Podcasts about soundwise

The Cost of Unity | Psalms for a Fractured World We live in an age of fragmentation. Politics, culture, preferences, and opinions constantly sort us into opposing camps. But the church is called to be different—a place where people who might never have chosen one another learn to love one another because of Jesus. In Psalm 133, David describes unity with two surprising images: holy oil and refreshing dew. Unity is sacred. Unity gives life. And unity offers a divided and exhausted world a glimpse of something better—the Kingdom of God. But unity comes with a price. It requires forgiveness, patience, listening, humility, difficult conversations, and sometimes giving up the deeply satisfying pleasure of saying exactly what we're thinking! Jesus didn't give us ten easy steps to unity. He gave us a Cross. When a divided world sees a united church, it catches a glimpse of the Kingdom of God. Scripture: Psalm 133:1–3 Series: Psalms for a Fractured World Message: The Cost of Unity Speaker: Gordon Dabbs, Ph.D., Preaching MinisterSubscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

The Cost of Unity | Psalms for a Fractured World We live in an age of fragmentation. Politics, culture, preferences, and opinions constantly sort us into opposing camps. But the church is called to be different—a place where people who might never have chosen one another learn to love one another because of Jesus. In Psalm 133, David describes unity with two surprising images: holy oil and refreshing dew. Unity is sacred. Unity gives life. And unity offers a divided and exhausted world a glimpse of something better—the Kingdom of God. But unity comes with a price. It requires forgiveness, patience, listening, humility, difficult conversations, and sometimes giving up the deeply satisfying pleasure of saying exactly what we're thinking! Jesus didn't give us ten easy steps to unity. He gave us a Cross. When a divided world sees a united church, it catches a glimpse of the Kingdom of God. Scripture: Psalm 133:1–3 Series: Psalms for a Fractured World Message: The Cost of Unity Speaker: Gordon Dabbs, Ph.D., Preaching MinisterSubscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

THE COST OF UNITY Gordon Dabbs, PhD Psalm 133.1-3 Psalm 133.1 (ESV) Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! Psalm 133.1-3 (ESV) Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes! It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the Lord has commanded the blessing, life forevermore. Unity is a sign that God is present among his people. Psalm 133.3 (NLT) Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon that falls on the mountains of Zion. Ephesians 2.14 (ESV) He himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility. . . In a divided world, the people of God are meant to be a preview of something better. Unity doesn't involve ten easy steps. It involves a Cross. Psalm 133.3 (ESV) For there the Lord has commanded the blessing, life forevermore. John 13.35 (NLT) Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

The Cost of Unity | Psalms for a Fractured World We live in an age of fragmentation. Politics, culture, preferences, and opinions constantly sort us into opposing camps. But the church is called to be different—a place where people who might never have chosen one another learn to love one another because of Jesus. In Psalm 133, David describes unity with two surprising images: holy oil and refreshing dew. Unity is sacred. Unity gives life. And unity offers a divided and exhausted world a glimpse of something better—the Kingdom of God. But unity comes with a price. It requires forgiveness, patience, listening, humility, difficult conversations, and sometimes giving up the deeply satisfying pleasure of saying exactly what we're thinking! Jesus didn't give us ten easy steps to unity. He gave us a Cross. When a divided world sees a united church, it catches a glimpse of the Kingdom of God. Scripture: Psalm 133:1–3 Series: Psalms for a Fractured World Message: The Cost of Unity Speaker: Gordon Dabbs, Ph.D., Preaching MinisterSubscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

DEEPER is a series designed for all ages to grow in God's word! This cover-to-cover study of the Bible, Genesis to Revelation, is a weekly opportunity for the entire family to be encouraged, challenged, and edified.Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

Unity sounds wonderful—until actual people are involved. In a world that constantly sorts, labels, and divides us, Psalm 133 offers a beautiful vision: God's people living together in harmony. But Christian unity does not mean uniformity. It means different people, with different backgrounds, preferences, personalities, and convictions, learning to belong to one another because Jesus has made us one. In this message, P:reaching Minister Gordon Dabbs, Ph.D., explores what it means for the church to become “A Community Set Apart”—a place where we listen, adjust, forgive, build one another up, and remember that the melody belongs to Jesus. “How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!” —Psalm 133:1Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

