Episode Summary: 

In this deeply powerful conversation, Nikki Cruise sits down with Colleen Stewart, founder of Path to Peace Coaching, a veteran and trauma survivor who now helps others reclaim their peace through faith and healing.

For years, she struggled to understand what was happening to her as unresolved trauma surfaced through flashbacks, stress, and emotional turmoil.

But God had a greater story unfolding.

Through a process of healing, surrender, and partnering with God, Colleen discovered something transformative: the missing pieces in our lives are often not truly missing, they’re simply hidden beneath lies we’ve believed about ourselves.

Now, Colleen equips professionals who have experienced trauma to uncover those hidden pieces, remove limiting beliefs, and rebuild their lives with clarity, purpose, and peace.

This episode is a powerful reminder that even when life collapses like a sinkhole beneath us, God is still rebuilding the foundation.

Key Takeaways

• The Missing Piece Isn’t Missing - the “missing pieces” in our lives are often obscured by lies we have believed. 
• Peace doesn’t come from controlling life’s circumstances. 
• Unhealed trauma can influence our health, relationships, and career decisions without us even realizing it.
• Sometimes we “fail the test but pass the learning.” Growth often happens through disappointment and unexpected obstacles.
• God equips us with tools and experiences long before we realize how they will be used in our calling.

Scriptures 

• Isaiah 26:3 - “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You.”
• Proverbs 4:7 - “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom.”
• Romans 8:28 - “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him.”

Encouragement

• If you feel like your life has collapsed beneath your feet, remember that sinkholes don’t define the end of the road.
• God is the master builder of restoration.
• Your trauma does not disqualify you from purpose.
• Your past does not remove your calling.
• And the peace you’re searching for may already be closer than you think.
• Healing often begins with one courageous step: letting go of control and allowing God to rebuild the foundation.

Root questions to reflect on: 

1. What beliefs about myself might actually be lies I’ve accepted as truth?
2. Where in my life am I still trying to stay in control instead of surrendering to God?
3. What might my future look like if I truly believed God had restoration ahead for me?
4. Is there an area of trauma or pain that I’ve been avoiding instead of bringing to God?

Colleen (CB) Stewart
Founder, Path to Peace Coaching

Social Media: CB Stewart
Email: [email protected]

Free Resource for Listeners:
Get Colleen's 3-step Guide to Overcome the Effects of Trauma

Click here to download!

Stay Connected with Nikki:

• Website: www.joyinspiredpodcast.com
• LinkedIn: @nikkijoyinspired
• Email: [email protected]

Closing Encouragement:

 “You were created for a unique purpose. When you invite God into your business, you step into a calling that impacts eternity. Remember, alignment doesn’t mean perfection—it’s a journey of trust, surrender, and joy.”

Until next time, stay blessed, stay joyful, and keep walking in your purpose!