Julie Cloud is vice president of the Eula Mae and John Baugh Foundation. She currently serves on Good Faith Media’s strategic advisory board, Interfaith Alliance’s board and Perkins School of Theology’s executive board.
She has three kids (Breck, age 19; Alexa, age 17; Clara, age 8) and lives in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.
- What story, verse or passage from your faith tradition’s sacred texts has significantly influenced / shaped your life?
Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God.”
For many years, I detested that verse. When I was in middle school, a friend and I were whispering during the Sunday School lesson. A well-intentioned Sunday School teacher came over to me and simply handed me a note that said, “Be still and know that I am God.”
I was embarrassed and shamed, and ever since that day, I couldn’t stand that verse. I cringed every time I heard it.
Then, several decades later, I had a major life crisis, and that verse began to stalk me. Within a matter of weeks, it showed up over and over again in sermons, in daily readings; it even made a sudden appearance on my hair stylist’s studio wall!
I couldn’t escape it, so I began trying to lean into it. That verse led me toward contemplative prayer, which has been life and faith altering for me.
- Who are three people (other than your family) who have shaped your life and worldview? And why?
Father Richard Rohr, OFM: Father Richard’s teachings and wisdom have helped me navigate the deconstruction of my original, dualistic faith. He and the Center for Action and Contemplation have guided me toward centering prayer and perennial wisdom and away from a “transactional/personal evacuation plan” view of salvation and of my faith.
Lori Stone, LCSW (licensed clinical social worker): Years ago, Lori introduced me to the enneagram, which has helped me with my own spiritual transformation/growth and with my relationships with others. She has taught and wisely counseled me with patience and love, and I respect her tremendously.
Kirkland Shave and Kathy Grierson (I am cheating and listing two people): Kirk and Kathy help run Mountain Trek in Ainsworth Hot Springs, British Columbia, Canada. I have been hiking with them almost every year since 2009, and they have each taught me an incredible amount about physical, mental and emotional well-being. They are joyful, knowledgeable, inspirational people, and they have introduced me to numerous experiences and perspectives I would never otherwise have had.
- List three of your “desert island” books, movies or TV shows.
The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer, Falling Upwards by Father Richard Rohr, and “When Harry Met Sally” (I’ve got to have some fluffy entertainment on the desert island).
- What is one of the most critical issues people are facing today?
Toxic tribalism. A loyalty to one’s own tribe or social group to the point that dogma and dysfunction become the standard. The idea that one group is “wrong” and “evil” while our own group is “correct” and “good.”
- What are a few of your hobbies?
Tennis, reading and studying the enneagram.
- If you could freeze your life into an already-lived 10 seconds, what would they be?
Watching my three kids laughing, jumping in the ocean and burying each other in the sand at the beach.
- Our tagline at Good Faith Media is, “There’s more to tell.” What’s your “more to tell”?
Not everything that appears to be bad is bad, and not everything that appears to be good is good.
Reflection and resources at the intersection of faith and culture through an inclusive Christian lens.
