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

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/9/28/19/cdc14c8b-a517-46ab-80a9-a8e86808364e_grieving_the_story_you_didn_t_want.mp3

Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! For this episode, I am joined by author, social worker, and licensed therapist, Nicole Langman. Nicole’s entire world was turned upside down when she walked through a devastating divorce which filled her life with grief. She was shocked to find a vacuum of support from her church and community. No one seemed to understand this grief – the loss of dreams and the story you thought you had. This is something we are all too familiar with as adoptive and foster parents. In our conversation, we discuss honoring the broken dreams and stories we prayed for and how to move through it in faith. Let’s dive in! Key topics in this episode: <ul><li>The crickets of grief and the absence of support in non-death losses</li><li>How to honor and validate grief that isn&#39;t related to death</li><li>Carrying grief in a healthy way that honors the loss and trusts God&#39;s sovereignty</li><li>The importance of community, prayer, and support in grief work</li><li>Practical tools for managing overwhelming emotions and embracing the story that is</li><li>The role of faith and biblical examples like Job in enduring suffering</li><li>Helping children process grief and loss in a healthy way</li><li>The significance of shifting focus from pain to hope and trust in God&#39;s plan</li><li>The importance of being a good student of your story and learning from it</li><li>Encouragement for adoptive and foster families to trust God&#39;s purpose</li></ul> Learn more about <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/dp/0825453372?bestFormat=true&ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_A1AKP137AQJ609ZKTX5R&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_A1AKP137AQJ609ZKTX5R&social_share=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_A1AKP137AQJ609ZKTX5R" rel="nofollow">“This Isn&#39;t the Story I Wanted: Grieving the Life You Lost and Trusting the God Who Stays”</a> by finding it on Amazon. To submit your prayer requests, <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdlusMU4Wr7Q2SxBW6K3CwFfmfZHhPZZhb80pWYxuRdasHZHg/viewform" rel="nofollow">use this form by clicking here! </a>You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at <a href="mailto:somercolbert@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">somercolbert@gmail.com</a>. I would love to connect with you on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/somercolbert/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a> or send you my <a href="https://ahahah.ck.page/5a49a0fcf5" rel="nofollow">monthly newsletter</a> with free resources and first access to episodes and more!Called to Love is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To learn more, check out their other shows or resources, head to their website: <a href="https://www.christianparenting.org/" rel="nofollow">https://www.christianparenting.org/</a>

Grieving the Story You Didn't Want

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/9/22/0/ab5aa767-78b7-4658-a6fe-94c7dc0dec0f_iving_in_god_s_yes_is_harder_than_you_expected.mp3

Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! For this episode, I am joined by Melissa Miller. Melissa is the mom to five kids, biological and adopted, and she is an advocate for vulnerable children in foster care. Besides being a busy mom, Melissa is also a Reboot Retreat facilitator in her home state Tennessee, the author of<a href="https://www.melissamillerwriter.com/butiprayedforthis" rel="nofollow"> “But I Prayed for This</a>” and a contributor to sites such as Mother.ly, Her View from Home, and the YouVersion Bible app.In our conversation today, we unpack all the emotional complexities that come with this calling. This is something we prayed for and yet there is so much pain and grief when the child finally enters our home, and it is hard to wrestle with. It can be hard to share those feelings with others, thinking they will say, “But you prayed for this. This is what you wanted.” The guilt and shame that can come with this feeling, thinking we should be grateful and happy God answered the prayer, but it feels nothing like we imagined. We get into all of this as Melissa shares her story and elaborates more on how we can walk this out in our families. Let’s dive in! Key topics in this episode: <ul><li>Constant changes can cause fatigue and impact families</li><li>The importance of validation and compassion</li><li>Balancing grief and gratitude in difficult seasons</li><li>Building rhythms and routines for stability</li><li>The role of faith and God&#39;s sovereignty in healing</li></ul> Learn more about “But I Prayed for This: What to Do When Living in God&#39;s Yes Is Harder Than You Expected” by going to Amazon <a href="https://www.amazon.com/But-Prayed-This-Living-Expected-ebook/dp/B0G1K3WXLQ/?_encoding=UTF8&content-id=amzn1.sym.171c1bd3-e559-4de5-8b1c-2e86c02e2e84&pd_rd_r=6756e9e7-82c9-47ee-aae0-a6813988647b&pd_rd_w=8RtdU&pd_rd_wg=82bqN&pf_rd_p=171c1bd3-e559-4de5-8b1c-2e86c02e2e84&pf_rd_r=134-3507095-9710632" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/But-Prayed-This-Living-Expected-ebook/dp/B0G1K3WXLQ/?_encoding=UTF8&amp;pd_rd_w=8RtdU&amp;content-id=amzn1.sym.171c1bd3-e559-4de5-8b1c-2e86c02e2e84&amp;pf_rd_p=171c1bd3-e559-4de5-8b1c-2e86c02e2e84&amp;pf_rd_r=134-3507095-9710632&amp;pd_rd_wg=82bqN&amp;pd_rd_r=6756e9e7-82c9-47ee-aae0-a6813988647b</a> Or Mellisa’s website: <a href="https://www.melissamillerwriter.com/" rel="nofollow">https://www.melissamillerwriter.com/</a>  To submit your prayer requests, <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdlusMU4Wr7Q2SxBW6K3CwFfmfZHhPZZhb80pWYxuRdasHZHg/viewform" rel="nofollow">use this form by clicking here! </a>You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at <a href="mailto:somercolbert@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">somercolbert@gmail.com</a>. I would love to connect with you on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/somercolbert/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a> or send you my <a href="https://ahahah.ck.page/5a49a0fcf5" rel="nofollow">monthly newsletter</a> with free resources and first access to episodes and more!Called to Love is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To learn more, check out their other shows or resources, head to their website: <a href="https://www.christianparenting.org/" rel="nofollow">https://www.christianparenting.org/</a>

When Living in God's Yes Is Harder Than You Expected

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/9/10/1/63a4e14e-efc4-4502-836d-27a4cf2ebe32_when_open_adoption_becomes_family_part_2.mp3

Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! For this episode, I am joined by an incredible family – incredible because this open adoption led to a family growing in a unique way! The three voices joining me on this episode are adoptive parents, Nick and Kelsey Lebos, and the biological mother of their adopted son, Mikayla Little. The three of them bonded immediately when meeting during Mikayla’s pregnancy as she was pursuing the open adoption of her unborn son, Shepherd. God brought them together for a unique purpose and to grow their family in this unconventional way. Mikayla is not only a part of Shepherd’s life but she is also a part of the broader Lebos family. There is so much redemption found in her story because of their love, generosity, obedience to God, and intentionality to build this relationship. In this two-part conversation, they share their story and I ask questions about navigating the hard parts of adoption. It is never easy for a mother to make this decision and it was something Mikayla did with a lot of prayer and preparation and love for her son. There are a lot of assumptions or misconceptions about biological mothers which is so disheartening because we have the opportunity as adoptive parents to love them both: child and mother. Not every open adoption is going to look like this – this is their story – but it is good to know what is possible thanks to our amazing God, and what happens when we are faithful in this calling. Let’s dive in! Key topics in this episode: <ul><li>The emotional journey of adoption: both joy and grief. </li><li>The role of faith and prayer in family decisions</li><li>The importance of openness and transparency in adoption</li><li>The significance of intentional relationship-building in open adoptions and maintaining relationships</li><li>The role of faith and prayer during emotional moments</li><li>Building a family through love and intentionality</li><li>The importance of community and extended family in adoption</li></ul> To submit your prayer requests, <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdlusMU4Wr7Q2SxBW6K3CwFfmfZHhPZZhb80pWYxuRdasHZHg/viewform" rel="nofollow">use this form by clicking here! </a>You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at <a href="mailto:somercolbert@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">somercolbert@gmail.com</a>. I would love to connect with you on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/somercolbert/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a> or send you my <a href="https://ahahah.ck.page/5a49a0fcf5" rel="nofollow">monthly newsletter</a> with free resources and first access to episodes and more!Called to Love is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To learn more, check out their other shows or resources, head to their website: <a href="https://www.christianparenting.org/" rel="nofollow">https://www.christianparenting.org/</a>

When Open Adoption Becomes Family Part 2

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/9/2/17/5a6c36c9-f158-47c0-b416-8eaaa3df8e49_when_open_adoption_becomes_family_part_1.mp3

Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! For this episode, I am joined by an incredible family – incredible because this open adoption led to a family growing in a unique way! The three voices joining me on this episode are adoptive parents, Nick and Kelsey Lebos, and the biological mother of their adopted son, Mikayla Little. The three of them bonded immediately when meeting during Mikayla’s pregnancy as she was pursuing the open adoption of her unborn son, Shepherd. God brought them together for a unique purpose and to grow their family in this unconventional way. Mikayla is not only a part of Shepherd’s life but she is also a part of the broader Lebos family. There is so much redemption found in her story because of their love, generosity, obedience to God, and intentionality to build this relationship. In this two-part conversation, they share their story and I ask questions about navigating the hard parts of adoption. It is never easy for a mother to make this decision and it was something Mikayla did with a lot of prayer and preparation and love for her son. There are a lot of assumptions or misconceptions about biological mothers which is so disheartening because we have the opportunity as adoptive parents to love them both: child and mother. Not every open adoption is going to look like this – this is their story – but it is good to know what is possible thanks to our amazing God, and what happens when we are faithful in this calling. Let’s dive in! Key topics in this episode: <ul><li>The emotional journey of adoption: both joy and grief. </li><li>The role of faith and prayer in family decisions</li><li>The importance of openness and transparency in adoption</li><li>The significance of intentional relationship-building in open adoptions and maintaining relationships</li><li>The role of faith and prayer during emotional moments</li><li>Building a family through love and intentionality</li><li>The importance of community and extended family in adoption</li></ul> To submit your prayer requests, <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdlusMU4Wr7Q2SxBW6K3CwFfmfZHhPZZhb80pWYxuRdasHZHg/viewform" rel="nofollow">use this form by clicking here! </a>You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at <a href="mailto:somercolbert@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">somercolbert@gmail.com</a>. I would love to connect with you on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/somercolbert/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a> or send you my <a href="https://ahahah.ck.page/5a49a0fcf5" rel="nofollow">monthly newsletter</a> with free resources and first access to episodes and more!Called to Love is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To learn more, check out their other shows or resources, head to their website: <a href="https://www.christianparenting.org/" rel="nofollow">https://www.christianparenting.org/</a>

When Open Adoption Becomes Family Part 1

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/8/31/21/82a0bb3f-0f2d-4ac3-9d55-e3895775ec2e_ing_our_kids_and_ourselves_that_we_are_capable.mp3

Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! For this episode, I am joined by the amazing Dr. David Thomas, co-author of the book, “Capable: How to Teach Your Kids the Strengths, Skills, and Strategies to Build Resilience” and I am so excited to learn with you from this wealth of knowledge! Dr. David and his co-author, Sissy Goff, are therapists at Daystar Counseling Ministries. Through their counseling, podcast, and books and speaking, they&#39;ve made it their life’s work to offer practical help and hope to families through their resources and experience. In our conversation today, Dr. David unpacks the anxiety crisis in our children across the country. Dr. David shares a brutal statistic that roughly 1 in 4 kids struggle with anxiety, but also 1 in 3 adults also struggle with anxiety as well! Dr. David and Sissy keep finding children in their counseling sessions saying they aren’t capable, but what’s worse is they actually don’t want to be. These kids are incredibly risk adverse, but healthy risk is a huge part of building that confidence and capability in life. Life is hard but it is also full of “good stories” as Dr. David puts it. Dr. David shares practical information to equip us as parents for not only how to better help our kids but to help ourselves too. We are capable of this calling God has given us! Let’s dive in! Key topics in this episode: <ul><li>The capability crisis among children and teens</li><li>The impact of anxiety and trauma on resilience</li><li>The importance of pacing in child development</li><li>Building independence through chores and risk-taking</li><li>The unique needs of foster and adoptive children</li><li>The role of parental confidence and authority</li><li>Practical tools for teaching emotional regulation</li><li>The significance of experiential learning and hard things</li><li>The influence of culture and technology on capability</li><li>Resources for supporting resilient families</li></ul> Learn more about Raising Boys and Girls on their website and purchase their new book and resource, “Capable: How to Teach Your Kids the Strengths, Skills, and Strategies to Build Resilience” <a href="https://www.raisingboysandgirls.com/capablebook?srsltid=AfmBOoprP_aLWKPGFOynb8NdMiZ6wfHbAWaYy8tzk28GbW5HEEfWs6r4" rel="nofollow">https://www.raisingboysandgirls.com/capablebook?srsltid=AfmBOoprP_aLWKPGFOynb8NdMiZ6wfHbAWaYy8tzk28GbW5HEEfWs6r4</a>  To submit your prayer requests, <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdlusMU4Wr7Q2SxBW6K3CwFfmfZHhPZZhb80pWYxuRdasHZHg/viewform" rel="nofollow">use this form by clicking here! </a>You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at <a href="mailto:somercolbert@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">somercolbert@gmail.com</a>. I would love to connect with you on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/somercolbert/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a> or send you my <a href="https://ahahah.ck.page/5a49a0fcf5" rel="nofollow">monthly newsletter</a> with free resources and first access to episodes and more!Called to Love is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To learn more, check out their other shows or resources, head to their website: <a href="https://www.christianparenting.org/" rel="nofollow">https://www.christianparenting.org/</a>

