Embracing Brokenness

In this episode Colleen is interviewed by our dear friend John who is currently enrolled in a Counseling Program at a local Christian College. The questions will provide answers around a faith-based counseling model from a different perspective. 

In addition to her contribution to Embracing Brokenness Ministries Colleen is VP of Programs at Water Street Gospel Rescue Mission in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Prior to that, she was Executive Vice President for a national Health Care consulting firm and Adjunct Professor at Eastern University. She is a licensed clinical social worker and earned her MBA at Eastern University, a Masters in Social Work at Temple University, and a Bachelors in Social Work at Messiah College.

From our church family to yours - Enjoy this brief message from our Senior Pastor Beau Eckert and a duet of the all-time classic - O Come, O Come, Emmanuel. Meditate on the music and let the spirit of the holiday season overtake your senses. Merry Christmas to you all and a special blessing to you and yours. 

An excerpt from the Calvary Church Christmas Special.

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.” Revelation 2:17

In this Podcast, Steve explores the idea of God's unique calling for our lives. The notion that He has a specific "name" for each of us and what that really means. Mark Twain is often credited with saying, “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” Let's ask God what He has in store for each of us and pursue that life in Christ.

When we made the decision to choose our plan over God's plan the consequences were devastating. But God provided a way back. A way for us to return to Him, know Him, and know ourselves for who He created us to be. To love Him and to love others. Here's an excerpt by Colleen from a class we teach in our ministry that will encourage you to see the truth behind our freedom and our restoration. 

The pace of life in the 21st Century is breakneck. How do we steward our attention and our affections in an appropriate manner as a believer in Christ? Let's explore this idea a little further with some practical suggestions to disconnect from this world and reconnect with God's heart.

God put something on my heart to share with you on this Election Day 2020. No matter the outcome, He’s still on the throne and loves each one of us. Let’s be about His business and love others.

The impact of sexual brokenness and pornography on our society as a whole may very well be one of the most unrecognized crises to exist in modern society. Between the broken relationships,  sexual sin, victims of the industry, and the trickle-down effect of those demanding use and services we have an epidemic of epic proportions on our hands. What can we do? In this episode, Steve and Colleen discuss this issue in more detail.

We live in a deeply divided country. We may be looking in the wrong place for the solutions. God calls us to examine our own hearts. To consider whether there be any "wicked ways" in us. Of course there is. It's why we need a Savior. But what if our hearts were capable of changing? Can this world then be a better place? Steve challenges us to think differently and look for solutions within ourselves not pointing the finger at others.

It's been a challenging year for all of us with many unexpected events. None of it surprises God though. We have an opportunity to participate in one of the greatest movements this planet has seen. That movement begins in our hearts. It begins by strengthening our union with God. By developing a deep intimacy with Him. Steve explores the obstacles the enemy uses to thwart our efforts but also the practices that can become a part of your everyday experience along your transformational journey. 

Each of us encounters wounding and trauma in our lives. No exceptions. How we respond to those negative influences set up the rest of our days on this planet.  

God wants to heal the broken places. The places where our identity was hijacked. Where the enemy loves to reside, reminding of us all the mistakes of our past and bad things that were done to or around us.  

We MUST address the wounds on the inside; the ones that aren't as evident but are acted on in very dysfunctional ways. Jesus is the answer. Allow Him to re-interpret those circumstances, correct the lies we believe about ourselves, and provide the path toward transformation and freedom. The recognition of who we really are. His children. Loved unconditionally. No exception.  #treeofbrokenness #woundsandtraumas #healinginhim #unconditionallove