well as the site itself.
Some links may be affiliate links. Purchasing through them supports our show at no extra cost to you. Thank you!
Full Transcript
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