The Chapters We Tried to Forget — Our Fall, Our Despair, and the Grace That Brought Us Back to Life

There are chapters of life people try desperately to forget — seasons marked by shame, emotional collapse, and deep regret. But what if those very chapters are the ones God chooses to redeem?

In this profoundly vulnerable episode, Shannon Stewart sits down with her husband, Mike, to share the story they once tried to bury — their fall, the depth of despair that followed, and the sacred journey that led them toward healing and restoration.

With humility and courage, they open the door to their darkest season, including Mike’s battle with suicidal thoughts, isolation, and the overwhelming belief that he had destroyed everything he loved. Together, they honestly address spiritual drift, the pressure of leadership, the cost of hidden pain, true repentance, and the relentless grace of God that met them in the rubble.

This is not a story of perfection — it is a testimony of redemption. A reminder that God does not waste broken places, and that even the most painful chapters can become holy when surrendered to Him.

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

00:00 — The chapters they tried to forget

02:22 — Leadership, pressure, and early years

06:15 — The slow unraveling

10:10 — Losing joy

14:40 — The breaking point

19:05 — Collapse and exposure

23:55 — Public fallout

27:40 — Isolation and shame

32:10 — Words spoken in despair

35:45 — Suicidal breaking point

40:20 — Scripture in the darkness

43:55 — True repentance

48:30 — Rebuilding after the fall

52:55 — Grace in the ashes

57:10 — Hope for the hurting

Scripture + Encouraging Close:

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” — Psalm 147:3

If you feel defined by your failure, buried by shame, or convinced you’ve gone too far — let this be your reminder: grace still reaches you. The same God who restored what felt impossible in their story is still writing yours. You are seen. You are loved. And your story is not finished.

RESOURCES & LINKS:

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