What does it mean to reclaim the parts of yourself that trauma, shame, and pain taught you to hide?

In Part 1 of this two-part conversation on Reclamation, Steve and Colleen explore how Jesus restores what was lost through wounds, false beliefs, and spiritual fragmentation. Colleen shares deeply from her own story of abuse, abandonment, healing, and the reclaiming of the true self through Christ.

This is a conversation about more than pain from the past. It’s about the renewing work of God in the present—and the hope of restoration for the future.

Chapters:

00:00 Trauma, the true self, and the cost to our relationship with God
00:44 Welcome + introducing the Reclamation series (Embracing the Way)
01:59 War, current events, and the unseen reality of spiritual warfare
03:18 Defining reclamation: reclaiming what was lost in God, self, others, purpose
04:29 Reclaiming the Imago Dei + Joel 2:25 (“years the locusts have eaten”)
08:28 “Altar moments” + how healing unfolds over time
10:13 Fragmentation and “orphan parts” (IFS) through a Christ-centered lens
13:02 Colleen’s story: abuse, walls, and rejecting the vulnerable self
18:32 The “bitter root” memory + Jesus brings integration and healing
26:02 Why we don’t ignore the past: healing wounds without living stuck there

Jesus promises a white stone, hidden manna, and a new name known only to the one who receives it.

In this episode, Steve & Colleen Adams explore identity, healing, and what it means to “conquer” when competing voices are loud. Colleen shares her story of hearing God call her “Delightful” through trauma and reintegration; Steve shares how God restored his identity as a Warrior in a season of loss.

A deeply practical invitation to ask God what He calls you—and to live from it.

Chapters

00:00 – Why identity matters in marriage & community synergy

01:10 – Podcast intro + Episode context (Episode 27 throwback)

02:30 – Anchor Scripture: Revelation 2:17 (new name on a white stone)

03:10 – “The one who conquers” = resisting false identities

05:03 – Colleen’s checklist (and why the “new name” mattered)

07:45 – Colleen’s “Delightful” story begins

11:49 – Trauma, the false self, and burying the “little girl”

14:03 – Redeeming “Delightful” + how God uses our wounds in service

15:35 – Steve’s crisis season + Wild at Heart Boot Camp context

17:45 – The moment Steve asked God: “What is my name?”

19:05 – Ephesians 1 & Psalm 139: identity before performance

20:55 – Father wounds, distortion, and why brokenness comes first

22:12 – Dark night of the soul: surrender vs self-reliance

24:20 – Biblical name changes (Abraham, Jacob, Peter, Paul)

26:42 – Peter’s journey: living into a name over time

28:20 – Exposure, blind spots, and sanctification (especially in marriage)

29:29 – Chesterton + Spurgeon: we’ve forgotten who we are

31:30 – Living from your new name: purpose between “now” and eternity

33:30 – Identity creates synergy in marriage & the Body of Christ

34:44 – Performance, people-pleasing, and resisting the world’s box

37:09 – Identity as spiritual warfare + Gladiator illustration

40:05 – Pain can become the doorway to calling

41:35 – Practical invitation: surrender, ask God, silence other voices

43:12 – Blessing & closing

In this annual conversation, Steve Adams, Colleen Adams, and Michael Kurtz invite listeners to begin the year through consecration, not pressure or performance. Rather than goal-setting, the focus is surrender—offering the year back to God as an act of union with Christ.

They explore listening for a word or phrase for the year as an invitation into formation, why God’s work is often cumulative over time, and how an eternal perspective reshapes how we live and suffer today. Eternity is reframed not as escape, but as restoration—returning to God’s “very good” design.

This episode serves as a formation anchor for the year ahead, calling listeners to resist striving, stop self-saving, and trust the God who holds both now and forever.

