The Sacred Work Within

Honesty in the Low Places

In my recent conversation with author and songwriter Justin McRoberts, we discussed his new book In the Low: Honest Prayers for Dark Seasons, co-written with artist Scott Erickson. Justin speaks with refreshing honesty about depression, burnout, and the quiet inner work that happens when life feels heavy. He reminds us that wholeness is not about escaping pain or polishing our faith, but about learning to live honestly with what is real.

At SoulStream, and in the practice of spiritual direction, this kind of honesty is often where transformation begins. The invitation is not to fix or solve but to notice what is happening within us and to listen for the voice of Spirit in the middle of it.

Wholeness, Not Perfection

Justin shared that for much of his life, he believed health meant the absence of struggle. Over time, he has come to see that true wholeness includes every part of who we are. Anger, anxiety, sadness, and doubt are not signs of failure. They are part of being human. When we stop fighting against these parts of ourselves, we begin to experience the kind of peace that comes from acceptance rather than control.

In spiritual direction, we often explore this same movement—from striving to self-compassion, from fixing to simply being present. It is here, in the quiet acceptance of our full humanity, that we begin to sense God’s steady presence.

Trusting What is Already Growing

One of the topics that moved me (and I might be a bit of an odd duck in SoulStream when it comes to this) was Justin’s reminder not to make a product out of everything, even our spiritual growth. I know how strong that pull can be. After years in sales and marketing, it feels almost natural to want to package and measure everything. But the sacred work within us does not need managing. It needs trust. The real work is trusting that something good is already happening inside us. Transformation is not something we manufacture or sell. It unfolds quietly when we allow space for honesty, rest, and grace.

Justin’s story is a gentle reminder that the low places are not wasted places. They can become soil for something sacred and alive.

May you learn to trust the slow, quiet work within you and discover that even in the low places, life and love are still growing.

For more, listen here: The Sacred Work Within: Honesty, Wholeness, and the Journey Through the Low