Encouraging Christians Like You...
Your Story. His Glory!
CHERYL ANN SILICH
"American Gladiators" Champion
Christian Radio Show Host
Spiritual Director
Speaker/Author
One Gladiator's Journey from Bodybuilder...to Faith Builder!
Radio Show Host
Spiritual Director
Spiritual Director
"AMERICAN GLADIATORS"...
Cheryl Ann Silich grew up in the midst of the great Chicago steel mills with her father, an ironworker, and her mother, who was orphaned from her twin at birth. Their house was small but filled with traditional Christian values, a strong American work ethic, five siblings, and a dog named Lad. Her parents mod
"AMERICAN GLADIATORS"...
Cheryl Ann Silich grew up in the midst of the great Chicago steel mills with her father, an ironworker, and her mother, who was orphaned from her twin at birth. Their house was small but filled with traditional Christian values, a strong American work ethic, five siblings, and a dog named Lad. Her parents modeled a loving Biblical marriage with God first, spouse second, with the six kids competing for the bronze!
As a young girl, Cheryl grew up in the Catholic Church, but she was forbidden to read the Bible for herself. Then, one day at Mass, a Bible verse spoke directly into her heart: “Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much; they will demand the more” (Luke 12:48; ESV). That day, Cheryl knew God saw her, she knew she was blessed, and she knew what she needed to do. She looked up that Bible verse anyway, wrote it down on an index card, and then taped it to the center of her bathroom mirror so she could be inspired by it daily.
After heading the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation for the State of Indiana for several years, Cheryl became Executive Producer and Host of her very own Telly Award-winning, educational, fitness TV show—The Body Perfect by Cheryl—for ten years, gaining regional syndication via LeSea Broadcasting (World Harvest Television). Little did she know how accepting an invitation to a talent tryout in Chicago would change the course of things to come. Cheryl was one of the ten women selected from a field of 30,000 nationwide to compete in an athletic reality television show at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) Studios. After demonstrating her physical prowess in events like The Human Cannonball, The Wall, Hang Tough, and The Eliminator, Cheryl landed in the spotlight as a "Champion" of Hollywood's American Gladiators. Propelled onto the national fitness scene, Cheryl leveraged that spotlight to inspire kids to follow her down the "Yellow Brick Road to Fun and Fitness!" As a pioneer in the fight against adolescent obesity, Cheryl became the Executive Producer and Star of the multi-national award-winning film, Adventures in Oz with Cheryl, which earned thirteen national awards, including a “5-Star rating" from the Dove Foundation and the Hollywood Film Advisory Board's "Award of Excellence" (the same year Shrek and The Princess Diaries won it).
As Cheryl dedicated herself to an educational television career by fearlessly running her race with grit and grace, her contagious “If I can do it, you can too!” attitude grew exponentially. The more she modeled the physical, mental, and spiritual discipline and character required to attain big dreams, the greater her desire developed to coach others to achieve their dreams, too. But how did this former media and fitness personality with a knack for dreaming, believing, and achieving her dreams—despite a genetic speech impediment—find herself hidden in a radio booth trying to speak clearly into the microphone? Well…
Life has a way of dropping houses on dreams; each time it did, Cheryl pursued her faith to deeper levels of awareness and knowledge to create a stronger relationship with God. Ultimately, Cheryl faced her most formidable opponent: Herself. That's when she realized that God’s plans for her life were far more significant than her own aspirations and musings. Once she surrendered to His call on her life, they created a new formula: Broken Dreams + God’s Plan = Radio Show Ministry. Today, Cheryl is not only living proof, but she is also a formidable warrior of perseverance. All because she said “yes” to God's calling: "Encouraging Christians like You!"
by sharing "your story" for "His glory!"
Now, every time the microphone goes live, Cheryl holds her confidence in Psalms 81:10
"...Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it.”
Tune in as Cheryl serves up stories of faith, hope, and love to help you persevere and overcome, too (see episodes below). Not bad for a girl who couldn’t even sssssay her name!
Spiritual Director
Spiritual Director
Spiritual Director
"THE THIRD CHAIR"...
