Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 2/20/2020- Kendra Von Esh’s new book, Am I Catholic? A Struggle with Faith, Humility, and Surrendering to God, is a powerful story. “It is my raw, honest and sometimes hilarious journey to the most unlikely place – the Catholic Church! I hated everything about Catholicism and Mass couldn’t be more boring. Even though I was a confirmed Catholic, I knew nothing about the Faith. What I did know I learned from society’s view of the Church. And since I believed in everything this world said, I didn’t agree with Catholicism and its strict teachings and “rules”. I thought Catholicism needed to ‘get with the times’ and there was no way I was going to change my life to that boring Jesus-loving stuff either.”- Kendra Von Esh
“I share the struggles, triumphs, and twists on my journey and the miraculous graces from God. My transformation was remarkable and I finally found the peace, love, and acceptance I tried to get from other people, money, prestige, power, drugs, alcohol and sex.”
Tell us about “From the C-Suite to God’s Suite!”
Kendra Von Esh: I bought into what this world said would make me happy – money, prestige, power and if it feels good do it because life is stressful so you better party hard! After I climbed the corporate ladder and reached the Executive Suite I should have been happy, right? Not so much. I was filled with more stress, anxiety, fear and I was constantly comparing myself to others and never measured up. I coped with food, drugs, alcohol and as I sought acceptance I got involved in some wicked immoral behavior. Then came the shame, guilt, regret and the vicious cycle.
When God found me in 2013, He flipped my entire reality upside down and transformed everything in my life! Shalom World Media asked me to produce a short film “Jesus My Savior” about how I left my Executive career behind to share with the world that true peace, joy, and love can only be found in a relationship with God. “From the C-Suite to God’s Suite” kind of stuck from there.
What is your philosophy in life?
Kendra Von Esh: God exists and so does truth. Check your ego at the door, you don’t control your life, God does.
I used to believe in relativism. Your truth is your truth, my truth is my truth. Live and let live and to each his own. Don’t rock the boat, go with the culture or be called a hater or bigot. I bought what the world told me and I never contemplated life, mortality, heaven or hell for 42 years of my life.
But on Easter in 2013, everything changed. I opened the door for God to come in and I asked Him to show Himself to me. My prideful life flipped to humility and surrender as I learned my place as His creation. God gave us the Truth in Jesus Christ as redemption for our sins and as a pillar of love to follow as we live in this dark and angry world. The Truth, The Way, and The Life. Truth leads to more truth and truth is always good. If you want to know the truth, all you have to do is ask. “God, show me the truth.” Just invite God in and He will do the rest.
Tell us about your book, Am I Catholic? A Struggle with Faith, Humility, and Surrendering to God.
Kendra Von Esh: It is my raw, honest and sometimes hilarious journey to the most unlikely place – the Catholic Church! I hated everything about Catholicism and Mass couldn’t be more boring. Even though I was a confirmed Catholic, I knew nothing about the Faith. What I did know I learned from society’s view of the Church. And since I believed in everything this world said, I didn’t agree with Catholicism and its strict teachings and “rules”. I thought Catholicism needed to ‘get with the times’ and there was no way was I going to change my life to that boring Jesus-loving stuff either.
I share the struggles, triumphs, and twists on my journey and the miraculous graces from God. My transformation was remarkable and I finally found the peace, love, and acceptance I tried to get from other people, money, prestige, power, drugs, alcohol and sex.
I wrote the book for the person who would never seek out the Catholic Faith or God for that matter. It is conversational, short and NOT PREACHY. I also wrote it for the faithful so they can keep hope alive for their loved ones. If God can find me He can find anyone. Oh, it is available on Audible for those non-readers, narrated by yours truly.
How has prayer changed your life?
Kendra Von Esh: Prayer has changed everything! Most of my life, I had no idea how to pray. The only prayer I knew were ones I memorized like The Our Father and Hail Mary. I only spoke to God when I needed or wanted something. I had no clue what a true, spiritual, Christian meditative and contemplative prayer life was all about. I had no personal relationship with God and I hated silence.
But I wanted to pray. I wanted to feel that undisturbed peace and be able to love and connect with God and everyone around me. I knew prayer was that conduit.
Through spiritual direction, researching the saints and Ignatius spirituality my relationship with God matured. Prayer is a constant development and is an all-day conversation where I praise and worship my Creator. His joy oozes out of me every moment – it is supernatural.
When you feel the presence of God you want to go deeper into that love affair. But prayer is a choice, it’s a daily commitment. Maybe you need a miracle RIGHT NOW? If you are struggling with stress/fear/anxiety, financial issues, illness, death of a loved one or addiction – Here is FREE download of some prayers that have changed my life! www.kendravonesh.com/need-a-miracle-now
What challenges have you faced that you have overcome?
Kendra Von Esh: FEAR. WORRY. ANXIETY. When I first left my Executive career to become a Speaker and Author, my prayer life was nowhere close to what it is now. I was still concerned about what this world thought of me and I was worried about rejection. I cried all the time and was in a constant state of fear because I didn’t know how to do ANY OF IT! I had no idea how to be a speaker, promote my ministry … how to set up a website, create content, or post on social media … how to write a book, design, publish and promote it.
