Faith

When addiction invades a marriage, it affects and infects every part of the family and its dynamics. There was a time that nothing mattered to Eric Kennedy, except for the next high or drug-induced escape, even as a young boy. Eventually, he only drank to get drunk and pass out. Perhaps, drugs would then be added to the mix. There were sporadic moments of clarity…. but only very brief moments. Eric’s life is in a very different place now. Almost ten years ago, Eric and his new bride (his second

Frank Currie is choosing to live his days with gratitude. He is at a place in his life where he’s choosing to be a hope dealer for those who are battling drug addiction. He’s walked that painful road and seen firsthand the devastation resulting from choices he’s made and the impact and consequences of those choices. Last month, Frank celebrated eight years of sobriety. Drugs have been part of his life for a long time, and he was desperate for help. In 2011, he was sentenced to the Augusta Daily

“Overflow was birthed out of great pain, but now is sustained by God’s strength fueling the fire of this work and by great purpose. So, I’m thankful for that. Not thankful that we lost our son or for any of that, but I am so thankful that we serve a God who can take excruciating pain and use it for his glory and our good. To be able to encourage us to continue to take steps regardless of what we’re going through.” That’s how my conversation began with Terry Lee,

Brant Hansen is a nationally syndicated radio host. His newest book, Life is Hard. God is Good. Let’s Dance. Experiencing Real Joy in a World Gone Mad was released just days ago. I began by asking Brant if continuing to write books is part of his master plan. His response? “Yeah, my master plan – that I don’t have. I’m just trying to be faithful with whatever crosses my path today and then letting God take care of the other stuff.” Are you surprised that you have so much to

They were sitting near one another in a general psychology class at Bob Jones University in Greenville, SC. Jon says he noticed Rachel first. They began dating as sophomores, got engaged before their senior year, and were married shortly after graduation. This week, I’m having a conversation with Jon and Rachel Dawkins, owners/operators of the two Chick-fil-A restaurants in North Augusta. Jon had previously been a Chick-fil-A team member but was not working there when they met, Rachel was, started working there at the age of 15 years old. Jon

It’s a normal weekly thing now. During Sunday morning worship, as a part of a greeting or announcement, a staff member at church will acknowledge and welcome those who are joining the service for worship by watching online. It wasn’t that long ago that watching a service online was a rare thing. Now, it’s a regular weekly event for many. It’s super convenient and super easy. Hey, you can even watch in your favorite jammies! When we’re out of town, Susie and I will often engage with our church worship

It is the time of year when many people are focused on new things – new diets, new habits, and new goals. In the clear, crisp air of winter and sunrises illuminating morning frost, there seems to be an additional layer of hope.  It’s a great time to be alive and a great time to reflect and evaluate where you’ve been and where you’re headed. As an unknown sage has astutely observed, “If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will take you there!” The year ended on a

Before we look ahead, I want to look back for a moment. It’s good to remember where you’ve been before you embrace where you’re going. I grew up in the Midwest. We lived on a basic street in a blue-collar neighborhood. There was a park (it’s still there) about three blocks away where my buddies, Bruce, Brian, Bob, Ron and I would play. Right across the street was a neighborhood market. It was certainly handy when we ran low on milk! There was nothing spectacular about our house or particularly

Several memories from past Christmas seasons have recently come to mind. My Mom had a habit of wrapping gifts at the last minute. Often, the process happens within hours of a family gathering. We’d see her toss wrapping paper, tape, and bows on her bed, and close the door. It would stay shut until she was finished with the whirlwind wrapping process. Somehow, she was ready when the door swung open minutes before the gift-giving began. I’m still kind of impressed. When I was in 8th grade, I decided to

It’s hard for me to imagine life (even one day) without music. It is a gift from God that speaks deeply to the core of who we are. Music somehow mixes emotion, memories, nostalgia, and our life experiences in a way nothing else does. Hans Christian Andersen said, “When words fail, music speaks.”  I have found that to be true throughout my life and have observed it in the lives of those around me. Christmas has a soundtrack all its own, unlike any other time of the year. Some radio