Called to Love: An Adoption Podcast for Christian Parents - Christian Adoption, Trauma and Healing, Foster Care, Parenting Ad

Christian Parenting
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  • Parenting
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Whether you seek to add to your family through foster care, private domestic adoption or you are called to travel internationally, every adoption story is uniquely beautiful. Yet, each shares a common language of calling, loss, and hardship. As Christian parents we have a deep desire to love and shepherd our children well, but it can be challenging to navigate loss, trauma and how to best love and guide our adopted children. One thing is for sure, adoption is more than a process, it is an invitation to go on a holy journey with the Lord and with your family. Like any journey, there will be valleys along with mountain tops and battles along with the beauty. The good news is, what the Lord calls you to, He will equip you for. Wherever you are in your journey, Called to Love is here to bring you a weekly dose of encouragement from the practical, clinical, and Biblical perspective along with personal stories from adoptive parents, adult adoptees and advice from various experts to help your family thrive in your journey and continue to say “yes” to your own call to love. Called to Love is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

  1. 1h ago

    How Should Adoptive and Foster Parents Deal with Depression?

    Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast!  In this episode, I am joined by Pastor Steve Larson. Steve is the author of a new book about mental health, a book where he shares his story as a pastor who struggled with depression and felt utterly alone. As an adoptive mom, this felt incredibly relevant to me. After I brought home my adopted daughter, I struggled with post-adoption depression and immense shame from this. How could I feel like this when I was doing God’s calling? A lot of us in the foster and adoption calling can struggle with mental health and also our kids, too. That’s why I invited Steve for this honest and vulnerable conversation.   I am so glad you’ve joined me for this episode. Let’s dive in!  Key topics in this episode:  Biblical examples of mental health strugglesThe four keys to mental health: physical, mental, spiritual, relationalThe importance of vulnerability and seeking helpPractical self-care and supporting loved ones Check out Steve’s book, “The Four Keys to Mental Health: How to Feel Better, Think Clearly, and Enjoy Life Again”  Learn more about Pastor Steve on his website by clicking here.  To submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here!  You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com.  I would love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more!

    35 min

  2. Jun 9

    Understanding Trauma and Resilience

    Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast!  In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Evan Marbury for a conversation about trauma. Our foster and adoptive children have all experienced some level of trauma – yes, even if we adopted our children from birth! Believe me, I am speaking from experience there. All children separated from their biological families, whether permanently or temporarily, are experiencing a trauma which we should aim to understand. We are not the healers of their trauma – God is – but by understanding trauma, we are better equipped to love and serve these kids.  Dr. Evan breaks down trauma, separating it from the other “hurts” we can experience simply from being a broken world, and how trauma changes a person. Dr. Evan also explains how we need to provide safety for these traumatized children and boundaries are crucial to healing. He also shares ways the Gospel can influence us in this process. The same power which rose Jesus from the grave and saved us is the same power living inside us!  God has chosen you to be the guardian of this child. Please be encouraged that He will equip you and be there with you in this.  Let’s dive in!  Key topics in this episode:  Definition of trauma and its scopeFaces and symptoms of trauma in childrenThe importance of safety and boundaries in healingThe role of faith and gospel in resiliencePractical steps for caregivers to foster resilience Learn more about Dr. Evan Marbury on his website by clicking here.  Order his book, “Understanding Trauma and Resilience: A Guide for Counselors, Caregivers, and Ministers“ by clicking here.  To submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here!  You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com.  I would love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more! Christian Parenting resource for you:  Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide! And this year's edition is our best one yet! Whether you're honoring a loving mom, a devoted dad, or an inspiring grad, we've got you covered with meaningful gifts they'll truly love. From Bibles and study tools to encouraging books, you're guaranteed to find something special for everyone on your gift lists this spring.  Visit christianparenting.org/gifts to explore the 2026 Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide today!

    53 min

  3. Jun 2

    Creating Supportive Environments for Kids in Foster Care

    Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast!  Callie Priest is the director of strategic partnerships at WinShape Homes, a foster agency and resource based in Georgia that partners with churches to help foster parents. WinShape Homes was established more than 35 years ago by S. Truett Cathy and his wife, Jeannette. They place hundreds of children in need with families who are guided by Christ. WinShape families are connected to an unparalleled network of care designed to ensure that children are restored in mind, body and spirit. In my conversation with Callie, we discuss ways churches can be more equipped to build up parents who receive this calling - help them be trauma informed and accessible. We also discuss practical ways for foster parents to ask for help from their churches and how this benefits the whole community.  I am so glad you’ve joined me for this episode. Let’s dive in!  Key topics in this episode:  The role of the church in foster careTrauma-informed care and biblical principlesPractical steps for creating supportive environmentsThe impact of community and one anothering in foster careResources and training for churches and families Learn more about WinShape Homes on their website by clicking here.  Learn more about their podcast by clicking here.  Follow them on Instagram! Follow them on Facebook! Subscribe to them on YouTube! To submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here!  You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com.  I would love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more! Christian Parenting resource for you: Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide! And this year's edition is our best one yet! Whether you're honoring a loving mom, a devoted dad, or an inspiring grad, we've got you covered with meaningful gifts they'll truly love. From Bibles and study tools to encouraging books, you're guaranteed to find something special for everyone on your gift lists this spring.  Visit christianparenting.org/gifts to explore the 2026 Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide today!