Today, Cheryl realizes that the strongest people she knows are not found in the gym—they are found on their knees. Olympic track star Jesse Owens once said, “The battles that count aren’t the ones for gold medals. The struggles within yourself—the invisible, inevitable battles inside all of us—that’s where it’s at.” Ch
"THE THIRD CHAIR"...
Today, Cheryl realizes that the strongest people she knows are not found in the gym—they are found on their knees. Olympic track star Jesse Owens once said, “The battles that count aren’t the ones for gold medals. The struggles within yourself—the invisible, inevitable battles inside all of us—that’s where it’s at.” Cheryl knows firsthand that it's not what you say to everyone else that determines your life; it's what you say to yourself that has the greatest power—and for Cheryl, that great power comes from who God says she is! Time and again, Cheryl has witnessed how God has turned her fears and failures, and her sorrows and sadness, into a desire to surrender to living her life in His strength—not her own. And you can, too!
As both physical and spiritual beings, Cheryl believes that everything we face in life has a spiritual component. While your spiritual journey is a sacred and holy relationship between you and God, the Bible encourages us to gather with one another. That's why Cheryl answered God's call on her life and developed her gifts as a Spiritual Director. Dating back to 3rd-century Christianity, the age-old spiritual discipline of spiritual direction focuses specifically on sharing one’s experience of God and the Holy Spirit. Through her gift of contemplative listening, Cheryl listens to her directees without judgment or intent. Not only with the ears on her head but also with what Saint Benedict calls “the ears of the heart.”
So, what is spiritual direction? Well, here’s how Cheryl describes the experience: “As a fitness coach for the past thirty years, I have helped clients achieve their goals by motivating them to change behaviors that move them from Point A to Point B. However, as your spiritual director, we don’t have goals. We have God, His will, and His plan for our life. I am simply present while you journey from where you are today—Point A—to where God wants you to B! ... My own spiritual director describes her work this way: ‘It is the holiest work I do.’ ... I couldn’t agree more.”
Unlike a coach, counselor, or therapist, as a Spiritual Director, Cheryl is not going to tell you what to do, try to fix you or your problems, or convert you to her way of thinking or believing. Rather, with her unique gift of intuitive and intentional one-on-one listening (in-person or by Zoom), Cheryl encourages, supports, and equips you as you explore your own experience of God as you examine what happens when you are conscious of Him. Rather than direct, Cheryl serves as a confidential spiritual friend or companion who journeys alongside you as you walk out your faith through the ups and downs of life. Matthew 18:20 (NIV) declares, “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” We refer to the Holy Spirit as "The Third Chair” because He dwells in you, and He alone directs your spiritual growth and transformation.
When was the last time you felt fully listened to? Sister Esther Fangman, OSB, wrote, "Listening can be compared to the 'priceless' coin the woman found in Scripture. It is in itself of unbelievable worth." Here’s how one directee described her spiritual direction experience: “I had never heard of spiritual direction until a friend introduced me to Cheryl. At first, I was like, ‘What is this?’… And to be honest, I was like, ‘I’ll try a couple of sessions, but that’s probably it.’ Boy, my mind was changed! Cheryl is a dynamic person with a heart for God and for helping others to hear Him. Part of me thought this would be like some spiritual counseling… It is not that. Sure, you talk about things going on in your life, but Cheryl does a great job of helping you connect the dots on how God is working in your life. For me, she really helped me to settle myself and be silent, so I could hear what God has for me. If I walked into a session with a heavy heart, I left feeling much lighter and uplifted by what the Holy Spirit revealed during our time together. This experience was truly a blessing and a good way to slow down in these crazy hectic times we find ourselves in.”
- Emily (non-denominational)
Another one of Cheryl’s directees reflected upon her time with Cheryl as follows: “You really helped me through the deaths of several of my family members and best friends. You have a caring and gentle way of helping me see the Light of God in so many ways over our time together. This child of God is better for these sessions with you…thanks to your leadership and life experiences…You are to be commended for your commitment to this wonderful ministry.” - Joanie (Catholic)
Here are seven of the many reasons why you might benefit from creating a monthly spiritual rhythm of sitting with a spiritual director:
1) You desire to become a warrior versus a worrier.
