195 Comments
User's avatar
The Romantic Vineyard's avatar

That voice, so comforting yet powerful to save. He knows our deepest need. He met you at the foot of that cross to set you free. And He whom the Lord sets free is free indeed. I love this Sean. Thank you for sharing this moment with us. It is personal and powerful.

Expand full comment
Lora Bergren's avatar

Matthew 11:28

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Expand full comment
Jackie Spadt's avatar

Exactly. Perfectly stated. Amen.

Expand full comment
Anne Arthur's avatar

Yes it is. The truth will set you free.

Expand full comment
Zelda Nichols's avatar

Could they have been tears of forgiveness Sean? You didn’t mention forgiveness so maybe you didn’t realize that not only were you forgiving your father but also tourself for all the reasons you did mention . That’s why your burden had so greatly lessened. Letting go of pain that you’ve lived with for many years, whether physical or psychological is hard. You are so used to it that’s it becomes a part of your very essence. That’s what you just gave up and it feels wonderful Been there, done that.

Expand full comment
Paul McCutchen's avatar

One of the most powerful Camino statements you have written. Thank you for sharing and possibly some of us will learn from your time on the trail.

Expand full comment
Nancy Lindner Sterling's avatar

The gift you have, your Gift, is so powerful. Your words resonate - probably with many more than with me. Please never stop being you and never stop sharing your Gift.

Expand full comment
Rachel Iversen's avatar

What a heavy rock to leave at the cross! Changed forever you are.

Expand full comment
Lou Ann Allred's avatar

“Burdens are lifted at Calvary.” Thanks be to God. Amen. 🙏

Expand full comment
Cindy Gallop's avatar

I heard that song as I read this….

Expand full comment
Cynthia Gallaway Ward's avatar

I’m going to lay down my burdens, down by the riverside.

Ain’t going to study war no more…isn’t that what we do with trauma, we battle it. I’m going to lay down my sword and shield, down by the riverside.

Expand full comment
stephen e acree's avatar

I think this one reached me harder than all the rest. No matter how much you process and work through trauma it is almost impossible to let it completely go. The man you are now is a miracle. What you have created is a miracle. You touch so many people with your words and actions. My life was a fairy tale compared to yours. You probably would not be the Sean we all love without that childhood. Your life has had good people and good parts and your strength of character and talents has brought you to a place where you help people. People that need your thoughts and explanations of the trauma in your life. Because so many others have been there and need to feel not so alone. It is amazing to me how close all of us feel to you. You are family. You are comfort on mornings when things seem sad or mundane. I had to forgive my mom and others for WAY less than you have endured. They didn't hurt us because of us. They were hurting so bad it changed them. You have changed many of us with your stories. Thank you. We love you Sean.....

Expand full comment
Martha Iverson's avatar

The Holy Spirit speaks frequently to us to guide us. Many times we ignore Him! Praise God you heard & responded!🙏🏾👏

Expand full comment
Bill in Tennessee's avatar

Oh yes, Sean, I've heard that voice a few times too, my friend. It was most pronounced when, a few years ago, I was struggling with something, a spiritual matter, that might have caused a rift between me and people I love. I was making it all about me, but suddenly, out of the blue, at a moment when I was focused on that very issue, that a 'voice' said to me, "Why does it matter? Why should you make in an issue?"

It was as clear a voice as some actual person talking directly to me, and it was rather startling. But it was also a defining moment. I let the matter drop and it has worked out fine, just like the 'voice' told me.

I have to pay attention to that voice now, for in the distant past I often ignored or even defied that voice. I've learned, though, now to listen and act accordingly.

Expand full comment
Jim LaJeunesse's avatar

Your hat was not there this AM when I got there. And now there are mementos of my brother; sister: and mother.

Expand full comment
Marlene's avatar

Yay! Now it is transformed to become a blessing to someone. I love this.

Expand full comment
Meet Me Where I Am's avatar

I had the same thought. Sean‘s burden became a blessing for someone else. In and of itself, it is just a thing – an object. For the person who has a now, it doesn’t carry the same emotional weight it did for Sean.

Expand full comment
Tamella O'Gara's avatar

I wish you would not have left this comment

Expand full comment
Madelyn Edens's avatar

Wow! Thanks for being so vulnerable. God's given you a real gift through all that pain and as you share that gift you pass on His gift.

Expand full comment
Joseph Payne's avatar

Would that we all have a Camino experience…

Expand full comment
Cynthia Gallaway Ward's avatar

How is your daughter and her family? I continue to pray.

Expand full comment
Joseph Payne's avatar

Thanks, Cynthia. She continues to follow her program and do those things necessary for her continued recovery one day at a time. Prayers are still in order. You are very kind to ask.

Expand full comment
Cynthia Gallaway Ward's avatar

Grateful to God to hear she is staying the course. Prayers continue.

Expand full comment
lee hayden's avatar

What a courageous soul you are.

Expand full comment
Beryl Dixon's avatar

Powerful beyond words.

Expand full comment
Tambra Dawn's avatar

The hat. The cross. The photo. The Voice (capitalized). The moment.

Bless you for changing peoples lives through your words.

Expand full comment
Dane Williams's avatar

Wow

Expand full comment
Bob Barnett, PE,'s avatar

My exact thought

Expand full comment