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

When life teaches you to hide, Jesus invites you to heal. Author Clinton Parker joins Steve to share the story behind his new book, Beauty in the Dandelion: Shame Shattered by Grace and Love—from chaotic beginnings and early exposure to darkness, to the slow rescue of grace, safe people, and a Father who delights.

We talk practicals: naming shame vs. guilt, breaking isolation, finding “safe” community, parenting through pain, and why putting your story on paper can become the first step toward freedom.

📘 Get the book on Amazon: (link in show notes)

🎧 Subscribe for more conversations on identity, healing, and restoration.

Show notes

Guest: Clinton Parker, author of Beauty in the Dandelion: Shame Shattered by Grace and Love.

Buy the book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/3Xm4Plh

Amazon Kindle edition: https://a.co/d/dCdWf4H

Also at Barnes & Noble.

Chapters

00:00 The Power of Writing Your Story

01:35 Introduction to Clint Parker and His Journey

03:31 Clint's Background and the Inspiration Behind His Book

06:13 Childhood Chaos and Its Impact

10:13 The Role of Faith and Community in Healing

19:50 Finding Beauty in Dandelions: A Metaphor for Life

23:29 Overcoming Shame and Embracing Identity

28:55 The Journey of Growth and Maturity

34:40 The Importance of Safe Spaces and Community

39:35 The Impact of Sharing Your Story

44:44 Hope and Encouragement for Others

52:05 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

What does true freedom look like?

At age 15, Warner Batty was sentenced to life without parole for taking a life. Fifty years later, he walked out of a Pennsylvania prison—free not just in body, but in spirit.

In this raw and redemptive conversation, Steve sits down with Warner to talk about his journey from hopelessness and self-hatred to forgiveness and freedom in Christ. Hear how one man—“the hound from heaven”—persisted in sharing Jesus behind bars until the Holy Spirit broke through.

Warner shares the pivotal moment of his salvation, his decades-long walk with Christ while incarcerated, and his eventual release under the Miller v. Alabama Supreme Court ruling. This episode is a powerful reminder that no one is beyond redemption, and that freedom begins within.

Topics include:

Growing up in poverty and racism in the 1960s

Life without parole as a 15-year-old

A divine encounter with “the hound from heaven”

Meeting the family of his victim to offer forgiveness

Revival and ministry behind prison walls

Finding peace and purpose after 50 years

“Without Jesus Christ, you are missing something. Without Him, you are lost.” – Warner Batty

Chapters:

00:00 – Warner’s Early Life & Identity Struggles

02:16 – Introduction to Warner’s Story

04:01 – Who Warner Is Today

05:49 – Life Before the Crime

09:46 – The Crime & Life Sentence at 15

13:51 – The “Hound From Heaven” Appears

18:26 – The Holy Spirit Begins to Move

22:56 – Warner Surrenders to Christ

27:35 – A New Fire for the Gospel

30:20 – Growing, Maturing & Learning Love

39:13 – Reconciliation With His Mother

41:07 – Meeting the Victim’s Family

44:38 – Wrestling With Justice & Mercy

46:47 – Supreme Court Cases That Changed His Fate

53:22 – Release After 50 Years

54:04 – Experiencing Freedom on the Outside

56:34 – God’s Perfect Timing

59:19 – Trauma, Accountability & Healing

1:04:45 – Warner’s Powerful Closing Prayer