Teaching Our Kids and Ourselves That We Are Capable

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/8/25/14/63a902a0-320f-4c52-b24b-558947fc7ec7_rt_and_dignity_to_kids_coming_from_hard_places.mp3

Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! For this episode, I am joined with the founder of Lily Pad: Jennifer Tice. Jennifer worked for fourteen years as a labor and delivery nurse and her husband worked for two decades in law enforcement. Together, they decided they would open their home to foster kids. It began with infants, since that was Jennifer’s background, but then they made the pivotal switch to teenagers… and it sparked Lily Pad. When they welcomed their first teenager, Jennifer and her husband realized these kids sleep in cubicles or cold office spaces while waiting for placement. While we can’t change what has happened to these kids, we can try to minimize more harm by treating them with dignity, care, and providing comfort. That is how Lily Pad was born. Jennifer and her husband began creating spaces for these kids, a space that looks and feels like a home living room, so there’s just a little bit more comfort in these dark moments between the police station and DSS offices. In our conversation today, Jennifer shares her story, the origins and mission of Lily Pad, but also how we as foster and adoptive parents can bring comfort and dignity to these kids coming from hard places. Let’s dive in! Key topics in this episode: <ul><li>The origin and mission of Lily Pad</li><li>The impact of creating comfortable spaces for children in care</li><li>The importance of dignity and love in foster care</li><li>Stories of connection and healing in Lily Pad rooms</li><li>Expanding support to law enforcement and beyond</li><li>Practical advice for prospective foster families</li><li>Ways you can make your own space at home filled with comfort and dignity</li></ul> Lily Pad’s website: <a href="https://www.lilypadinc.org/" rel="nofollow">https://www.lilypadinc.org/</a> Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lily.pad.inc/" rel="nofollow">https://www.instagram.com/lily.pad.inc/</a> YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@LilyPadInc" rel="nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/@LilyPadInc</a> Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LilyPad.ASoftPlacetoLand" rel="nofollow">https://www.facebook.com/LilyPad.ASoftPlacetoLand</a>  To submit your prayer requests, <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdlusMU4Wr7Q2SxBW6K3CwFfmfZHhPZZhb80pWYxuRdasHZHg/viewform" rel="nofollow">use this form by clicking here! </a>You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at <a href="mailto:somercolbert@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">somercolbert@gmail.com</a>. I would love to connect with you on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/somercolbert/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a> or send you my <a href="https://ahahah.ck.page/5a49a0fcf5" rel="nofollow">monthly newsletter</a> with free resources and first access to episodes and more! Called to Love is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To learn more, check out their other shows or resources, head to their website: <a href="https://www.christianparenting.org/" rel="nofollow">https://www.christianparenting.org/</a>

Bringing Comfort and Dignity to Kids Coming From Hard Places

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/8/17/21/52969ec1-c5e9-42b9-8cdc-db8be70dfcba_giving_our_children_the_tools_of_communication.mp3

Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! For this episode, I am joined by a father and daughter duo! Dr. Emerson Eggerichs and his daughter, Joy Eggerichs Reed, have written a book together called, “Beega Gets a Do-Over: A Gigglies Adventure About Communication.” Dr. Emerson is a bestselling author on the New York Times list and has a PhD in child and family ecology. The new book was inspired from a bedtime story Dr. Emerson told Joy as a child. Now, Joy is a mother of three, and together they brought this book to life to help kids communicate. In the context of adoption and foster care, we as parents can struggle with helping our kiddos communicate. This fun, upbeat, imaginative story paints a picture for how kids can apologize by asking for a “do over.” In our conversation, Joy and Dr. Emerson share more practical information about forgiveness, relationship repair, emotional vocabulary, nonverbal cues, and teaching our kids empathy among all those other social skills. Let’s dive in! Key topics in this episode: <ul><li>The concept of &#39;do-over&#39; as a tool for teaching forgiveness and repair</li><li>The importance of emotional vocabulary and reading nonverbal cues</li><li>Balancing consequences with repair in discipline</li><li>Teaching empathy to children operating in survival mode</li><li>The role of intentional questions in fostering curiosity and understanding</li></ul>﻿Learn more about the Land of Nuf on their website <a href="https://www.loveandrespectacademy.com/land-of-nuf" rel="nofollow">https://www.loveandrespectacademy.com/land-of-nuf</a> And pre-order the book, “Beega Gets a Do-Over: A Gigglies Adventure About Communication” <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Beega-Gets-Do-Over-Adventure-Communication/dp/1400257697" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/Beega-Gets-Do-Over-Adventure-Communication/dp/1400257697</a> To submit your prayer requests, <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdlusMU4Wr7Q2SxBW6K3CwFfmfZHhPZZhb80pWYxuRdasHZHg/viewform" rel="nofollow">use this form by clicking here! </a>You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at <a href="mailto:somercolbert@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">somercolbert@gmail.com</a>. I would love to connect with you on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/somercolbert/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a> or send you my <a href="https://ahahah.ck.page/5a49a0fcf5" rel="nofollow">monthly newsletter</a> with free resources and first access to episodes and more!Called to Love is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To learn more, check out their other shows or resources, head to their website: <a href="https://www.christianparenting.org/" rel="nofollow">https://www.christianparenting.org/</a>

