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A deeply affirming devotional inviting religious leaders to embrace their humanness rather than strive for flawlessness.
The vocational journey of a clergyperson can be full of joy, beauty, and blessings. It can also be stressful, paralyzingly complicated, and deeply lonely. In these pages, Howard offers heartwarming reflections drawn from his own long, imperfect, and profoundly human walk in ministry—stories shaped by hospital rooms, empty sanctuaries, classrooms, dinner tables, and moments when faith must be lived before an audience of One. Written by a religious leader for religious leaders, this powerful devotional serves to nourish the souls of those who lead, care, and show up—often while carrying expectations of holiness, certainty, and perfection. Again and again, Holy Calling, Human Heart reminds readers that God does not love them in spite of their humanity, but through it—and because of it. This book is a gentle, steady light for those who serve, offering companionship, courage, and permission to be both faithful and fully human.
Praise for Uncovering Your Path
“In my own life, I walked a slowly uncovered path of discernment in the years after college. What a gift it is to have not only the great 'cloud of witnesses,' as St. Paul says of the Saints who help us with their prayers and examples, but also good books to help us find, and refine, our purpose and find our way. I'm delighted that my friend (and the chaplain of my alma mater) the talented and charismatic Chaz Howard has written this beautiful book to help others along their discernment journeys.” —James Martin, SJ, author of The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything
“This inspiring book will help you find your path in life as well as joy and peace as you walk it. Chaz’s reflections are a gift to people of all faiths and those of none at all. Uncovering Your Path gives you the opportunity to 'sit down with the chaplain,' explore your life, and benefit from his wisdom as countless current and future leaders have done throughout Chaz’s more than two decades of ministry.” —Ben Jealous, Executive Director of The Sierra Club, Former President and CEO of The NAACP, author of Never Forget Our People Were Always Free: A Parable of American Healing
“As with so many privileges, the call to holy orders requires much of those who respond. Each day, with varying degrees of patience and grace, we hold great joy and real pain. This book acknowledges these truths lovingly and invites fruitful exploration. Through relatable storytelling and incisive questions, Charles Lattimore Howard offers a companionable guide for those who long to live their call genuinely and with integrity.”
“Holy Calling, Human Heart is a deeply honest, richly compassionate, and all-inspiring devotional that beautifully explores the sacred intersection of ministry, vocation, and our shared humanity. Charles Lattimore Howard reminds clergy and all who serve that beneath the collar, title, and calling is a human heart that longs to be known, loved, renewed, and connected to God. This is a very timely and nourishing book - one that will encourage many clergy to embrace both the holiness of their calling and the gift of simply being human. I found several chapters to be both very reaffirming and empowering for my own ministry and highly recommend it for others to read.”
“Holy Calling, Human Heart is the rare devotional that trusts ministers with the truth: We all grow weary, we doubt, we grieve, and none of that disqualifies us from grace. Charles Lattimore Howard writes with the honesty of someone who has actually stood at the altar with tears on his face and stayed anyway. Each reflection closes with prayer and questions that invite us to examine ourselves with the same honesty, making this work a companion for the soul. This is a book I found consoling as a minister who discovers, at times, that he is quietly, faithfully, running on empty.”
“If you have wanted to explore your ministerial service but for whatever reason you have refrained, this book can help you. Through 52 thoughtful devotionals, you will be gently provoked to reflect on both your ministry and your humanity. It is designed to help us, the servants, to be our better selves. This book is a journey into introspection without judgement.”