Unity sounds wonderful—until actual people are involved. In a world that constantly sorts, labels, and divides us, Psalm 133 offers a beautiful vision: God's people living together in harmony. But Christian unity does not mean uniformity. It means different people, with different backgrounds, preferences, personalities, and convictions, learning to belong to one another because Jesus has made us one. In this message, P:reaching Minister Gordon Dabbs, Ph.D., explores what it means for the church to become “A Community Set Apart”—a place where we listen, adjust, forgive, build one another up, and remember that the melody belongs to Jesus. “How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!” —Psalm 133:1Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

A COMMUNITY SET APART Gordon Dabbs, PhD Psalm 133.1; Romans 14.19 Psalm 133.1 (ESV) Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! In a divided world, the people of God are meant to be a glimpse of something better. Galatians 3.28 (ESV) There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave[a] nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. One reason unity is rare is that unity requires something from us. Church is the place where you do not always get your way. Romans 14.1 (NLT) Accept other believers who are weak in faith, and don't argue with them about what they think is right or wrong. Romans 14.10 (NLT) So why do you condemn another believer[a]? Why do you look down on another believer? Romans 14.19 (NLT) So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up. Harmony exists, and only exists, when different notes learn how to belong together. We can be patient with the unfinished work of God in another person because we are grateful that God is patient with the unfinished work in us. 1. “Jesus is Lord, and I am not.” 2. “This person is someone for whom Christ died.” 3. “My goal is not to win; my goal is to build up the body of Christ.”Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

WHEN IT GETS PERSONAL Gordon Dabbs, PhD Psalm 73 Psalm 73.2-3 (NLT) But as for me, I almost lost my footing. My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone. For I envied the proud when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness. The division out there is fueled by disorder in here. Psalm 73.1 (NLT) Truly God is good to Israel, to those whose hearts are pure. Psalm 73.4-5 (NLT) They seem to live such painless lives; their bodies are so healthy and strong. They don't have troubles like other people; they're not plagued with problems like everyone else. That short phrase in the NLT carries weight – “seem to.” Psalm 73.13 (NLT) Did I keep my heart pure for nothing? Did I keep myself innocent for no reason? When my heart becomes disordered, my perspective becomes distorted. Psalm 73.17 (NKJV) Until I went into the sanctuary of God; Then I understood their end. The sanctuary is a circuit-breaker. It interrupts the formation process of the world. Psalm 73.21-22 (NLT) Then I realized that my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside. I was so foolish and ignorant—I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you. Psalm 73.25 (NLT) Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. Psalm 73.28 (NLT) But as for me, how good it is to be near God! When we draw near to Him, our vision changesSubscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

WHEN IT GETS PERSONAL Gordon Dabbs, PhD Psalm 73 Psalm 73.2-3 (NLT) But as for me, I almost lost my footing. My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone. For I envied the proud when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness. The division out there is fueled by disorder in here. Psalm 73.1 (NLT) Truly God is good to Israel, to those whose hearts are pure. Psalm 73.4-5 (NLT) They seem to live such painless lives; their bodies are so healthy and strong. They don't have troubles like other people; they're not plagued with problems like everyone else. That short phrase in the NLT carries weight – “seem to.” Psalm 73.13 (NLT) Did I keep my heart pure for nothing? Did I keep myself innocent for no reason? When my heart becomes disordered, my perspective becomes distorted. Psalm 73.17 (NKJV) Until I went into the sanctuary of God; Then I understood their end. The sanctuary is a circuit-breaker. It interrupts the formation process of the world. Psalm 73.21-22 (NLT) Then I realized that my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside. I was so foolish and ignorant—I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you. Psalm 73.25 (NLT) Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. Psalm 73.28 (NLT) But as for me, how good it is to be near God! When we draw near to Him, our vision changesSubscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

WHEN IT GETS PERSONAL Gordon Dabbs, PhD Psalm 73 Psalm 73.2-3 (NLT) But as for me, I almost lost my footing. My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone. For I envied the proud when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness. The division out there is fueled by disorder in here. Psalm 73.1 (NLT) Truly God is good to Israel, to those whose hearts are pure. Psalm 73.4-5 (NLT) They seem to live such painless lives; their bodies are so healthy and strong. They don't have troubles like other people; they're not plagued with problems like everyone else. That short phrase in the NLT carries weight – “seem to.” Psalm 73.13 (NLT) Did I keep my heart pure for nothing? Did I keep myself innocent for no reason? When my heart becomes disordered, my perspective becomes distorted. Psalm 73.17 (NKJV) Until I went into the sanctuary of God; Then I understood their end. The sanctuary is a circuit-breaker. It interrupts the formation process of the world. Psalm 73.21-22 (NLT) Then I realized that my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside. I was so foolish and ignorant—I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you. Psalm 73.25 (NLT) Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. Psalm 73.28 (NLT) But as for me, how good it is to be near God! When we draw near to Him, our vision changesSubscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

