I will never forget the first time that I confronted a verbally abusive husband during a counseling session. As with many authoritarian husbands, this particular man declared his harsh treatment of his wife to be his biblical duty—a perceived badge of honor. As with far… Continue Reading …

Shows Main Idea – Rick responds to questions that some people sent him. They are on abuse, parenting, divorce, bad churches, bad word choices, forgiveness, and personal conviction. If you would like to discuss any of these with him or if you have other questions,… Continue Reading …

Shows Main Idea – The question that I’m posing in the title of this podcast has several layers, and it’s vital that you move slowly and think deeply about my response to this common struggle. If you understand this problem biblically, it will serve you… Continue Reading …

Shows Main Idea – Last week I interviewed Dianne Keech about domestic violence and child abuse. After the podcast ended, we continued to talk for another ninety minutes. This podcast is part of our “off the cuff,” behind the scenes conversation, as Dianne shared more… Continue Reading …

Few things in our culture today are sadder than the deterioration of the family. It matters no longer if you’re a Christian because that does not insulate you from sin’s encroachments. One of the more horrendous iterations of these attacks is when one spouse is… Continue Reading …

Spiritual abuse is a broad category in that it can encompass many different kinds of relationships, contexts, and situations. Wherever there is a two-tiered system of leaders and followers, spiritual abuse can happen. Listen to the podcast You may want to read: How To Make… Continue Reading …

Some of the unsung heroes in the Christian community are foster parents. One of the most beautiful pictures of the gospel you’ll see are parents laying themselves on the line for the sake of a helpless child. Listen to the podcast Our podcasts are on… Continue Reading …

It takes grace, courage, faith, humility, patience, and a passion for wanting to grow in your walk with God. And though it’s a counterintuitive worldview, suffering is one of the primary means the Lord uses to mature us. Listen to the podcast You may want… Continue Reading …

Loving the abused is being Jesus to the hurting, a God-glorying privilege. And as you consider moving forward in your soul care, you want to discern many things, including the individual’s fears. Give her time to trust you, as her emotions may be oscillating. Listen… Continue Reading …

Sexual abuse is one of the most devastating and complicating sinful crimes that an individual forces on another human being. Though I don’t fully understand the horror of abuse because it has not happened to me, I’ve sat with many victims of this violence and… Continue Reading …