I Need a Do-Over: Giving Our Children Tools for Communication

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/8/11/1/9e895911-3cd5-49d6-9a74-677ff84a4b52_children_with_fetal_alcohol_syndrome_disorders.mp3

Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! For this episode, I am joined by Sandra Flach. After adopting her youngest son in 2010, Sandra co-founded Justice For Orphans and started The Adoption &amp; Foster Care Journey Podcast. She is dedicated to equipping foster and adoptive families. As a trauma-informed educator and certified FASCETS facilitator, she specializes in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), blending professional training with personal lived experience to provide practical, strength-based strategies for caregivers and churches. Author of Orphans No More and Soul Care Saturday, she regularly speaks at national conferences and co-leads the Hope for the FASD Journey virtual support community. She lives in upstate New York with her husband of over 30 years, Wayne, with whom she has raised eight children—five through adoption—and remains passionate about ensuring caregivers never walk their journey alone.In this conversation, Sandra shares her personal journey to adoption, the mistakes made along the way, and how she learned about FASD and became such an advocate. She provides valuable information – she is a wealth of knowledge! – and also provides so much hope for us. Let’s dive in! Key topics in this episode: <ul><li>What is fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and its prevalence</li><li>The impact of prenatal alcohol exposure on brain development</li><li>Recognizing symptoms and behaviors associated with FASD</li><li>The importance of connection and support in parenting FASD children</li><li>Resources and training available for parents and professionals</li><li>The role of diagnosis and how to pursue it</li><li>Strategies for accommodations and loving support</li><li>Hope and neuroplasticity in healing and growth</li></ul> Learn more about <a href="https://www.sandraflach.com/" rel="nofollow">Sandra with her website</a>. Check out her memoir, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1949856488?channelId=500&lv=shuf&plpRedirect=mhFallback" rel="nofollow">“Orphans No More: A Journey Back to the Father”</a>Check out her devotional, “<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G4XLBHT1?channelId=500&lv=shuf&plpRedirect=mhFallback" rel="nofollow">Soul Care Saturday: 52 Devotions for Foster &amp; Adoptive Moms” </a>To submit your prayer requests, <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdlusMU4Wr7Q2SxBW6K3CwFfmfZHhPZZhb80pWYxuRdasHZHg/viewform" rel="nofollow">use this form by clicking here! </a>You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at <a href="mailto:somercolbert@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">somercolbert@gmail.com</a>. I would love to connect with you on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/somercolbert/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a> or send you my <a href="https://ahahah.ck.page/5a49a0fcf5" rel="nofollow">monthly newsletter</a> with free resources and first access to episodes and more!Called to Love is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To learn more, check out their other shows or resources, head to their website: <a href="https://www.christianparenting.org/" rel="nofollow">https://www.christianparenting.org/</a>

Understanding and Caring for Children With Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorders

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/7/28/1/6e8fc137-cc0e-40d1-8085-49ac75dd55ae_nd_why_we_need_to_pray_for_the_mom_of_our_kids.mp3

Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! For this episode, I am joined by a mom who is on fire for the Lord: Kat McBride. Kat is a podcaster, writer, speaker, and she passionate about celebrating the peace beyond the valleys, and Kat has walked through some valleys as a birthmother herself. Present day, Kat is married and has two young daughters, but when she was fifteen she found out she was pregnant while alone in a WalMart parking lot and overwhelmed with shame. God filled Kat with peace and the clarity to make the choice for life and adoption for her unborn child but even though this was the best option, it still came with sacrifice and heartache. Kat shares her story and also provides incredible insight for us as the foster and adoptive parents for what the other side of this family looks like - the emotional rollercoaster, some practical advice for navigating open adoptions and boundaries, and how you need to be praying for the birth mother. I am so glad you’ve joined me for this episode. Let’s dive in! Key topics in this episode: <ul><li>Kat’s story as a birth mom at sixteen years old </li><li>The feelings of shame, anger, bitterness that can develop when giving up your child even if it was the right decision</li><li>After maturing, Kat realized the adoptive parents of her child didn’t just save her daughter, but they saved 16 year old Kat as well. Two futures were changed by this choice. You, as the adoptive parent, are impacting more than just the child. </li><li>A biological mother is looking for parents that love each other and have stability, not perfection. </li><li>The biological mother, with this wound in her heart, could try to fill it with unhealthy things so pray that God fills it instead. Don’t stop praying for this mother. </li><li>Open adoptions or relationships with biological parents can be great and look different over the years – careful discernment is needed and boundaries. </li></ul> Learn more about Kat’s podcast by finding <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/peace-beyond/id1866198282" rel="nofollow">“Peace Beyond”</a> wherever you listen to podcasts and follow her on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61583315317281" rel="nofollow">Facebook</a>! To submit your prayer requests, <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdlusMU4Wr7Q2SxBW6K3CwFfmfZHhPZZhb80pWYxuRdasHZHg/viewform" rel="nofollow">use this form by clicking here! </a>You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at <a href="mailto:somercolbert@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">somercolbert@gmail.com</a>. I would love to connect with you on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/somercolbert/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a> or send you my <a href="https://ahahah.ck.page/5a49a0fcf5" rel="nofollow">monthly newsletter</a> with free resources and first access to episodes and more!Called to Love is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To learn more, check out their other shows or resources, head to their website: <a href="https://www.christianparenting.org/" rel="nofollow">https://www.christianparenting.org/</a>

A Birth Mother's Story and Why We Need to Pray for the Mom of Our Kids

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/7/25/20/1d0e3a24-a8fa-40c1-969d-9549769fa8fa_ld_is_from_two_worlds_how_to_bridge_resilience.mp3

Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! For this episode, I am joined by Dr. Mary Ann McMillan. Mary Ann is a former foster youth and adoptee whose life has been shaped by family separation, identity, and the search for belonging. Guided by her Christian faith, she is a writer, professor, and global advocate working at the intersection of trauma, justice, and healing. She holds a doctorate and teaches international relations, human rights, and criminal justice. Her perspective bridges lived experience, scholarship, and global practice, with a focus on vulnerable children in the United States and globally. In this conversation, Mary Ann shares some of her story and experiences as a former foster youth and adoptee who did have an open-adoption with her family, but still struggled immensely with her identity, a sense of belonging, and why she was even adopted. Mary Ann describes how things changed after coming to Christ and her identity was shaped by who God says she is, but she still needed to unpack more of who God created her to be. She encourages parents to invite a child’s heritage and culture into their life and reminds us that our child is from two worlds - their biological one and the adopted one - and they can’t choose either of them, they are a part of them both, so it is our job to bridge those gaps to help our child develop a healthy and positive self-identity. I am so glad you’ve joined me for this episode. Let’s dive in! Key topics in this episode: <ul><li>Questions around identity and belonging</li><li>Making your child’s heritage and culture part of their life </li><li>Have the hard conversations sooner rather than later</li><li>Be open and always willing to learn </li><li>Take care of yourself, as the adoptive parent</li></ul>To learn more about <a href="https://www.instagram.com/m.a.mcmillan/" rel="nofollow">Mary Ann McMillan</a> check her out on Instagram or buy her new book, “<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FP8BJY4Z?channelId=500&lv=shuf&plpRedirect=mhFallback" rel="nofollow">Bridging Resilience: A Guide to Healing for Adoptees and Former Foster Youth, Families, and the Leaders Who Walk with Them”</a>To submit your prayer requests, <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdlusMU4Wr7Q2SxBW6K3CwFfmfZHhPZZhb80pWYxuRdasHZHg/viewform" rel="nofollow">use this form by clicking here! </a>You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at <a href="mailto:somercolbert@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">somercolbert@gmail.com</a>. I would love to connect with you on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/somercolbert/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a> or send you my <a href="https://ahahah.ck.page/5a49a0fcf5" rel="nofollow">monthly newsletter</a> with free resources and first access to episodes and more!Called to Love is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To learn more, check out their other shows or resources, head to their website: <a href="https://www.christianparenting.org/" rel="nofollow">https://www.christianparenting.org/</a>

Your Child is From Two Worlds: How to Bridge Resilience

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/7/20/18/d349027f-8481-4966-8818-a06a09bf0a3d_going_from_2_kids_to_5_adopting_sibling_sets.mp3

Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! For this episode, I am joined by Greg and Hannah East who are both bio parents and adopted a sibling set of three boys from foster care. Greg and Hannah’s story follows a lot of the similar experiences other foster-adoptive parents have: one parent is more interested than the other, the emotional ups and downs of fostering and saying goodbye, and having to navigate new life as a family with two kids to five! Greg and Hannah offer support, encouragement, and hope their story helps other parents see they don’t have to be superhuman to do this calling. God knows we are human and being human is okay! I am so glad you’ve joined me for this episode. Let’s dive in! Key topics in this episode: <ul><li>The family&#39;s background and motivation for foster care and adoption</li><li>Overcoming fears and hesitations before saying “yes”</li><li>The process of fostering and adopting sibling groups</li><li>Dealing with grief and loss in foster care</li><li>The importance of church and community support</li><li>Balancing love and pain in foster and adoptive parenting</li><li>God&#39;s faithfulness through challenging seasons</li><li>Practical ways to support foster families</li></ul> To submit your prayer requests, <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdlusMU4Wr7Q2SxBW6K3CwFfmfZHhPZZhb80pWYxuRdasHZHg/viewform" rel="nofollow">use this form by clicking here! </a>You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at <a href="mailto:somercolbert@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">somercolbert@gmail.com</a>. I would love to connect with you on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/somercolbert/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a> or send you my <a href="https://ahahah.ck.page/5a49a0fcf5" rel="nofollow">monthly newsletter</a> with free resources and first access to episodes and more!Called to Love is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To learn more, check out their other shows or resources, head to their website: <a href="https://www.christianparenting.org/" rel="nofollow">https://www.christianparenting.org/</a>

Going From 2 Kids to 5: Adopting Sibling Sets

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/7/7/0/f1696cbf-950f-44ff-996b-df8c6adbb468_from_pain_to_purpose_part2.mp3

Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! This episode is a part 2 to an incredible conversation with the author, foster and adoptive mom: Kim Patton. What if the door that seems permanently closed is actually leading somewhere beautiful? Kim’s decade-long infertility journey became the unexpected pathway to adopting two biological sisters and working with teenage girls in foster care. Additionally, she writes and speaks about her experiences, showcasing how pain can be used for purpose. I am so glad you’ve joined me for this episode. Let’s dive in! Key topics in this episode: <ul><li>Journey from infertility to adoption</li><li>The emotional process of adoption and open relationships</li><li>The importance of vulnerability and honesty in parenting</li><li>Trust and boundaries in open adoption relationships</li><li>God&#39;s provision and purpose through pain and hardship</li><li>The role of faith and dependence on God in difficult seasons</li><li>Lessons learned from fostering teenage girls from hard places</li><li>Balancing relationship and boundaries with birth families</li><li>The significance of grace and healing in the journey of motherhood</li></ul> To learn more about Kim, <a href="https://kimpatton.com/" rel="nofollow">check out her website</a>! To learn more about her book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJLL2C1Z?channelId=500&lv=shuf&plpRedirect=mhFallback" rel="nofollow">“Nothing Wasted: Struggling Well Through Difficult Seasons” click here! </a> To submit your prayer requests, <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdlusMU4Wr7Q2SxBW6K3CwFfmfZHhPZZhb80pWYxuRdasHZHg/viewform" rel="nofollow">use this form by clicking here! </a>You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at <a href="mailto:somercolbert@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">somercolbert@gmail.com</a>. I would love to connect with you on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/somercolbert/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a> or send you my <a href="https://ahahah.ck.page/5a49a0fcf5" rel="nofollow">monthly newsletter</a> with free resources and first access to episodes and more!Called to Love is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To learn more, check out their other shows or resources, head to their website: <a href="https://www.christianparenting.org/" rel="nofollow">https://www.christianparenting.org/</a>

