Craig Francis Harrison graduated from Bakersfield High School, and UCLA, where he obtained a degree in Business and Economics with a minor in Psychology. He entered the Seminary at St. Johns and received a Masters Degree in Divinity.
Craig Harrison has legally adopted multiple children and 19 grandchildren, who have enhanced both his life and ministry.
He is a sought-after speaker and has donated many hours to numerous philanthropic organizations in Bakersfield, including Rotary, Kiwanis, Bakersfield Museum of Art, Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast, Friends of the Children, Jim Burke Dream Builders, St. Vincent de Paul Society, and Catholic Charities. Craig has also served on the Boards of the Bakersfield Art Museum, the Wheeler Foundation, and the St. Vincent de Paul Society.
In 2020, Craig Harrison formed Transition Ahead, LLC, allowing him to help others achieve the best version of self through healing. He has performed countless workshops on grief, trauma, and living in peace; and is the author of “Angel Girl,” written in memory of an 11-year old girl who passed away from cancer, and “Pax et Bonum,” a tribute to his beloved Assisi, Italy. He is currently writing two new books.
Craig Harrison’s daily reflection, “Coffee with Jesus,” and weekly Sunday video, “The Message,” bring spiritual inspiration to thousands.
Craig's Latest Inspirations
Approaching Advent, we are preparing for the **LIGHT** of CHRIST to come into our world, a perfect timing when the world seems so dark. St. Teresa of Avila reminds us to let nothing disturb or frighten us, because though all things pass, God does not change; we must welcome the light with joy and anticipation and prepare spiritually for it to enter our hearts.
On Thanksgiving, it is all about **GRATITUDE**; no matter how difficult the years may be, God has been faithful and blessed us, and we must focus on the light of Christ, not the darkness. We should lift up our fears, pains, and trials to the cross and **PRAISE** God, knowing that we will experience Emmanuel—**GOD IS WITH US**—and we always have a lot to be grateful for.
**THANKSGIVING** is a combination of thanks and giving, meaning that gratitude and action go together, as when we are truly grateful, we can’t help but give of ourselves, just as Jesus did. Along with giving thanks daily, we must move into the action of **GIVING** our time, talents, and treasures, sharing our gifts with a world in desperate need.
This year, as we prepare for Thanksgiving, we are called to search out **GRATITUDE** by starting a list of all the things, people, and situations for which we are grateful, showing God we have a thankful heart even during chaos, sadness, and loss. Gratitude can certainly change our attitude, and since the unthankful heart discovers no mercies, let’s begin the **VIGIL of gratitude** and find the light in the darkness.