2) You long to shine bright in a darkening world.
3) You feel stuck in life, in your prayer life, or worship feels stagnant and routine.
4) You desire deeper discernment to live out God's purpose for your life.
5) You are experiencing loss, illness, or change.
6) You want spiritual discernment in decision-making.
7) You yearn to experience more awe and mystery of God in everyday life.
Like time, our relationship with God does not stand still; it ebbs and flows. We are either moving toward Him (consolation) or away from Him (desolation) and all times. Like panning for gold, Cheryl helps you move forward in faith by sifting through the ups and downs of your life through the lens of the Holy Spirit to discover what shines along the journey. Keeping your eyes, ears, and heart on God, opens the door for you to experience the awe of God in new ways. If you desire to create more space for God in your life through spiritual direction, all you need to do is call #317-573-9500 to accept the invitation, amplify your light, and shine bright!
"The world is shouting... God is whispering...
Can you hear Him?" - Cheryl
Speaker/Author
Spiritual Director
Speaker/Author
"A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE"...
Ever since the day her father taught her how to stand on her head, Cheryl has seen the world differently. Her mother ignited an enduring affinity for the Wizard of Oz and, just like Dorothy, Cheryl dreamt of another place—becoming a star on the flying trapeze! So, she bought a unicycle with her paper route ea
"A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE"...
Ever since the day her father taught her how to stand on her head, Cheryl has seen the world differently. Her mother ignited an enduring affinity for the Wizard of Oz and, just like Dorothy, Cheryl dreamt of another place—becoming a star on the flying trapeze! So, she bought a unicycle with her paper route earnings and planned to run away and join the circus. She never made it to the circus, but she got close; she became the champion of the hit TV show American Gladiators in Hollywood--which was a lot like being in the circus. And Cheryl's been chasing—and catching—dreams ever since!
Nothing has stopped her—not even a severe genetic speech impediment nor a childhood scarred by mockery and inadequacy. It wasn’t until college that a chance meeting with a stranger bearing a gift changed the course of things to come. That’s when Cheryl realized she didn’t have a speech impediment; she had a life impediment. So, she made a choice—the choice to change. That may have been the day she first became a "champion."
Cheryl's unique perspective of both physical and spiritual excellence beckoned an eclectic journey of passion, perseverance, and purpose. Throughout her fitness and television career, Cheryl’s love for coaching the qualities and behaviors necessary to inspire others to run their best race, too, naturally developed into a demand for her as a secular and Christian inspirational speaker.
As Cheryl sought God and matured as a Christian, God put a deepening desire in her heart for Him. The more she chased His will for her life, the more God revealed His plan to her.
Cheryl said "yes" to God and never looked back. Now, she is determined to win trophies for Christ instead of the trophy cabinet. Today, by combining her strong Christian upbringing and work ethic with her national fitness television brand, Cheryl encourages others to become not just physically fit but—most importantly— “spiritually fit” because Cheryl wants YOU to finish the race strong!
Cheryl’s authentic character, exceptional storytelling, and vulnerable real-life scenarios make her memorable, applicable, impactful—and FUN! That’s because every time life has turned her upside-down, she has found the faith to push forward again—and you can, too.
Her passion penetrates and challenges you to see—and think about—your own life's circumstances from “a different perspective.” And who knows, she might even teach you how to keep your balance when life tosses you on your head!
Invite Cheryl to personalize one of her inspiring messages and learn how to activate your "gladiator" within!
GLADIATOR G.R.I.T.
Greatness Relies on Internal Transformation
CHOOSE JOY!
Cultivating a Habit of JOY-FULLness
SEEK GOD FIRST!
Practicing a Pondering Presence
THE EAR OF THE HEART: Spiritual Direction
What is it? Who needs it? Is it for me?
LIVING THE "YES!" LIFE:
One Gladiator's Journey from Bodybuilder to Faith Builder
THE C.H.E.R.Y.L. PLAN:
Faith, Fitness, and Fasting (from Excuses!)
