Ryan Bailey

Addiction Part 3: How Does My Faith Change My Addiction?

By Ryan Bailey / 2024-11-20 /

In our last post, we talked about how to come alongside loved ones struggling with addiction. Now, we are going to look at the pivotal role that faith plays in the fight against addiction. At its core, addiction often stems from a misplaced search for fulfillment. When we take our eyes off Christ and seek…

Addiction Part 2: How Can I Help My Loved One Heal From Addiction?

By Ryan Bailey / 2024-11-20 /

In our last post, we looked at the problem of addiction and where there is hope for lasting change. In this post, we are going to look at how to support and love people who are battling addiction. While addiction often manifests as a biochemical issue, at its core lies a deeper spiritual problem. Understanding…

Addiction Part 1: The Problem and Hope for Lasting Change

By Ryan Bailey / 2024-11-20 /

In this blog post series, we are going to be looking at how family members can help a loved one who is struggling with a drug or alcohol addiction, and identify the things that are at the root of addiction.  Drug and alcohol addiction is not an uncommon problem: in 2023, 22% of males and…

Thinking Biblically About Tithing

By Ryan Bailey / 2024-11-19 /

As Christians, we understand that tithing is not merely a financial obligation but a spiritual discipline that reflects our trust in God’s provision and our commitment to His kingdom. While the Bible doesn’t provide explicit answers to every nuance of tithing in our modern context, we can apply biblical principles to guide our practices. As…

What to do When Thanksgiving is Hard

By Ryan Bailey / 2024-11-11 /

The Thanksgiving holiday, meant to be a time of joy and gratitude, can often amplify our pain and struggles: some people may be navigating the grief that comes from celebrating a holiday without a beloved family member for the first time, while others may be bracing for the impact of dysfunctional family dynamics, and still…

Why Should Church Community Be an Essential Part of My Life?

By Ryan Bailey / 2024-11-11 /

As Christians, we understand that our faith is not meant to be lived in isolation. No church is perfect but being part of a Bible-believing, gospel preaching church, far from being optional, is an essential aspect of our walk with Christ. Here’s why: Biblical Foundation The church is important because God says it is.  We…

Why is Friendship Important?

By Ryan Bailey / 2024-11-11 /

Despite the myriad of opportunities to connect with old friendships and acquaintances on social media, the number of close friendships that people have has decreased significantly over the past couple of decades. In our increasingly digital and individualistic society, genuine friendships are becoming rarer. As Christians, we must recognize the profound significance of friendship, not…

What About Friendsgiving?

By Ryan Bailey / 2024-11-11 /

As we approach the season of Thanksgiving, many of us are preparing to celebrate not only with family but also with friends through the tradition of “Friendsgiving”. Although Friendsgiving is a modern cultural trend, it’s a great opportunity to show the love of Christ to our neighbors and communities and is often a very fun…

Thanksgiving and the Blessing of Family

By Ryan Bailey / 2024-11-11 /

Although Thanksgiving is not a holiday with traditions rooted in Scripture like Christmas and Easter, it is still a wonderful opportunity to recognize God’s goodness to us, and a time that we can thank God for the blessings that come from our families.  Although no family is perfect, we can recognize the blessings that come…

What’s the Difference Between Sibling Cruelty and Normal Sibling Behavior?

By Ryan Bailey / 2024-11-05 /

Disclaimer: The intention of this article is to help parents differentiate between normal sibling rivalry and abusive sibling behavior. If you suspect sibling abuse in your family, we strongly encourage you to find a therapist who specializes in working with children as quickly as possible so you and your child can get help and support.…