From Pain to Purpose with Kim Patton Part 2

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/7/7/0/b7767765-a645-464a-8ee2-35f6dd2ee79e_from_pain_to_purpose_part1.mp3

Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! This is a part 1 of an amazing conversation with my special guest. She is an author, foster and adoptive mom: Kim Patton. What if the door that seems permanently closed is actually leading somewhere beautiful? Kim’s decade-long infertility journey became the unexpected pathway to adopting two biological sisters and working with teenage girls in foster care. Additionally, she writes and speaks about her experiences, showcasing how pain can be used for purpose. I am so glad you’ve joined me for this episode. Let’s dive in! Key topics in this episode: <ul><li>Journey from infertility to adoption</li><li>The emotional process of adoption and open relationships</li><li>The importance of vulnerability and honesty in parenting</li><li>Trust and boundaries in open adoption relationships</li><li>God&#39;s provision and purpose through pain and hardship</li><li>The role of faith and dependence on God in difficult seasons</li><li>Lessons learned from fostering teenage girls from hard places</li><li>Balancing relationship and boundaries with birth families</li><li>The significance of grace and healing in the journey of motherhood</li></ul> To learn more about Kim, <a href="https://kimpatton.com/" rel="nofollow">check out her website</a>! To learn more about her book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJLL2C1Z?channelId=500&lv=shuf&plpRedirect=mhFallback" rel="nofollow">“Nothing Wasted: Struggling Well Through Difficult Seasons” click here! </a>To submit your prayer requests, <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdlusMU4Wr7Q2SxBW6K3CwFfmfZHhPZZhb80pWYxuRdasHZHg/viewform" rel="nofollow">use this form by clicking here! </a>You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at <a href="mailto:somercolbert@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">somercolbert@gmail.com</a>. I would love to connect with you on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/somercolbert/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a> or send you my <a href="https://ahahah.ck.page/5a49a0fcf5" rel="nofollow">monthly newsletter</a> with free resources and first access to episodes and more!Called to Love is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To learn more, check out their other shows or resources, head to their website: <a href="https://www.christianparenting.org/" rel="nofollow">https://www.christianparenting.org/</a>

From Pain to Purpose with Kim Patton Part 1

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/6/25/19/61f625db-a87f-4647-ba97-fa4bf8c7993e_elping_our_kids_heal_from_life_s_deepest_hurts.mp3

Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! For this episode, I am joined with an incredible guest who offers us a lot of hope as adoptive and foster parents, trying to help our kids heal from trauma… but this story does come with a trigger warning for those who’ve experienced domestic violence or assault, and this is not an episode for little ears. However, it is an episode of hope! These events did not define my incredible guest: Kimberly Haar. Kimberly said what the enemy meant for evil, God used for good! Kimberly is a writer, speaker, co-host on a radio show, licensed therapist and podcaster herself. Her private practice is based out of Tulsa, Oklahoma and its called “There’s Hope! Counseling.” Her new book is titled, “Healing from Life&#39;s Deepest Hurts: Reclaiming Your Life After Grief, Loss, or Trauma” and it centers on why our good God lets bad things happen. It inspires today’s conversation, shifting focus to specifically how we can help our kids process their trauma. I am so glad you’ve joined me for this episode. Let’s dive in! Key topics in this episode: <ul><li>Kimberly Haar&#39;s personal story of domestic violence and recovery</li><li>The impact of trauma on the brain and body</li><li>Practical steps for caregivers to support trauma healing</li><li>The importance of emotional safety and consistency for children</li><li>The role of faith and God&#39;s presence in healing</li><li>Understanding triggers and the long-term healing process</li><li>The significance of patience and layered healing</li><li>How to foster a safe environment for emotional expression</li></ul> To learn more about Kimberly, <a href="https://kimberlyhaar.com/" rel="nofollow">check out her website!</a> Learn more about her book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Lifes-Deepest-Hurts-Reclaiming/dp/1540904563" rel="nofollow">“Healing from Life&#39;s Deepest Hurts: Reclaiming Your Life After Grief, Loss, or Trauma”</a>Follow her on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KimberlyJHaar/" rel="nofollow">Facebook</a> or <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kimberly.haar/?hl=en" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a>  To submit your prayer requests, <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdlusMU4Wr7Q2SxBW6K3CwFfmfZHhPZZhb80pWYxuRdasHZHg/viewform" rel="nofollow">use this form by clicking here! </a>You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at <a href="mailto:somercolbert@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">somercolbert@gmail.com</a>. I would love to connect with you on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/somercolbert/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a> or send you my <a href="https://ahahah.ck.page/5a49a0fcf5" rel="nofollow">monthly newsletter</a> with free resources and first access to episodes and more!Called to Love is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To learn more, check out their other shows or resources, head to their website: <a href="https://www.christianparenting.org/" rel="nofollow">https://www.christianparenting.org/</a>

Helping Our Kids Heal From Life's Deepest Hurts

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/6/16/19/da4af679-52bf-4ee3-9f00-0770a360c074_to_unlearn_habits_of_anxiety__fear_and_urgency.mp3

Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! My special guest is a recent author: Bethaney Wilkinson. Bethany is a coach, spiritual director, and passionate about holding spaces and creating experiences to nourish the inner lives of everyday people, leaders, and organizations. She experienced immense healing and transformation when people held sacred and thoughtful space for her evolution. She wants to do the same for others. In our conversation, Bethaney discusses ways for us as busy and overwhelmed foster and adoptive parents to slow down and enjoy life more beautifully.  I am so glad you’ve joined me for this episode. Let’s dive in! Key topics in this episode: <ul><li>Practices to unlearn habits of anxiety, fear, and urgency</li><li>Listening to your body and confronting pain</li><li>The role of community and support in healing</li><li>Living seasonally and embracing different life rhythms</li><li>The significance of being rooted in God&#39;s love and identity</li></ul> Find Bethaney’s book, <a href="https://www.bethaneywilkinson.com/a-more-beautiful-way-to-live" rel="nofollow">“A More Beautiful Way to Live” </a>and order online! Learn more about Bethaney <a href="https://www.bethaneywilkinson.com/" rel="nofollow">on her website by clicking here</a>. Follow her on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/" rel="nofollow">social media</a>! To submit your prayer requests, <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdlusMU4Wr7Q2SxBW6K3CwFfmfZHhPZZhb80pWYxuRdasHZHg/viewform" rel="nofollow">use this form by clicking here! </a>You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at <a href="mailto:somercolbert@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">somercolbert@gmail.com</a>. I would love to connect with you on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/somercolbert/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a> or send you my <a href="https://ahahah.ck.page/5a49a0fcf5" rel="nofollow">monthly newsletter</a> with free resources and first access to episodes and more!

