A Journey from Faith to Purpose: Greg Ast on Family, Faith, and Generosity
Greg's journey is a testament to the power of love, the importance of values, and the transformative nature of a relationship with Christ.
Greg and his wife, Carrie, moved to Colorado 20 years ago, leaving behind their Kansas roots in search of a new chapter. Over the years, their family has grown and evolved, with their three children now living independently, making their own mark in the world. As Greg and Carrie prepare for the next stage of their lives, Greg reflects on the experiences and faith that have shaped their journey.
A Kansas Beginning and the Search for More
Greg grew up in a strong Catholic household in Kansas. His family, which he describes as "tremendous," instilled in him core values that laid the foundation for his life. His parents were married for nearly 50 years before his mother's passing, setting an example of commitment, faith, and love. Yet, despite growing up with a strong faith, Greg felt something was missing.
In his early years, like many others, Greg was searching for purpose and direction. He left Kansas for college and an early career but eventually returned. It was during this time of transition that he met Carrie. Both Greg and Carrie grew up Catholic, and they were married in the Catholic Church. However, despite their religious upbringing, they still found themselves wrestling with what it truly meant to have a relationship with God.
"I knew who God was," Greg shares, "but I didn't understand a relationship with Christ." This realization became a turning point for Greg and Carrie, leading them on a path of spiritual discovery.
The Transition to a Deeper Faith
While both Greg and Carrie grew up with a strong sense of faith, they began to feel a pull toward something more personal. They knew the traditions, the prayers, and the rituals, but what they were missing was a personal connection with Christ. This is a story that resonates with so many who grew up in religious environments but later realized that there’s more to faith than just attending church.
For Greg, the shift came when he began to understand what it meant to have a true, personal relationship with Jesus. He describes this transition as the key to moving from a place of tradition and obligation to a place of purpose and meaning.
This transformation in their faith led to significant changes in how they viewed their lives, their family, and their purpose. It also laid the groundwork for their journey into generosity and stewardship.
Generosity as a Core Value
As Greg and Carrie deepened their relationship with Christ, they also began to embrace the idea of whole-life stewardship. This meant recognizing that everything they had—time, talents, and treasures—was a gift from God, meant to be used for His purposes. Generosity became a central theme in their lives, as they sought ways to give back and invest in the Kingdom.
"We’re entering a new chapter," Greg says, and for them, this chapter involves continuing their legacy of giving. Whether it’s through their family, their community, or their faith, Greg and Carrie are committed to living generously.
For them, generosity isn't just about financial giving; it’s about giving their time, their wisdom, and their resources to make a lasting impact. It’s about investing in others and being part of something bigger than themselves.
Looking Forward to the Next Chapter
As Greg and Carrie move into a new season of life, they are excited about what the future holds. With their children now grown and their faith stronger than ever, they are ready to step into new opportunities to serve and give. Their story is a powerful reminder that no matter where you start, it’s never too late to deepen your faith, embrace generosity, and find your true purpose.
Greg’s journey from Kansas to Colorado, from tradition to relationship, and from searching to purpose is one that inspires us all to consider our own path. What does it mean to truly know Christ? How can we use what we’ve been given to make a difference in the world? And how can we live in a way that reflects the love and generosity we’ve received?
Final Thoughts
Greg and Carrie’s story highlights the importance of faith, family, and generosity. Their journey reminds us that faith is not just about knowing God, but about having a deep, personal relationship with Him. It’s about moving beyond rituals and traditions to find true meaning and purpose.
As they look forward to the next chapter of their lives, Greg and Carrie are committed to living out their values, being generous with all that they have, and continuing to grow in their relationship with Christ. Their story is one of transformation, hope, and the power of living generously.
