David Garlock’s journey is one of trauma, transformation, and triumph. After surviving years of horrific abuse, David and his brother took the life of their abuser—an act that led to a 25-year sentence. But in prison, David found something far greater than freedom: he found Jesus.

In this episode of the Embracing Brokenness Podcast, Steve talks with David about:

* His early years of abuse and family dysfunction

* The decision that changed everything

*Meeting God in a jail cell

* His education journey—from GED to college degree

* Working with Bryan Stevenson and appearing in Just Mercy

* Why justice reform matters

* What the Church can do to support returning citizens

David's story is a powerful reminder that no one is beyond the reach of grace—and that God can use anyone for His glory.

🔗 Visit davidlgarlock.com to learn more.

🎙 Subscribe and share if this conversation speaks to you.

Chapters00:00 Introduction to Embracing Brokenness03:01 David's Early Life and Trauma10:36 The Turning Point: Confession and Transformation19:36 Life After Incarceration and Family Dynamics24:52 Loss and Healing: The Impact of Grief28:11 The Importance of Faith and Advocacy29:23 The Power of Faith and Vulnerability36:40 Transformative Education Behind Bars54:48 Finding Purpose Through Adversity58:40 Redefining Identity Beyond Past Mistakes

What happens when a 16-year-old is sentenced to life in prison? What if that same person becomes a powerful voice for redemption, hope, and purpose?

In this episode, Steve sits down with Lewis Lee, a man whose life journey will challenge everything you think you know about justice, transformation, and the power of God’s love.

From the streets of West Philadelphia to a life sentence without parole, Lewis’ story is one of unimaginable pain, devastating choices, and a divine encounter that changed everything. After nearly 45 years behind bars, Lewis walks us through how prison not only saved his life but gave him a mission: to rescue others.

Now the founder of Men of Purpose International, Lewis is helping formerly incarcerated men and women find community, purpose, and lasting change through the power of Jesus Christ.

Whether you've been impacted by incarceration or simply want to witness what true restoration looks like—this is a story you need to hear.

Topics include:

* Growing up in Philly’s gang culture

* A life-altering crime at age 15

* The spiritual awakening that changed everything

* Navigating 45 years behind bars with faith and purpose

* Founding Men of Purpose International during the pandemic

* His powerful message to today's youth and returning citizens

🔗 Learn more at https://embracingbrokenness.org/

📘 Featured Book: Get Free and Stay Free by David Lewis

https://a.co/d/eYx5VWf

🌍 Connect with Men of Purpose International

https://menofpurposeintl.com/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Louis Lee's Journey

01:49 Early Life and Influences in Philadelphia

05:52 The Shift to a Life of Crime

08:45 First Encounters with the Law

15:10 The Robbery and Its Consequences

20:43 Finding Faith in Prison

23:30 A Renewed Commitment to Faith

27:05 Prison as a Catalyst for Change

30:14 Finding Peace in Uncertainty

33:39 The Impact of Supreme Court Rulings

36:11 Navigating Parole and Release

38:55 Adjusting to Life After Prison

41:02 Building Community Through Technology

43:38 Vision for Men of Purpose International

45:03 A Message to the Youth

48:56 The Importance of Decision Making

51:52 Returning to Serve and Inspire

What if experiencing Jesus wasn’t reserved for spiritual elites—or the past? What if intimacy with God was meant to be the normal human experience, even in a world drowning in distraction?

In this powerful debrief episode, Steve and Colleen reflect on Steve’s recent conversation with John Eldredge about his book Experience Jesus—Really. Together, they unpack what it means to reclaim our union with God in a culture that has conditioned us for hurry, noise, and digital addiction.

From being “disciples of the internet” to the misunderstood beauty of ordinary mysticism, this episode is an invitation to return to presence—to rediscover your soul’s longing for daily connection with Jesus. They explore spiritual practices, emotional healing through union with Christ, and what it means to live with childlike wonder in a broken world.

📱 Learn how the P.A.U.S.E. App and “Experiencing Jesus” meditations can rewire your spiritual life

📖 Hear stories of personal transformation, simple postures of prayer, and ancient paths made new

❤️ Reflect on how healing, presence, and love reshape your walk with God—and the Church’s witness today

👉 This isn’t about doing more. It’s about experiencing more. Come rest in His presence with us.

Chapters

00:00 Rediscovering Faith in a Distracted World

01:54 The Importance of Guided Prayer

06:12 Disciples of the Internet

17:24 Ordinary Mystics and Intimacy with God

23:49 Practices for Experiencing God's Presence

25:01 Daily Encounters with God

26:22 Healing Through Union with Christ

29:13 Mental Health and Spiritual Well-being

32:52 Cultivating the Presence of God

39:09 The Urgency of Spiritual Connection

46:12 Practical Steps for Abiding in Christ