Stories of vocation
Lives Explored is a video storytelling project on vocation. We ask everyday Christians how they see God at work in their lives. Watch how their struggles, joys, and questions capture what calling means today.
In our Interfaith series, we also explore calling from Confucian, Daoist, Buddhist, Muslim, and Jewish perspectives. Read more about Lives Explored »
Francois’ Story
As a new immigrant in New York City, Francois found himself in crisis, wondering what God wanted from him. Discover how a career he never expected brought him deep joy.
View the entire collection below or search by theme to find videos that fit your interest.
Makram’s Story
As imam of a Minneapolis mosque, Makram El-Amin is a civic leader and active participant in interfaith dialogue. Watch his story of coming to faith and his calling to leadership in the Muslim community.
Mark’s Story
As a professor of Confucian and Daoist thought, Mark Berkson encourages his students to be open to unexpected callings. See how pure luck, coincidence, and surprising connections led him where he never expected.
Amy’s Story
After becoming the first female rabbi ordained in Conservative Judaism, Rabbi Amy Eilberg experienced a powerful call to work for peace. Learn how she developed a spiritual practice of listening.
Mark’s Story
Mark Unno—a professor, scholar, author, and Buddhist priest—offers insights on his tradition’s understanding of calling. Learn more about Buddhist perspectives on compassion, interdependence, and discernment.
Oby’s Story
As a young child, Oby felt a calling to serve. Watch how his community led him into new (and messy!) service he never expected.
Joyce’s Story
After domestic abuse and divorce, Joyce felt called by God from chaos to a new vocation. See how this surprising twist allowed her to serve others.
Gaye’s Story
When Gaye’s husband died, it was a shocking blow to her faith. See how she found God in surprising ways through her grief.
Monica’s Story
Monica is no stranger to hard questions—in corporate communications, she has wrestled with the meaning of her work. Hear what she discovered about the importance of story-telling and community.
Sarah’s Story
In college, Sarah decided to step outside her comfort zone—even with the risk of failure. Discover how she brought her authentic self to her work in corporate America.
Jane’s Story
Jane had just gotten her biggest break as a Hollywood actor. But when she walked onto Sunset Boulevard, she felt empty. See what happened when Jane made a surprising career change.
Ken’s Story
Ken discovered his calling late one night whittling at his table. Watch how his dream of woodcarving led to inspiration from the strangest places.
Sherice’s Story
Sherice doesn’t feel her work is her calling. But she still feels called by God in her workplace. Listen to her song of giving her life away.
Peg’s Story
When Peg retired from teaching, she struggled with identity loss. Find out how she put the pieces back together to find new meaning.
Francois’ Story
As a new immigrant in New York City, Francois found himself in crisis, wondering what God wanted from him. Discover how a career he never expected brought him deep joy.
Angela’s Story
Angela struggled as a stay-at-home mom after a career in interior design. See how she learned to share her creativity in a new way.
Lauren’s Story
Lauren struggled in her 20s with loss and uncertainty. Hear how work became her saving grace.
Jean’s Story
As an accountant Jean prayed whenever she had to change jobs. See how surprising opportunities have showed up on her doorstep.
Denise’s Story
Denise’s husband said he couldn’t hear any more stories from her work as a judge. Find out how Denise learned to be present in the courtroom but not carry work home with her.
Mary Margaret & Ken’s Story
When Ken was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, his wife Mary Margaret struggled to pray—until a doctor helped her trust God again. Learn how this couple found a new calling to help others.
Paul’s Story
As a health care expert, Paul has to manage the “default calendar” of his time. Check out five practical questions he uses to make decisions.
Adam’s Story
Adam didn’t like the way he was treated as a teenager. Watch how his work in theatre and therapy with teens challenges stereotypes today.
Diane M. Millis, PhD, is the interviewer and producer of Lives Explored. She is a spiritual director, teacher, inspirational speaker, and the author of Conversation–the Sacred Art: Practicing Presence in an Age of Distraction (SkyLight Paths Publishing, 2013) and Deepening Engagement: Essential Wisdom for Listening and Leading with Purpose, Meaning and Joy (SkyLight Paths Publishing, 2015). Diane brings to her ministry over 25 years of teaching and consulting experience in the fields of spirituality, communication studies, and human development. She has taught at the University of Minnesota, College of Saint Benedict/Saint John’s University, and Saint Catherine University. She is the founder of the Journey Conversations Project, an educational initiative for people of all faiths to cultivate their capacity for dialogue, discovery, and discernment. Diane facilitates retreats in classrooms, congregations, and corporations throughout the United States and in Canada. To contact Diane and learn more about her work, visit www.dianemillis.com.