How to Unlearn Habits of Anxiety, Fear and Urgency

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/6/9/15/7a199fc2-3ba1-4ccd-aaa3-dfc4c41330b3_optive_and_foster_parents_deal_with_depression.mp3

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: <ul><li>Biblical examples of mental health struggles</li><li>The four keys to mental health: physical, mental, spiritual, relational</li><li>The importance of vulnerability and seeking help</li><li>Practical self-care and supporting loved ones</li></ul> Check out Steve’s book, “<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Four-Keys-Mental-Health-Clearly/dp/0800773241" rel="nofollow">The Four Keys to Mental Health: How to Feel Better, Think Clearly, and Enjoy Life Again”</a> Learn more about Pastor Steve on his <a href="https://www.pastorstevelarson.com/" rel="nofollow">website by clicking here</a>. To submit your prayer requests, <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdlusMU4Wr7Q2SxBW6K3CwFfmfZHhPZZhb80pWYxuRdasHZHg/viewform" rel="nofollow">use this form by clicking here! </a>You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at <a href="mailto:somercolbert@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">somercolbert@gmail.com</a>. I would love to connect with you on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/somercolbert/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a> or send you my <a href="https://ahahah.ck.page/5a49a0fcf5" rel="nofollow">monthly newsletter</a> with free resources and first access to episodes and more!

How Should Adoptive and Foster Parents Deal with Depression?

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/6/5/18/96866b53-7c7a-426e-9678-3ce2c46f9308_understanding_trauma_and_resilience.mp3

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: <ul><li>Definition of trauma and its scope</li><li>Faces and symptoms of trauma in children</li><li>The importance of safety and boundaries in healing</li><li>The role of faith and gospel in resilience</li><li>Practical steps for caregivers to foster resilience</li></ul> Learn more about Dr. Evan Marbury on his website <a href="https://www.evanmarbury.com/" rel="nofollow">by clicking here</a>. Order his book, “Understanding Trauma and Resilience: A Guide for Counselors, Caregivers, and Ministers“ <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Trauma-Resilience-Counselors-Caregivers/dp/1540969444/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PDEJANFONPU5&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Qgc0POAN4BqGjs8lcpcug1-z3OmVl4okUVITVwZ18-o.heSitBocWfySKdI63HKfDOxVI9IB4EheLkYrc4C5Prg&dib_tag=se&keywords=evan+b+marbury&qid=1766427450&sprefix=evan+b+marbury%2Caps%2C136&sr=8-1" rel="nofollow">by clicking here. </a>To submit your prayer requests, <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdlusMU4Wr7Q2SxBW6K3CwFfmfZHhPZZhb80pWYxuRdasHZHg/viewform" rel="nofollow">use this form by clicking here! </a>You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at <a href="mailto:somercolbert@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">somercolbert@gmail.com</a>. I would love to connect with you on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/somercolbert/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a> or send you my <a href="https://ahahah.ck.page/5a49a0fcf5" rel="nofollow">monthly newsletter</a> with free resources and first access to episodes and more!Christian Parenting resource for you: Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide!And this year&#39;s edition is our best one yet! Whether you&#39;re honoring a loving mom, adevoted dad, or an inspiring grad, we&#39;ve got you covered with meaningful gifts they&#39;lltruly love. From Bibles and study tools to encouraging books, you&#39;re guaranteed to find something special for everyone on your gift lists this spring. Visit <a href="http://christianparenting.org/giftsm" rel="nofollow">christianparenting.org/gifts</a> to explore the 2026 Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide today!

Understanding Trauma and Resilience

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/6/1/18/7ce6fdcf-75a5-4054-b5d7-a3e92af91a6e_upportive_environments_for_kids_in_foster_care.mp3

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: <ul><li>The role of the church in foster care</li><li>Trauma-informed care and biblical principles</li><li>Practical steps for creating supportive environments</li><li>The impact of community and one anothering in foster care</li><li>Resources and training for churches and families</li></ul> Learn more about WinShape Homes on their <a href="https://homes.winshape.org/" rel="nofollow">website by clicking here</a>. Learn more about their <a href="https://homes.winshape.org/podcast-2/" rel="nofollow">podcast by clicking here</a>. Follow them on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/winshapehomes" rel="nofollow">Instagram!</a>Follow them on <a href="http://facebook.com/winshapehomes" rel="nofollow">Facebook!</a>Subscribe to them on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@WinShapeHomes" rel="nofollow">YouTube!</a> To submit your prayer requests, <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdlusMU4Wr7Q2SxBW6K3CwFfmfZHhPZZhb80pWYxuRdasHZHg/viewform" rel="nofollow">use this form by clicking here! </a>You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at <a href="mailto:somercolbert@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">somercolbert@gmail.com</a>. I would love to connect with you on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/somercolbert/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a> or send you my <a href="https://ahahah.ck.page/5a49a0fcf5" rel="nofollow">monthly newsletter</a> with free resources and first access to episodes and more! Christian Parenting resource for you: Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide!And this year&#39;s edition is our best one yet! Whether you&#39;re honoring a loving mom, adevoted dad, or an inspiring grad, we&#39;ve got you covered with meaningful gifts they&#39;lltruly love. From Bibles and study tools to encouraging books, you&#39;re guaranteed to find something special for everyone on your gift lists this spring. Visit <a href="http://christianparenting.org/giftsm" rel="nofollow">christianparenting.org/gifts</a> to explore the 2026 Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide today!

