Press Kit

Photo
Download
Biography

 

  I live now on a mountain.

I’ve always loved the sea—its rhythms, its endless horizon—but the mountains have always known my name. Whether walking alone beneath ancient trees on the Appalachian Trail or sitting still on a wind-carved precipice, something in me settles here. I do not come to conquer the mountain. I come to become small enough to hear it speak.

The Celtic Christians spoke of thin spaces—where the veil between heaven and earth grows sheer, like breath on glass. For me, that veil thins among these ridges, where silence isn’t empty, but full of Presence.

I came to the mountain to write. That was ten years ago. But the words didn’t come—not at first. Only silence. Only stillness. The echo of dreams that had lost their wings. I sat each day with a dry pen, the ink of inspiration withheld. What the mystics call the wilderness, I called it disappointment after disappointment.  

But something was quietly at work beneath the surface. The mountain was teaching me its language—one of patience, of emptying, of becoming less. 

And then, the unraveling began. Or maybe it was an opening. Not with lightning or loud revelation, but with subtle tremors—like tree roots pressing gently around a stone. One insight cracked open another, and then another, until the fragments I had carried for decades—philosophy, mystics, sages, theology, scripture, and always, always Jesus—began to hum in harmony.

The words returned—not as effort, but as overflow. Not from striving, but from surrender. It was as if the silence itself had been composing the symphony all along. Now, I no longer chase the current—I follow it. Some call it a muse. I call it my purpose.  I now write because I can't stop writing.  

I’ve worn many names in this life—Director of Social Work, Senior Vice President, Entrepreneur, Publisher, Board Member, and Stephens Minister. I studied journalism long ago, and used writing as a tool, a lever, a key. But beneath all of it, something essential was missing.  

Today, two roles remain that feel truest to me: Author and Certified Enneagram Coach. Not because they impress, but because they speak to the real work—helping others remember who they are beneath all the noise. I write about the Soulprint—that divine echo in each of us, the Imago Dei, the one-of-a-kind radiance placed in us before the world taught us to forget who God created us to be.  

I don’t write from an ivory tower. I write as one who knows what it’s like to work long hours, raise a family, navigate boardrooms and burnout, climb ladders and wonder if it mattered. I know what it’s like to delay a dream until it feels like it might die. I know sacrifice. I know the quiet ache of trying to hold everything together. And I know what it’s like to fall—into the well of depression, into the silence of not knowing who you are anymore.

But I also know what it’s like to be met there. To be held by grace in the dark. To rise, not as someone new, but as someone true.

That is why I write.

To offer words like bread.

To leave light in the dark.

To remind you: You are not alone. You are not lost.

You are becoming.


Books
Other Writing
Media Coverage

Marl Noble Book Review: Beatitude Code: The Art of Living Perfectly Imperfect Lives 

"Beatitude Code: The Art of Living Perfectly Imperfect Lives" is a valuable addition to any spiritual library. J. Steve Bruner's insightful reflections and practical wisdom make this book a must-read for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of the Beatitudes and apply their timeless teachings to the challenges of modern life. 

It is a testament to the enduring relevance of Jesus’s words and a powerful guide to living a life of purpose and meaning.

Marl Noble Book Review

Title: Beatitude Code: The Art of Living Perfectly Imperfect Lives

Author: J Steve Bruner 

Publisher: Xulon Press (July 1, 2024)

ISBN-13: 978-1662897795

Pages: 167 pages

Genre: Existentialist Philosophy, Christian Personal Growth, Christian Inspirational, Politics & Social Sciences, Philosophy

Reviewer:  Hailey Copeland | Marl Noble Book Review

"BEATITUDE CODE" is not just a book to be read; it is an experience to be lived. Bruner invites readers to embark on their own journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth, using the Beatitudes as their guide. His message is one of hope and empowerment, encouraging readers to embrace their imperfections and strive for a life of authenticity and wonder.

"BEATITUDE CODE: The Art of Living Perfectly Imperfect Lives" by J. Steve Bruner is a profound exploration into the Beatitudes, the opening segment of Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount. This book is more than a simple interpretation; it is a deeply personal journey that intertwines Bruner's life experiences with his spiritual discoveries.

Bruner's journey began in his college years, where a thirst for understanding life and the human condition led him to immerse himself in the works of great thinkers and sacred texts. However, it wasn't until a particularly challenging period that the Beatitudes truly resonated with him, illuminating the path to spiritual and intellectual awakening. This moment of enlightenment not only revitalized Bruner's mind and spirit but also provided him with a fresh perspective on his faith and purpose.

The book is structured around the Beatitudes, each chapter delving into the rich, transformative wisdom they offer. Bruner presents them not just as ancient teachings but as a compass for navigating the complexities of modern life. His reflections are both profound and practical, offering readers a guide to embracing their imperfections while striving for a more meaningful existence.

One of the standout features of "Beatitude Code" is Bruner's ability to connect the Beatitudes to contemporary issues. He addresses the cultural wars and societal challenges through the lens of these ancient teachings, demonstrating their relevance and power in today's world. His insights are thought-provoking, encouraging readers to reconsider their beliefs and attitudes.

Bruner's writing is both eloquent and accessible, making complex theological concepts understandable for a broad audience. His background as a social worker, senior executive, entrepreneur, mentor, and Enneagram coach enriches his narrative, providing a multifaceted perspective on the application of the Beatitudes in various aspects of life. This diversity of experience adds depth to his interpretations, making the book relatable to readers from all walks of life.

 J. Steve Bruner writes and post here to compliment his book 

BEATITUDE CODE: stevebruner.substack.com

Contact
Copyright 2025  J. Steve Bruner 
|
Built with Author Websites by BookBub