How am I going to do this? Answer: I am not going to do it – God is! I didn’t do any of it on my own – God did it all!
Only through my surrender to God did He finally give me the gift of detachment from the world and the opinions of those who live in it. I live for an audience of ONE now. When I finally gave Him my life, He opened one door after another and I just kept walking through them. He put people and resources in my way just when I needed them. Looking back I am in awe how He was able to keep me on this path. It is all about humility, surrender, and trust.
Tell us about your show, “Find Something More Find Your Way Home.” What guests do you look for?
Kendra Von Esh: This is a pretty cool story. Christine Watkins, a former atheist turned Catholic, and I were introduced about a year ago. We hit it off and said, “We need to do some sort of YouTube thing together!” Fast forward 10 months of busyness in our own ministries – we finally host a live Radio Maria show every Thursday night. We video record it and put it on YouTube with some behind the scenes action so the audience can get to know us better. Our goal is to be entertaining, educational and enlightening. We want the audience to feel like they are eavesdropping on a couple of women being real while we share our struggles and triumphs on our faith journey. It has been well received – people say they are “binge-watching” it!
You can see the videos on my YouTube Channel. If you subscribe and then click the bell you will be notified when the videos are posted. Please leave us some comments and topic suggestions, too! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UComOLNKo70zgeWxOJEJChlQ?view_as=subscriber
What has been the greatest lesson that you have learned?
Kendra Von Esh: Humility. I am still learning this. It is very hard to unlearn my prideful ways I have practiced for so many years. Humility is beautiful. There is something so peaceful about surrendering to your Creator and letting Him do what He is supposed to do!
There is a freedom and an overwhelming peace practicing this virtue as it is the basis of all virtues. I will never be perfect. This lesson is never mastered, it’s a daily surrender. It is one that I have learned to practice daily from Jesus himself. We are to love one another and serve one another in the world. The Lord washed the feet of His Apostles and said, “I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do.” John 13:15
Why is Public Speaking so important to you? What do you want to share with the world?
Kendra Von Esh: I believe God gave me the gift of storytelling in an entertaining, emotional and humorous way. I am pretty animated. That is why I create so many videos and try to get out on social media visually. I want people to see me and say, “I want to walk with her.” Plus, I get so much fulfillment engaging with the live audiences. I let the Holy Spirit take me where He wants us to go. Speaking really does fill MY cup!
I want people to know they are not alone in their pain and suffering. God gave me the gift of courage to finally speak publicly about my drug addiction and all of my immoral, illegal and illicit behavior. Why? So I can show the world how He transformed it all into a life of freedom, peace, love. and joy! This is why I left my career behind because my life is completely different and I want this for everyone!
I say this only because this is what people say to me after I speak. I put myself out there and I am REAL. I share my transformation with the right amount of emotion and self-deprecating humor. God gave me this gift that many have affirmed. Thank you, Jesus! Audiences will reflect on their own life, or the lives of their loved ones, with a sense of hope. You will leave changed.
When you speak with others what recurring themes do you hear?
Kendra Von Esh: People say, “I can totally relate to you. You are so real! You need to meet my friend, sister, brother, mother!” This is so heartwarming because I believe this is exactly why God allowed me to live the life I did. So I can share God’s love and grace in my life with the world.
People constantly ask me, “How do I pray? How do I hear God’s voice? How do I build a personal relationship with God?” Unfortunately, it’s not a short conversation or a quick answer.
So, I created a video prayer course! People need someone to walk with and inspire them – not to mention be real and honest on this daily journey. That is what I do with my daily videos. This is what my ministry is all about! I am passionate about helping others deepen their relationship with God and the Faith.
Click the link to check out samples of content, videos, and testimonials for the course that never expires! https://academy.kendravonesh.com/p/go-deep
Do you believe in coincidences?
Kendra Von Esh: Nope, only God-incidences. God has His fingers in everything. Think about some of the recent ‘coincidences’ in your life and how many things had to line up for that to happen. It is impossible if you open your mind to truly contemplate it. And when you do realize God’s work in everything, you begin to see that they are all God-incidences. I pray everyone who is reading this remembers this the next time they experience a ‘coincidence’ and think about it for a moment. A stoplight could have prevented that ‘chance encounter’ or a missed elevator door would have changed that entire moment from ever happening. God is good.
Please share your upcoming projects.
Kendra Von Esh: My mission is to help others deepen their relationship with God and the Faith. Everything I do in my ministry ties to this.
I am ALWAYS available to speak! I also lead retreats focusing on deepening prayer life and spiritual experiences.
People may miss me when I come to town. Or the ones who need God the most may not come to a parish or a church to see me speak. I am praying about leading some online retreats and webinars so that I can reach those who I cannot in person.
Join my “Truth-Seekers” mailing list for upcoming projects and my weekly inspirational videos every Monday! www.kendravonesh.com/email
I am working on my second book which will dive deep into my past and I will share all my supernatural spiritual experiences – both good and evil. I will help you uncover the spiritual war we live in and the weapons you need to fight. Pray for me and God bless you!
Website https://www.kendravonesh.com
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UComOLNKo70zgeWxOJEJChlQ
Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/FindSomethingMore/
Facebook Private Community https://www.facebook.com/groups/findsomethingmorecommunity/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kendravonesh/