GRIT TO GRACE
Personal Testimony
(Also offered in partnership with
my husband, an ordained minister)
LIFE ISN'T FAIR
An Ovarian Cancer Awareness Journey
THE GIRL WHO COULDN'T SAY HER NAME:
A Journey from Small Town America
to Big-Time Hollywood
NEW HEART... NEW NAME... NEW BALANCE... SAME JESUS.
NEW HEART...
new balance...
NEW HEART...
"STRONGER THAN YOU THINK"
Ezekiel 36: 26 (NIV) - "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh."
At boot camp one morning, I completed the final challenge: 20 consecutive star jumps. A star jump requires you to jump vertically into the air, then shoot you
"STRONGER THAN YOU THINK"
Ezekiel 36: 26 (NIV) - "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh."
At boot camp one morning, I completed the final challenge: 20 consecutive star jumps. A star jump requires you to jump vertically into the air, then shoot your arms and legs outward into a star-like position before landing on your feet. I finished the last rep, squatted down, rolled onto my back, and flung my arms and legs out once again—only this star was horizontal. Exhausted, I tried to muster the oomph to perform the final stretches, but I couldn’t move. Instead, one million 6-inch needles penetrated my entire body, stabbing my head, attacking my torso, then flowing outward to the tips of my limbs. What was that? A heart attack? A stroke? As classmates grabbed their gear to leave, I sat up slowly. It was Christmas Eve day and my husband's birthday; I had family to serve. I shook it off and headed home.
“You have a heart murmur,” the doctor said. “What?” I exclaimed. How could that be, I wondered, since I just held a 10:08 plank at our gym a week ago, setting the record for all age groups at both locations. The doctor made eye contact, “Hasn’t anyone ever told you that before?” “Um…no!” And so, my journey with heart disease began. It turns out that living with a heart murmur is one thing. However, discovering a sudden heart murmur, one so profound the doctor could hear it without a stethoscope pressed tightly to my chest, was quite another. Tests confirmed I had a congenital heart defect, a deformed lower heart chamber had caused my mitral valve to collapse. Good thing I never knew that as a kid. Imagine... Becoming a contestant on My 600-lb Life instead of a champion in Hollywood on American Gladiators.
Yes, I had a defective heart. But don’t we all? In Ezekiel, God offers us all “a new heart.” The way I see it, He wants to perform open heart surgery on each of us, first, to remove what is defective or broken (our sin), then to shore our hearts up in His strength. Not our own. Prayerfully, yours won’t require a saw and spreader like mine.
Yes, we are “stronger than we think” when we set on hearts on Him. Now, my "new heart" more clearly sees the things that break God's heart—death, disease, despair, divorce, depression, depravity, division ... and doubt. As God increases my awareness, I am transforming from a “physically fit” champion in Hollywood to a “spiritually fit” champion in Him. Did star jumps break my heart? No, it wasn’t the exercise; it was God. He broke my heart to fix my vision.
New Name...
new balance...
NEW HEART...
"YOUR STORY. HIS GLORY!"
Isaiah 62:2 (NLT) - "... And you will be given a new name by the Lord’s own mouth."
Three months into my daily talk radio show ministry, Community Link, I heard God speak audibly over my right shoulder. Yes, I know. It probably seems strange to some or most of you, because it was unusual for me, too, but it's
"YOUR STORY. HIS GLORY!"
Isaiah 62:2 (NLT) - "... And you will be given a new name by the Lord’s own mouth."
Three months into my daily talk radio show ministry, Community Link, I heard God speak audibly over my right shoulder. Yes, I know. It probably seems strange to some or most of you, because it was unusual for me, too, but it's true. I was walking into my office to perform a work task when God interrupted me by speaking over my right shoulder. In a calm, kind, but direct voice—one I had heard only once before in my lifetime—God said, “Cheryl, google YourStoryHisGlory.org because that’s really what you do, not Community Link. You tell peoples’ stories for My glory.”
