Embracing Brokenness

Steve and Colleen Adams
  • 4.4 (7)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY

Welcome to the Embracing Brokenness Podcast. Our focus is to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ to a hurting world. To live authentically and without pretense. To encourage others toward a greater understanding of who they are and who God is. To teach the blessed HOPE that the Bible calls the “Anchor of the Soul”. That is Jesus Christ and His healing presence – not only available in this life – but in eternity to come.

  1. APR 6

    🎙️EP165. The Dash | Don’t Waste the Life You’ve Been Given

    Easter reminds us that death is not the end—but it does invite a deeper question: how are we living in the time we’ve been given? In this episode of the Embracing Brokenness Podcast, Steve and Colleen explore “The Dash”—the small line between your birth date and death date that represents your entire life. Through the story of Alfred Nobel, personal experiences with loss, and a powerful reflection sparked by the song Live Like That, they unpack what it really means to live intentionally. You’ll discover: Why most people drift instead of live with purpose The difference between happiness and lasting joy How distraction and self-focus quietly shape your life What people actually remember about you in the end How to choose love at the “fork in the road” moments This isn’t about achieving more—it’s about becoming someone who reflects Christ in everyday life. Because the dash may look small… but it holds everything. 00:00 – Welcome + Easter Monday Reflection 02:00 – The Question: What Would People Say About Your Life? 07:30 – The Dash Explained (Birth → Death → Everything Between) 10:15 – The Alfred Nobel Story (A Wake-Up Call) 13:30 – Why Most People Drift Through Life 15:00 – Meaning Doesn’t Just Happen—It’s Cultivated 18:30 – Colleen’s Turning Point (Loss, Funerals, Clarity) 22:30 – “Live Like That” – The Measuring Line for Life 26:00 – The Fork in the Road: Choosing Love or Self 29:00 – Living Surrendered vs Living in Control 32:00 – Start With Why (and Where It Falls Short) 34:30 – Happiness vs Joy 36:30 – What Living for the Dash Actually Feels Like 40:00 – It’s Not About What You Achieve 42:00 – Final Question: What Is Being Written in Your Dash? 43:30 – Closing Challenge + What’s Next

    45 min

  2. MAR 23

    🎙️EP164. Reclamation Part 2: The Road Back | When God Redeems the Worst Chapters of Our Story

    In Part 2 of our Reclamation series, Steve and Colleen Adams explore what it looks like to reclaim the parts of our story that were shaped by failure, shame, and consequences. In this deeply personal episode, Steve shares the part of his story he rarely tells publicly — the collapse of a successful real estate business in the 1980s, federal fraud charges, and the prison sentence that followed. For years, the weight of that chapter lingered quietly in the background of his life. Then, decades later, God prompted him to do something unexpected. Go back. Together, Steve and Colleen returned to the federal prison camp where he served his sentence — not as an inmate this time, but as a man who had experienced redemption. What happened there became a powerful moment of reclamation — a reconciling of past, present, and purpose. This conversation explores: How God redeems even the most painful chapters of our story The difference between shame and redemption Why consequences can become part of God’s restoration process How wounds and failures can shape our calling What it means to reclaim the life God originally intended Reclamation isn’t about rewriting the past. It’s about seeing how God was present in it all along. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Background 02:16 The Journey of Reclamation and Writing the Book 04:12 Early Life, Success, and the Fall into Crime 07:21 Facing Charges and the Impact on Life 10:24 The Courtroom and Sentencing Experience 12:33 Returning to Prison and Reconciliation 15:54 Reflections on God's Mercy and Grace 18:39 Visiting Prison and Internal Reconciliation 22:37 The Internal Journey of Reclamation 26:17 Turning Point and Surrender to God 28:21 The Role of God's Word in Healing 29:37 God's Continuous Reclamation in Our Lives

    31 min

  3. MAR 9

    🎙️EP163 Reclamation, Part 1: When Jesus Reclaims What Was Lost

    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 God00:44 Welcome + introducing the Reclamation series (Embracing the Way)01:59 War, current events, and the unseen reality of spiritual warfare03:18 Defining reclamation: reclaiming what was lost in God, self, others, purpose04:29 Reclaiming the Imago Dei + Joel 2:25 (“years the locusts have eaten”)08:28 “Altar moments” + how healing unfolds over time10:13 Fragmentation and “orphan parts” (IFS) through a Christ-centered lens13:02 Colleen’s story: abuse, walls, and rejecting the vulnerable self18:32 The “bitter root” memory + Jesus brings integration and healing26:02 Why we don’t ignore the past: healing wounds without living stuck there

    39 min

  4. FEB 23

    🎙️EP162. A New Name on a White Stone

    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

    44 min

  5. FEB 9

    🎙️EP161. Consecrating the Year in Light of Eternity

    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 setup01:54 Introducing Colleen & Michael + annual rhythm06:19 What consecrating the year is (and isn’t)08:49 Colleen: consecration as union, not performance10:59 Michael: fasting + surrendering plans without demands14:28 Steve: offering the calendar back to God15:35 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 chaos26:54 Michael: Jacob’s purification + returning to “God’s house”36:14 Eternity: The Royal In You + reclaiming a hopeful view of heaven40:44 Colleen: recovering the supernatural worldview + “very good” restoration44:22 Matthew 24:36 + living ready without obsessing over dates46:53 Michael: dominion, stewardship, and being formed to rule & reign49:19 Colleen: “Stop being self-saviors” (union restores surrender)52:18 Suffering well: faithfulness, love, forgiveness in the fire53:02 Colleen: NIH story — blessing others in pain + “table with Jesus”57:38 Michael: Psalms—bring the unfiltered to God01:02:17 Wrap + final encouragements01:03:10 Colleen: don’t be discouraged; give the Spirit permission beyond awareness01:06:49 Michael: don’t rush; a month-long posture of receiving01:08:28 Steve: final send-off

    1h 10m

  6. JAN 26

    🎙️EP160. Why Community Is Essential for Spiritual Formation

    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.

    46 min

  7. JAN 12

    🎙️EP159. From Good Friday to Grace: Rich Timmons’ Story of Redemption

    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

    55 min

  8. 12/29/2025

    🎙️EP158. God Went Before Us: Our 2025 Story of Presence, Provision, and Gratitude

    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

    43 min
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About

Welcome to the Embracing Brokenness Podcast. Our focus is to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ to a hurting world. To live authentically and without pretense. To encourage others toward a greater understanding of who they are and who God is. To teach the blessed HOPE that the Bible calls the “Anchor of the Soul”. That is Jesus Christ and His healing presence – not only available in this life – but in eternity to come.

Information

  • Creator
    Steve and Colleen Adams
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    166
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Steve and Colleen Adams
  • Show Website
    Embracing Brokenness

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