Exactly one month ago, on a drive back from beautiful, but rather rainy Wales, I was introduced to Stephen James Hart. A friend had heard him speak at Bethel Church in Redding a few years back and had been impacted by his raw vulnerability, his testimony and by his heart. You should listen, she told me! And so on our drive home we both had a little listen. I’m so glad we did. Stephen spoke with a passion and a resolve that was powerful but tender. 

Even more than that, I found myself amazed and totally encouraged to hear someone who thought very similar to me when it comes to sexuality, to restoration and the role of the church. Like seriously, it was like reading the chapter on restoration straight out of my book Sacred Sexuality! I love that. I love that God can touch two people’s hearts that are completely unconnected, in different parts of the world, with different backgrounds and sexual histories yet who have the same facet of God’s heart unveiled to them.

And so, listening to him share his heart on that drive back to London, I just knew that I wanted to invite Stephen to chat to me for a Living in Light Podcast episode soon to be recorded, about Sexual Restoration. And so I did. Sent him a little (well a very long actually) email. And he said yes! And he was so wonderful to connect with. Chatting to him about his journey of restoration…one that is still very much a beautiful and raw work in progress - was a joy and very powerful. And I know you are going to love listening to our two part convo in episodes 20/21 of the Living in Light Podcast. 

One of the things that blessed me massively about Stephen was his diligence. His heart to be rooted in conviction, to share with precision and to stay focused whilst at the same time having a beautiful openness to the Spirit of God was a delight to observe. And part of that diligence included him penning the responses to the questions I sent him with such faithfulness, attention and value. Taking time to do this with such care. And that speaks volumes about not just his heart, but also his integrity and his desire to be a faithful vessel with his story and to never simply take his experiences or his understanding of them for granted. I think God really honours that kind of cherishing of the things of God and diligence.

And those precious answers, that he so diligently dug deep for, journeyed with God for and searched his heart for - are found right here, because his desire is to not only be completely free but his heart is to powerfully liberate others along the way. And so, as God shine’s the magnifying glass on Stephen’s open heart - and as he yields to the process - and reflects on his own journey of sexual brokenness and unfolding divine restoration, he invites us into the journey.

May his journey bless you massively. And may his liberation bring liberty to your own process. May all that God has been doing in Stephen for God’s own glory, bless your socks off, as it has mine. x

Read Stephen’s thought provoking responses about his sexual journey and finding restoration in Christ here.

Find out more about the lovely Stephen Hart James.