    38 min

  4. May 26

    How to Love and Pray for Your Prodigal Child

    Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast!  As adoptive and foster parents, we know our child faces many emotional hurdles and these can often lead them down some dark paths towards unhealthy coping mechanisms, finding worth and validation in the wrong places, and even succumbing to addiction or other destructive life choices. It isn’t just adoptive and foster kids who experience this but we know because of the trauma they endured, it happens often. Even if we did “everything right” by bringing them to church every Sunday, praying over them every night, and talking to them about God, they might still choose another path… And that’s what brings us to today’s episode about the Prodigal.  Joining me for this conversation and to share their personal story of their son, Zach Williams, are Steve and Jenia. They recently published a book called, “God’s Heart For the Prodigal," which is a devotional to help parents navigate this difficult season of uncertainty with their children – it is a season Steve and Jenia know well. I am so grateful for their honesty, openness and vulnerability as we talk about loving and praying for our children.  I am so glad you’ve joined me for this episode. Let’s dive in!  Key topics in this episode:  The journey through a prodigal seasonThe role of faith and prayer in healingGod’s promises and long-term hope To buy Steve and Jenia’s book, “God’s Heart For the Prodigal", find it at most major retailers like Amazon, Mardel and Christian Books.  To submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here!  You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com.  I would love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more! Christian Parenting resource for you: Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide! And this year's edition is our best one yet! Whether you're honoring a loving mom, a devoted dad, or an inspiring grad, we've got you covered with meaningful gifts they'll truly love. From Bibles and study tools to encouraging books, you're guaranteed to find something special for everyone on your gift lists this spring.  Visit christianparenting.org/gifts to explore the 2026 Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide today!

    38 min

  5. May 19

    Care Portal: Caring For Kids and Families in a God-Sized Way

    Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast!  My special guest today is someone who I respect and admire a lot in the foster and adoption advocacy space, as he is the Founder and President of CarePortal. CarePortal is an app and online resource designed to, “help mobilize action neighbor-to-neighbor; to connect vulnerable children and families with caring neighbors in their own community. For both prevention and protection, the ultimate goal is for children and families to build a meaningful connection that can lead to on-going supportive relationships.” On the app, as someone who wants to help those in crisis, you are able to see real, tangible needs of those in your own zipcode. If you’re someone who is in crisis, it is a place to share your needs and see God on the move.  In our conversation, Adrien shares some of his story - how God led him to where he is today, and also how important it is for the church to look like Jesus in loving “the least of these.” He also shares how little he understood about foster care and how proper resources, support, and love can actually prevent kids from entering the broken system. When we come together as a body, amazing things happen!  I am so glad you’ve joined me for this episode! Let’s dive in!  Key topics in this episode:  The call to serve vulnerable childrenThe importance of community and church involvementStories of life transformation through servicePractical steps to get involved in foster care support Learn more about the CarePortal and sign up!  Connect with the mission online on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook.  To submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here!  You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com.  I would love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more! Christian Parenting resource for you: Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide! And this year's edition is our best one yet! Whether you're honoring a loving mom, a devoted dad, or an inspiring grad, we've got you covered with meaningful gifts they'll truly love. From Bibles and study tools to encouraging books, you're guaranteed to find something special for everyone on your gift lists this spring.  Visit christianparenting.org/gifts to explore the 2026 Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide today!