Resources mentioned:

• The Royal in You — Jordan Raynor Video Intro

• Heaven — Randy Alcorn

• All Things New — John Eldredge

Scripture references:Matthew 6:34 • Genesis 1–3 • Matthew 24:36 • Genesis 1:26–28 • Matthew 25:14–30 • John 15

Chapters:

00:00 Cold open — “Don’t add pressure… I have a month.”
01:01 Welcome + episode setup
01:54 Introducing Colleen & Michael + annual rhythm
06:19 What consecrating the year is (and isn’t)
08:49 Colleen: consecration as union, not performance
10:59 Michael: fasting + surrendering plans without demands
14:28 Steve: offering the calendar back to God
15:35 Colleen: “walking in the greater story”
19:06 Words build over time (stepping stones)
20:27 Word ≠ slogan (and a quick Eagles detour)
21:30 Colleen: “presence” (inward → outward) + carrying Jesus into chaos
26:54 Michael: Jacob’s purification + returning to “God’s house”
36:14 Eternity: The Royal In You + reclaiming a hopeful view of heaven
40:44 Colleen: recovering the supernatural worldview + “very good” restoration
44:22 Matthew 24:36 + living ready without obsessing over dates
46:53 Michael: dominion, stewardship, and being formed to rule & reign
49:19 Colleen: “Stop being self-saviors” (union restores surrender)
52:18 Suffering well: faithfulness, love, forgiveness in the fire
53:02 Colleen: NIH story — blessing others in pain + “table with Jesus”
57:38 Michael: Psalms—bring the unfiltered to God
01:02:17 Wrap + final encouragements
01:03:10 Colleen: don’t be discouraged; give the Spirit permission beyond awareness
01:06:49 Michael: don’t rush; a month-long posture of receiving
01:08:28 Steve: final send-off

Spiritual formation doesn’t happen in isolation—but it also doesn’t happen in unsafe spaces.

In this episode, Steve and Colleen explore what makes a community truly safe and why safety is foundational to healing, trust, and transformation. This honest conversation parallels themes from their upcoming book Embracing the Way, inviting listeners into a slower, relational vision of walking with Jesus and one another.

If you’ve longed for community but felt guarded, this episode offers language, clarity, and hope.

In this powerful start to a new year, Steve sits down with longtime friend Rich Timmons—creative visionary, gallery owner, teacher, and author of Come… meet Jesus—for an honest conversation about faith, loss, and redemption.

Rich shares how a Good Friday business collapse became the moment he finally cried out to God, and how a “Joseph and Mary” divine appointment helped lead him to Christ. He reflects on rebuilding his life with Jesus at the center, teaching art history through the life of Christ, and turning 67 masterworks into a devotional tool that blends Scripture and beauty.

The conversation takes a profound turn as Rich opens up about losing his son to glioblastoma, and the strength of staying “yoked” to Jesus through grief. He also shares a deeply personal testimony of decades-long struggle with alcohol—and the moment God brought freedom through Psalm 9:6.

If you’re walking through brokenness, grief, or a hidden struggle, this episode is a reminder: brokenness isn’t a barrier—it can become a bridge to healing.

Learn more: comemeetjesus.art (Use promo code 1017 for 25% off)

More about EBM: embracingbrokenness.org

Chapters

00:00 – The “cowboy” son and a gift with horses

01:41 – The diagnosis: brain cancer and the weight of grief

02:00 – Welcome + Season 7 kickoff + Steve & Rich history

05:40 – Rich’s story begins: Kensington, dreams, and early influences

09:00 – Air Force years and marriage to Julie

11:30 – “Let’s buy a computer”—early business breakthrough

13:15 – The crash: staff walks out on Good Friday

15:05 – “Joseph and Mary”: Joe Castillo and the pocket Bible

16:30 – Born again: “I made a right-hand turn”

17:50 – Motorhome year: early discipleship and the Body of Christ

19:15 – 45 years of business success (and hiring smart people)

21:30 – Selling the business → opening the art gallery

23:10 – Teaching art history through “one man”: Jesus

26:05 – Losing Rich: glioblastoma and 18 months of care

33:10 – “Rotten theology” and living in a broken world

36:05 – Turning teaching into a book: Come… meet Jesus

43:15 – The yoke: staying close to Christ in grief

45:25 – Alcohol testimony + Psalm 9:6 + freedom

50:15 – Brokenness as a bridge to healing

53:50 – Book promo + discount code + closing

It’s the week of December 29, 2025—and Steve & Colleen Adams take time to look back with gratitude on what God has done through Embracing Brokenness Ministries this year, while also sharing a glimpse of what’s ahead in 2026.

