We don’t just coach couples—we are the couple who had to do the work first. In this episode of The Lit Lounge: Real Talk for Christian Marriages, we walk through parts of our Marriage Reset Checklist—live, in real time. Not for show. For realignment. We're Debra and Jabari Steward. We help Christian couples transform their marriage from just 'fine' to truly phenomenal. We've built the frameworks and tools we wish we had when we were showing up more for our calendars than we were for our own marriage. The disconnect didn’t look dramatic—but it was deep. We were functional, responsible, even successful… but not truly connected. Inside this episode, we model: – A guided spiritual check-in that invites safety, not surface talk – Spoken appreciation—because appreciation, when spoken, strengthens connection – What it looks like to pause productivity and choose presence This isn’t a crisis conversation. It’s a calibrated reset—and an invitation to do the same. If your marriage looks “fine” on paper but feels off at the heart, this episode will show you what real, strategic, faith-shaped reconnection looks like. Because your marriage isn’t meant to settle. It’s meant to be whole, rooted, and phenomenal.

What Happens When God Feels Closer Than Your Spouse?

It’s a silent struggle many married couples face but hesitate to address. In this powerful and vulnerable episode, Jabari Steward shares the deeply personal story of following God’s call, the spiritual isolation that crept into his marriage, and the heartbreaking consequences that followed.

But this isn’t a story of defeat. It’s a testimony to God’s unshakable grace and His power to redeem what feels lost. In His perfect timing, God brought Debra into Jabari’s life—a radiant example of His ability to restore, renew, and exceed expectations. Today, Jabari and Debra walk in unity, serving side by side in marriage ministry, helping couples everywhere reconnect with God and each other.

If you’ve ever felt the weight of spiritual disconnection in your marriage, this episode offers more than hope—it reveals the practical steps and proven path to transformation. Your marriage doesn’t have to settle for “fine.” God designed it to thrive.

Key Takeaways: Spiritual Disconnection Can Be Silent but Powerful: When couples stop seeking God together, the gap begins to grow—and it quietly impacts every part of the marriage.

Unity Requires Intentionality: Spiritual connection isn’t automatic. It requires praying, fasting, and pursuing God as a team.

Redemption is Possible: No matter how broken things feel, God’s grace is greater. He can rebuild and create something extraordinary in the wake of loss.

A Clear Path to Transformation: The Keeping It Lit Signature Framework, created from personal experience, is helping couples reconnect spiritually, emotionally, and relationally.

A Heartfelt Invitation

Have you ever felt spiritually alone in your marriage, even while walking in faith? Have you noticed how the distance in your spiritual connection quietly seeps into every part of your relationship?

You don’t have to stay there.

This episode invites you to step into something new—a marriage rooted in faith, unity, and purpose.

Practical Action Steps Pray Together Daily: Begin with just five minutes, inviting God into your relationship as a team.

Fasting as a Couple: Choose a shared purpose and dedicate time to seek God together.

Have the Hard Conversations: Be vulnerable about where you feel disconnected and invite your spouse to do the same.

Explore the Signature Framework: Discover a proven, step-by-step pathway to create the connection you’ve always hoped for.

Words of Encouragement

Your marriage isn’t broken—it may simply need reconnection. The same God who created the heavens and the earth is capable of restoring the gaps in your relationship. His plan isn’t just for survival—it’s for transformation. And that transformation starts with one step. When you pursue God together, He will take the weight of spiritual isolation and replace it with unity, peace, and joy. Trust Him.

Reconnection is not only possible—it’s waiting for you.

Scripture for Encouragement

“Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” — Ecclesiastes 4:12

More from Jabari and Debra

Learn about the Keeping It Lit Signature Framework and how it’s transforming marriages by addressing the root cause of all marital struggle: Disconnect Stay connected with us for inspiration, encouragement, and tools to help you take your marriage from ‘fine’ to phenomenal.

A Laker fan married a Clipper fan… what could go wrong?

We’ve got our differences (and trust us, it gets lively during basketball season), but one thing we agree on is this: even the best need a coach.Take Kobe Bryant—a Laker legend. At the top of his game, he had Phil Handy as his personal skills coach, sharpening his skills and pushing him to even greater heights.

But what does that have to do with your marriage?

Everything.

In this newly produced edition of The Lit Lounge Live!, we share why having a marriage coach can be a game-changer—and how investing in your marriage can take it from 'fine' to phenomenal.

Hit play now to discover how coaching works and why even the strongest couples need it.