    38 min

  6. May 12

    Offering A Second Childhood to Kids from Hard Places: Part 2

    Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast!  Welcome to part two of this amazing conversation! We are continuing where we left off, talking with the amazing couple: Michael and Kimberly Klokus.  Both having lost a parent as children and a child as parents, they gained a unique insight into grief. Their shared experiences fueled a commitment to dedicating their lives to providing hope and a second chance at childhood for children whose futures would otherwise be uncertain. That is the topic of our conversation today: offering a second childhood to these kids from hard places.  Over the past two decades, Mike and Kim have cared for more than 25 kids in the past two decades. Currently, they have 13 children, a mix of international adoptions, state adoptions, and biological children. Their story showcases the transformative impact of compassion and commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of vulnerable children and their mission is to equip more families to foster and adopt. They created The River’s Run County Cottage Home - a fully staffed home for children ages 0-12 waiting for placement for long term foster homes or adoption. Mike and Kim also connect churches and communities with foster children and families for support and relationships.  If you wish to donate to their mission or learn more, check out their website: https://www.riversruncottage.com/  I am so glad you’ve joined me for this episode! Let’s dive in!  Key topics in this episode:  Their foster care and adoption journeyGod's sovereignty and plan in family lifeHealing trauma and providing stability for children Connect with Mike and Kim on Instagram and Facebook.  To submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here!  You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com.  I would love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more! Christian Parenting resource for you: Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide! And this year's edition is our best one yet! Whether you're honoring a loving mom, a devoted dad, or an inspiring grad, we've got you covered with meaningful gifts they'll truly love. From Bibles and study tools to encouraging books, you're guaranteed to find something special for everyone on your gift lists this spring.  Visit christianparenting.org/gifts to explore the 2026 Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide today!

    29 min

  7. May 5

    Offering A Second Childhood to Kids from Hard Places: Part 1

    Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast!  In this episode, I was joined by an amazing couple: Michael and Kimberly Klokus. Both having lost a parent as children and a child as parents, they gained a unique insight into grief. Their shared experiences fueled a commitment to dedicating their lives to providing hope and a second chance at childhood for children whose futures would otherwise be uncertain. That is the topic of our conversation today: offering a second childhood to these kids from hard places.  Over the past two decades, Mike and Kim have cared for more than 25 kids in the past two decades. Currently, they have 13 children, a mix of international adoptions, state adoptions, and biological children. Their story showcases the transformative impact of compassion and commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of vulnerable children and their mission is to equip more families to foster and adopt. They created The River’s Run County Cottage Home - a fully staffed home for children ages 0-12 waiting for placement for long term foster homes or adoption. Mike and Kim also connect churches and communities with foster children and families for support and relationships.  If you wish to donate to their mission or learn more, check out their website: https://www.riversruncottage.com/  I am so glad you’ve joined me for this episode! Let’s dive in!  Key topics in this episode:  Their foster care and adoption journeyGod's sovereignty and plan in family lifeHealing trauma and providing stability for children Connect with Mike and Kim on Instagram and Facebook.  To submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here!  You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com.  I would love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more! Christian Parenting resource for you: Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide! And this year's edition is our best one yet! Whether you're honoring a loving mom, a devoted dad, or an inspiring grad, we've got you covered with meaningful gifts they'll truly love. From Bibles and study tools to encouraging books, you're guaranteed to find something special for everyone on your gift lists this spring.  Visit christianparenting.org/gifts to explore the 2026 Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide today!

    40 min

  8. Apr 28

    The Healing Power of Laughter

    Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast!  In this episode, I was joined by the amazing comedian, Tim Hawkins. Tim Hawkins is a big name in my household! In case you have never heard of him, he is a Christian family-man who does clean, family-friendly comedy shows and tours across the country. We have loved and enjoyed his comedy specials and songs as a family for years, so this is a special gift to have him on the podcast. Together, we are talking about the healing power of laughter. Family is not easy but laughter can get you through the tough times, as Tim himself explains with his own experiences.  I am so glad you’ve joined me for this episode! Let’s dive in!  Key topics in this episode:  Healing power of laughterFamily life and parentingStaying true to faith and values Connect with Tim Hawkins on Facebook or check out his website to learn more.  Watch his brand new comedy special, Fist Bump, on Amazon!  To submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here!  You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com.  I would love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more! Christian Parenting resource for you: Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide! And this year's edition is our best one yet! Whether you're honoring a loving mom, a devoted dad, or an inspiring grad, we've got you covered with meaningful gifts they'll truly love. From Bibles and study tools to encouraging books, you're guaranteed to find something special for everyone on your gift lists this spring.  Visit christianparenting.org/gifts to explore the 2026 Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide today!

    37 min
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Whether you seek to add to your family through foster care, private domestic adoption or you are called to travel internationally, every adoption story is uniquely beautiful. Yet, each shares a common language of calling, loss, and hardship. As Christian parents we have a deep desire to love and shepherd our children well, but it can be challenging to navigate loss, trauma and how to best love and guide our adopted children. One thing is for sure, adoption is more than a process, it is an invitation to go on a holy journey with the Lord and with your family. Like any journey, there will be valleys along with mountain tops and battles along with the beauty. The good news is, what the Lord calls you to, He will equip you for. Wherever you are in your journey, Called to Love is here to bring you a weekly dose of encouragement from the practical, clinical, and Biblical perspective along with personal stories from adoptive parents, adult adoptees and advice from various experts to help your family thrive in your journey and continue to say “yes” to your own call to love. Called to Love is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

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