183. The Priest Who Taught Me How to See Heaven on Earth

Nov 05, 2025

 

When my mentor passed away, I didn’t just lose a friend — I lost the man who taught me how to see heaven in the middle of real life.
He was the priest’s priest: wise, raw, deeply human, and utterly devoted to prayer.

In this episode, I share the lessons that shaped my faith — from the man who showed me that prayer isn’t escape, it’s encounter. You’ll hear his words, his wit, and his wisdom — including the phrase that changed my entire understanding of the spiritual life: “All the way to heaven is heaven.”

What if heaven isn’t somewhere we go, but something we start to see — right here, right now?

Listen in to discover:

  • The one truth that anchored him through every hardship

  • The spiritual habit most people get wrong

  • How to find peace in the middle of pain — not after it

This episode isn’t just a tribute. It’s an invitation to see your own life differently.

Chapters:

00:00:00 - Introduction and Tribute to Monsignor Slade Crawford

00:00:47 - Personal Relationship with Monsignor Crawford

00:05:20 - Monsignor Crawford's Life and Legacy

00:12:39 - Wedding Homily Playback

00:32:00 - Closing Remarks

 

Fr. Crawford Obituary: https://www.emeraldcoastfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Monsignor-C-Slade-Crawford?obId=45958356

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