At that moment, I am a lot like the “some or most of you” I mentioned above; I am sitting at my desk in near disbelief but full awareness. Frankly, I’m thinking sarcastically to myself: “Yeah, right, God. like someone doesn’t already have that name!” But, out of obedience, I sat at my desk and googled it. Only to find out, of course, that someone else already owned the domain name. GoDaddy. The cost: Two dollars and ninety-nine cents. So, I bought it! Then I made another bold move and secured the name (this time available for free) on FaceBook. Ha! I created a file, labeled it, dropped the info into it, and walked back to my desk wondering, “Wow!... What on earth was that all about!”
Now, nearly five years later, I understand why God gave me the promise of Isaiah—“a new name”—YOUR STORY, HIS GLORY! It didn't make sense when it happened, three months into kicking off my original talk radio show named Community Link so I filed it away for "such a time as this!" Unbeknownst to me then, after two years of daily radio, the enemy would strike, open heart surgery would ensue, followed by a difficult road to recovery, including a year on oxygen 24/7. But here I am. Ready to relaunch my radio ministry. My radical obedience revealed God’s perfect timing.
Imagine... All because God asked me to google something. How contemporary is that? Sheer proof that God is active in the details of our lives. All we need to do is be available, listen, and obey.
new balance...
new balance...
new balance...
"A SPIRITUAL PLUMB LINE"
Amos 7:7-8 (NLT) - "Then he showed me another vision. I saw the Lord standing beside a wall that had been built using a plumb line. He was using a plumb line to see if it was still straight. And the Lord said to me, 'Amos, what do you see?' I answered, 'A plumb line.' And the Lord replied, 'I will test my people wi
"A SPIRITUAL PLUMB LINE"
Amos 7:7-8 (NLT) - "Then he showed me another vision. I saw the Lord standing beside a wall that had been built using a plumb line. He was using a plumb line to see if it was still straight. And the Lord said to me, 'Amos, what do you see?' I answered, 'A plumb line.' And the Lord replied, 'I will test my people with this plumb line. I will no longer ignore all their sins.'"
Growing up in the Silich household, we all knew about the plumb line because our father carried one on his tool belt. That’s why we cringed whenever we heard mom threaten, "Just wait until your father gets home!" That meant one of us would get "plumbed up" when dad returned home from the Chicago steel mills. As an ironworker, dad used his plumb line—a piece of string with a weight suspended at one end—to ensure that each vertical beam his ironworker crew set into place was straight and thus suitable for creating a firm foundation for a new building. At home, metaphorically getting “plumbed up” by dad referred to the pending disciplinary tactics required to straighten out our choices, character, or attitude.
Imagine... years later, as an adult, discovering Amos’ vision of God holding up a plumb line to judge His people. I am forever grateful for my father’s living example, instruction, and discipline as his fourth child—and ever more grateful for my Father’s example, instruction, and discipline as a child of His. Together, they have provided a “spiritual plumb line” that has guided me down the path of righteousness. I pray this ministry will help encourage and guide you to take the road less traveled, too—the straight and narrow way toward eternal salvation.
Cheryl Reaches for the Hearts of kids!
Meet "The Rhyming Gladiator"...
As a multi-media storyteller (film/television/radio/stage), Cheryl knows how the power of story can take up permanent residence in a person's heart. That's why after recovering from a genetic heart defect and life-saving open heart surgery, Cheryl is "reaching for the hearts of kids" because "a book can forever hug a child's heart!" Learn more about her passion for writing books that inspire hope, heart, and purpose at:
"A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver." ~ Proverbs 25:11 ~
Proverbs 25:11 challenges me ... God uses "His Word" to inspire "my words," whether spoken on the air, one-on-one, or through a speaking engagement or book. And so, it is my heart's desire to reflect the will of the Father in all I say and do by speaking "fitly"--a right word at the right time. And when radio show guests share their sacred stories of faith, hope, and God's transformative love, I have the blessed honor of lifting up "their words," too, like golden apples on a platter of silver.
If you have been impacted by this radio ministry, your prayers and financial contribution help us continue to encourage, support, and equip our Christian community.
THANK YOU for listening to YOUR STORY. HIS GLORY! and for supporting our mission: Encouraging Christians like you!
BE STRONG. SPEAK LIFE. SHINE BRIGHT!
Cheryl Ann Silich
Your Story Servant
Founding Kingdom Partners...