Creating Supportive Environments for Kids in Foster Care

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/5/22/23/e2412aea-2ff8-448a-ac52-3a1e857582d7_how_to_love_and_pray_for_your_prodigal_child.mp3

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,&#34; 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: <ul><li>The journey through a prodigal season</li><li>The role of faith and prayer in healing</li><li>God’s promises and long-term hope</li></ul> To buy Steve and Jenia’s book, “God’s Heart For the Prodigal&#34;, find it at most major retailers like <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Gods-Heart-Prodigal-Devotional-Redemption/dp/1637635346/ref=sr_1_1?adgrpid=187232964918&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.h71EvLEPUS5rtp38aj_hwg8rtJLQ--WZbAPIkcoPFMdyTY4ZS8RpSyc8CBW9GmnASm32-s0DzJ5rSuHvmy1yA9BIWG93Vd2-9qKiLRotiX7knvNF7us9AZ2kICAI38fMe1wLYKvJOkxddlYmUHJEN8QuCvOPoBELGR3UfiPR-ynLCfkQgMJXIh4Q5gqDr2UX6MmGe8rOR1dxyJQKBB1wvCWY0rsEvHaaQ6779ak1YlU.SjJr1GzWFIYDEbHP1hVOEsHJLUU8RP3dz5KHeeOBpEk&dib_tag=se&hvadid=779540767804&hvdev=c&hvexpln=0&hvlocphy=9026086&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=18248478863846946179--&hvqmt=e&hvrand=18248478863846946179&hvtargid=kwd-2481611379571&hydadcr=17810_13794552_2332234&keywords=god%26%2339%3Bs+heart+for+the+prodigal&mcid=76670de5932c3b9eb83566240ce3137f&qid=1779482232&sr=8-1" rel="nofollow">Amazon</a>, <a href="https://www.mardel.com/christian-living-books/christian-living/christian-bookstore/gods-heart-for-the-prodigal/p/4292223?gad_campaignid=19918964343&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD4qALo71CDgDf1hTu3K2JoLmX-vY&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_b_QBhCSARIsAP6hR4et0nzxA22qCgdh0l_omi7a1aFPze89AK5k2jhSyHkKlF37vDNslpkaAmX0EALw_wcB" rel="nofollow">Mardel</a> and <a href="https://www.christianbook.com/prodigal-devotional-journey-mercy-redemption-unconditional/9781637635346/pd/635340?cb_adg=191394764591&cb_cmp=23253333512&cb_kyw=&cb_src=google&cb_typ=shopping&dv=c&en=google&event=SHOP&gad_campaignid=23253333512&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD_dTHYerWDNem-FcFBtQbrDF3KyP&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_b_QBhCSARIsAP6hR4fzZLc9_9ccKLSQYoWp_hk8IW3ZRGTW_Av5UqBVuOb6X-d7fJfTCbIaAin3EALw_wcB&kw=preorder-0-20%7C635340&p=1229913&utm_medium=shopping&utm_source=google" rel="nofollow">Christian Books</a>.  To submit your prayer requests, <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdlusMU4Wr7Q2SxBW6K3CwFfmfZHhPZZhb80pWYxuRdasHZHg/viewform" rel="nofollow">use this form by clicking here! </a>You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at <a href="mailto:somercolbert@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">somercolbert@gmail.com</a>. I would love to connect with you on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/somercolbert/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a> or send you my <a href="https://ahahah.ck.page/5a49a0fcf5" rel="nofollow">monthly newsletter</a> with free resources and first access to episodes and more!Christian Parenting resource for you: Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide!And this year&#39;s edition is our best one yet! Whether you&#39;re honoring a loving mom, adevoted dad, or an inspiring grad, we&#39;ve got you covered with meaningful gifts they&#39;lltruly love. From Bibles and study tools to encouraging books, you&#39;re guaranteed to find something special for everyone on your gift lists this spring. Visit <a href="http://christianparenting.org/giftsm" rel="nofollow">christianparenting.org/gifts</a> to explore the 2026 Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide today!

How to Love and Pray for Your Prodigal Child

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/5/13/19/9573af1c-5073-4002-8dad-2c94b02b91c1_caring_for_the_orphan_in_a_god-sized_way.mp3

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: <ul><li>The call to serve vulnerable children</li><li>The importance of community and church involvement</li><li>Stories of life transformation through service</li><li>Practical steps to get involved in foster care support</li></ul> Learn more about the <a href="https://www.careportal.org/" rel="nofollow">CarePortal</a> and<a href="https://www.careportal.org/sign-up/?_gl=1%2A1bpfq5s%2A_up%2AMQ..%2A_ga%2AOTUwMDUyNDQ3LjE3Nzg2ODczNDc.%2A_ga_YC458YF41J%2AczE3Nzg2OTE3NDIkbzIkZzAkdDE3Nzg2OTE3NDIkajYwJGwwJGgw%2A_ga_Z67XEXL98V%2AczE3Nzg2OTE3NDIkbzIkZzAkdDE3Nzg2OTE3NDIkajYwJGwwJGgw" rel="nofollow"> sign up! </a>Connect with the mission online on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0YeHU2Aawhy2PP3dfbah3A" rel="nofollow">YouTube</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/careportal/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheCarePortal/" rel="nofollow">Facebook</a>. To submit your prayer requests, <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdlusMU4Wr7Q2SxBW6K3CwFfmfZHhPZZhb80pWYxuRdasHZHg/viewform" rel="nofollow">use this form by clicking here! </a>You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at <a href="mailto:somercolbert@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">somercolbert@gmail.com</a>. I would love to connect with you on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/somercolbert/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a> or send you my <a href="https://ahahah.ck.page/5a49a0fcf5" rel="nofollow">monthly newsletter</a> with free resources and first access to episodes and more!Christian Parenting resource for you: Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide!And this year&#39;s edition is our best one yet! Whether you&#39;re honoring a loving mom, adevoted dad, or an inspiring grad, we&#39;ve got you covered with meaningful gifts they&#39;lltruly love. From Bibles and study tools to encouraging books, you&#39;re guaranteed to find something special for everyone on your gift lists this spring. Visit <a href="http://christianparenting.org/giftsm" rel="nofollow">christianparenting.org/gifts</a> to explore the 2026 Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide today!

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

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