A central theme rises above everything: learning to wait on the Lord—to live from presence, intimacy, and obedience, not outcomes. Along the way, they share a few powerful ministry stories (including moments of real-time provision), reflect on meaningful guest conversations from 2025, and close by thanking the prayer team and ministry partners who make it all possible.

If you’ve been weary, discouraged, or wondering whether your calling matters—this conversation will encourage you to keep following the Shepherd’s voice.

Website: https://embracingbrokenness.org/

Chapters:

00:00 Feeling dry? Ask God for a glimpse (opening encouragement)

00:33 Podcast intro

01:20 Welcome + “How is it already Dec 29?”

02:45 Recap purpose + heading into Year 7

04:20 Theme of 2025: waiting on the Lord + John 10:27

06:35 “Head to heart” transformation (Identity Matters story)

09:10 What’s possible when intimacy becomes real

10:24 God speaks in daily life (Amish friend + pregnancy prayer)

14:45 Presence as a way of life (not “doing more”)

16:15 The real battle: distraction, dopamine, and digital noise

19:20 What’s coming: the book + study guide + resources

21:55 The Circle vision: tools, practices, and a deeper journey

23:45 2025 guest highlights + books (Lewis Lee, Raynor, Poore, Payne, etc.)

29:05 John Eldredge + Experience Jesus + the Pause app

32:45 Off-camera encouragement: “It matters more than you know”

35:08 Faithfulness in everyday moments (your calling counts)

36:35 Ask God for a glimpse of eternity (when you’re discouraged)

38:50 Thank you: prayer team, listeners, partners, donors

When life teaches you to hide, Jesus invites you to heal. Author Clinton Parker joins Steve to share the story behind his new book, Beauty in the Dandelion: Shame Shattered by Grace and Love—from chaotic beginnings and early exposure to darkness, to the slow rescue of grace, safe people, and a Father who delights.

We talk practicals: naming shame vs. guilt, breaking isolation, finding “safe” community, parenting through pain, and why putting your story on paper can become the first step toward freedom.

📘 Get the book on Amazon: (link in show notes)

🎧 Subscribe for more conversations on identity, healing, and restoration.

Show notes

Guest: Clinton Parker, author of Beauty in the Dandelion: Shame Shattered by Grace and Love.

Buy the book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/3Xm4Plh

Amazon Kindle edition: https://a.co/d/dCdWf4H

Also at Barnes & Noble.

Chapters

00:00 The Power of Writing Your Story

01:35 Introduction to Clint Parker and His Journey

03:31 Clint's Background and the Inspiration Behind His Book

06:13 Childhood Chaos and Its Impact

10:13 The Role of Faith and Community in Healing

19:50 Finding Beauty in Dandelions: A Metaphor for Life

23:29 Overcoming Shame and Embracing Identity

28:55 The Journey of Growth and Maturity

34:40 The Importance of Safe Spaces and Community

39:35 The Impact of Sharing Your Story

44:44 Hope and Encouragement for Others

52:05 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

What does true freedom look like?

At age 15, Warner Batty was sentenced to life without parole for taking a life. Fifty years later, he walked out of a Pennsylvania prison—free not just in body, but in spirit.

In this raw and redemptive conversation, Steve sits down with Warner to talk about his journey from hopelessness and self-hatred to forgiveness and freedom in Christ. Hear how one man—“the hound from heaven”—persisted in sharing Jesus behind bars until the Holy Spirit broke through.

Warner shares the pivotal moment of his salvation, his decades-long walk with Christ while incarcerated, and his eventual release under the Miller v. Alabama Supreme Court ruling. This episode is a powerful reminder that no one is beyond redemption, and that freedom begins within.

