In this episode of Living Eyes Open, I sit down with my friend Josh Webb to discuss his powerful story behind Success in Suffering. After being diagnosed with a brain tumor, Josh experienced firsthand how God can use even the hardest trials to deepen our faith and redefine our purpose. This is a conversation about pain, perspective, and trusting God when life doesn’t make sense.

After walking through childhood trauma, family fractures, faith, marriage, business, loss, and reconciliation… this episode brings it all to today.

Where do things stand now with my mom, stepdad, stepmom, siblings, and extended family?
What does reconciliation look like when apologies never come?
What does obedience look like when God asks you to go first?

Over the past 23 years of marriage and fatherhood, the Lord has repeatedly challenged me to pursue peace — to make the phone call, send the email, extend the invitation — even when the outcome was uncertain. I’ve learned that obedience doesn’t guarantee restoration, but it always produces transformation.

This episode is about choosing obedience over ego.
Reconciliation over retaliation.
Hope over bitterness.

It’s also about breaking generational cycles and giving my children a clean whiteboard — one where humility, forgiveness, and faith lead the way.

Thank you for walking through this journey with me.

This series reflects my personal experiences and perspective.

Episode 9 - What is a brother?

Is it blood? Shared history? Shared pain? Shared last names?

In this episode of Living Eyes Open: My Story, I open up about one of the most difficult and personal areas of my life — my long and complicated relationship with my older brother.

Over the years, there were attempts at reconciliation, seasons of unity, business ventures, family loss, boundaries, silence… and eventually, conviction. I share where I felt hurt, where expectations broke down, and — most importantly — where I sinned and had to repent.

This episode is not about attacking anyone. It’s about wrestling with what brotherhood truly means as a follower of Christ.

There were moments where I handled things wrong. There were seasons where boundaries were necessary. There were years of silence. And through it all, the Lord showed me something profound:

When earthly brotherhood felt absent, God provided spiritual brothers.
From my time in business school at the University of Georgia, to serving in church, to Christian businessmen and close friends who sharpened my faith — the Lord has never left me without brotherhood.

In this episode, I discuss:
• Attempts at reconciliation
• A treasure hunt that brought hope of rebuilding
• A business venture that tested trust
• The importance of boundaries
• The weight of anger and conviction
• Confession, repentance, and surrender
• And the brothers God sent when I felt alone

This is a story about blood, silence, conviction, and grace.

If you’ve wrestled with estrangement in your family…
If you’ve had to set boundaries…
If you’ve sinned in anger and needed to make it right…
If you’ve longed for reconciliation…

This one is for you.

Because maybe a brother isn’t just someone who shares your DNA. Maybe it’s someone who shares repentance. And maybe God, in His mercy, gives us brothers in Christ when blood relationships fall short.

Thank you for walking through this journey with me. — Stephen

Note: The views and experiences shared in this episode are based solely on my personal perspective and recollection of events.