Topics include:

Growing up in poverty and racism in the 1960s

Life without parole as a 15-year-old

A divine encounter with “the hound from heaven”

Meeting the family of his victim to offer forgiveness

Revival and ministry behind prison walls

Finding peace and purpose after 50 years

“Without Jesus Christ, you are missing something. Without Him, you are lost.” – Warner Batty

Chapters:

00:00 – Warner’s Early Life & Identity Struggles

02:16 – Introduction to Warner’s Story

04:01 – Who Warner Is Today

05:49 – Life Before the Crime

09:46 – The Crime & Life Sentence at 15

13:51 – The “Hound From Heaven” Appears

18:26 – The Holy Spirit Begins to Move

22:56 – Warner Surrenders to Christ

27:35 – A New Fire for the Gospel

30:20 – Growing, Maturing & Learning Love

39:13 – Reconciliation With His Mother

41:07 – Meeting the Victim’s Family

44:38 – Wrestling With Justice & Mercy

46:47 – Supreme Court Cases That Changed His Fate

53:22 – Release After 50 Years

54:04 – Experiencing Freedom on the Outside

56:34 – God’s Perfect Timing

59:19 – Trauma, Accountability & Healing

1:04:45 – Warner’s Powerful Closing Prayer

What happens when a pastor’s life falls apart—and God writes a better story?

In this raw and redemptive conversation, Steve sits down with Greg Lindsey, author of The Rest of Your Story: The Path to the Christian Life You Want, to talk about failure, forgiveness, and the long road to freedom. Greg shares openly about the affair that nearly ended his marriage and ministry—and how Jesus met him in the rubble to begin a rescue that changed everything.

Together, Steve and Greg unpack what it means to live from your story instead of running from it: how God redeems even our deepest failures, why the Church must learn to restore the fallen, and why intimacy with Jesus—not performance—is the true measure of success.

🔹 Facing your past without fear

🔹 How the Church can become a “MAS*H unit” for the wounded

🔹 The danger of identity rooted in performance

🔹 Experiencing—not just knowing—Jesus daily

🔹 Why your story isn’t over because your Author isn’t finished

Greg’s honesty will challenge and comfort you—and remind you that no matter where you’ve been, there’s more to the story God is writing.

🎧 Listen, share, and subscribe for more conversations on healing, identity, and transformation in Christ.

Guest: Greg Lindsey — Pastor, Discovery Church Colorado Springs | Author, The Rest of Your Story

https://a.co/d/aF0j7N0

Resources: https://www.glindsey.com/

Chapters

00:00 Embracing Brokenness: A Personal Journey

09:53 The Role of Story and Rescue in Healing

19:42 The Impact of Authenticity in Ministry

29:54 Finding Validation and Identity in Christ

31:53 Experiencing Jesus: Beyond Salvation

35:23 The Journey of Intimacy with God

39:01 Resilience and Perseverance in Faith

44:05 Your Story Isn't Over: Embracing Hope

51:32 The Impact of Obedience: A Call to Action

Steve and Colleen talk with Tom and Karen Friedrichs of Broom Tree Landing, a ministry that offers no-cost retreat, coaching, and spiritual direction to pastors and ministry leaders who are tired, hurting, or on the edge of burnout. They share their own story of pastoral exhaustion, how God accelerated their “retirement dream” into a right now calling, and several powerful provision stories — including God funding someone’s retreat from another country.

You’ll hear:

• Why healthy churches need healthy leaders

• Signs of burnout pastors often ignore

• Why availability is the real ministry

• How God provides when you finally say “yes”

Connect with Broom Tree Landing: https://www.broomtreelanding.org/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

06:58 The Importance of Healthy Ministries

13:52 Personal Journeys and Call to Ministry

20:56 Provision and Trust in God

27:37 Creating a Safe Space for Leaders

29:19 Understanding Burnout in Ministry

33:43 The Importance of Rest and Retreat

38:33 Provision Stories: Miracles in Ministry

43:23 The Power of Availability and Presence

48:07 Encouragement for Those Struggling

51:17 Establishing Healthy Rhythms in Life