WHAT HOLDS WHEN THE WORLD SHAKES Gordon Dabbs, PhD Psalm 2 Psalm 2.1 (NLT) Why are the nations so angry? Why do they waste their time with futile plans? Brett McCracken. On any given day we are left inflamed by whatever grievances the Internet has exposed us to, yet we are impotent to do much, if anything, about it. The endless conveyor belt of content puts more things on our radar in a day than people a century ago would encounter in a year – often about places we've never heard of and issues we didn't know were issues. Psalm 2.4 (NIV) The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. What holds when the world shakes? Where do we stand when the storm hits? The storm reveals the shelter. Our attention is being discipled by outrage. What gets my attention gets access to my soul. What is shaping me? You can be a Christian in belief and still be discipled by outrage in practice. The answer is learning to care from a place of praise rather than panic. Psalm 2.11 (NLT) Serve the Lord with reverent fear, and rejoice with trembling. Psalm 2.12 (NIV) Blessed are all who take refuge in him. The final word of the psalm is not rage. It is refuge.Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

WHAT HOLDS WHEN THE WORLD SHAKES Gordon Dabbs, PhD Psalm 2 Psalm 2.1 (NLT) Why are the nations so angry? Why do they waste their time with futile plans? Brett McCracken. On any given day we are left inflamed by whatever grievances the Internet has exposed us to, yet we are impotent to do much, if anything, about it. The endless conveyor belt of content puts more things on our radar in a day than people a century ago would encounter in a year – often about places we've never heard of and issues we didn't know were issues. Psalm 2.4 (NIV) The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. What holds when the world shakes? Where do we stand when the storm hits? The storm reveals the shelter. Our attention is being discipled by outrage. What gets my attention gets access to my soul. What is shaping me? You can be a Christian in belief and still be discipled by outrage in practice. The answer is learning to care from a place of praise rather than panic. Psalm 2.11 (NLT) Serve the Lord with reverent fear, and rejoice with trembling. Psalm 2.12 (NIV) Blessed are all who take refuge in him. The final word of the psalm is not rage. It is refuge.Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

WHAT HOLDS WHEN THE WORLD SHAKES Gordon Dabbs, PhD Psalm 2 Psalm 2.1 (NLT) Why are the nations so angry? Why do they waste their time with futile plans? Brett McCracken. On any given day we are left inflamed by whatever grievances the Internet has exposed us to, yet we are impotent to do much, if anything, about it. The endless conveyor belt of content puts more things on our radar in a day than people a century ago would encounter in a year – often about places we've never heard of and issues we didn't know were issues. Psalm 2.4 (NIV) The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. What holds when the world shakes? Where do we stand when the storm hits? The storm reveals the shelter. Our attention is being discipled by outrage. What gets my attention gets access to my soul. What is shaping me? You can be a Christian in belief and still be discipled by outrage in practice. The answer is learning to care from a place of praise rather than panic. Psalm 2.11 (NLT) Serve the Lord with reverent fear, and rejoice with trembling. Psalm 2.12 (NIV) Blessed are all who take refuge in him. The final word of the psalm is not rage. It is refuge.Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

How could someone come home, tell you they love you, laugh with you, make plans for the future, and still hide an affair? That contradiction is one of the most disturbing parts of infidelity. It can leave you questioning whether the loving moments were real, whether your partner was secretly a completely different person, and whether your entire relationship was some kind of carefully constructed illusion. In this episode, I explain how compartmentalization allows someone to separate their marriage, affair, values, and self-image into different mental categories. We will look at how partial truths, selective attention, and self-protective stories can help someone continue seeing themselves as a good person while repeatedly making choices that violate their own stated values. I also explain why describing an affair as “one mistake” can hide the many smaller decisions that made it possible, what genuine accountability actually requires, and why betrayed partners should look for more than affection or transparency when deciding whether someone is becoming trustworthy. If you are struggling to make sense of what happened, stop replaying the contradictions, or feel safe in your own judgment again, you can book a free call with me. We will talk through what you are experiencing, what you want to change, and whether my approach is the right fit for helping you move forward.

Being cheated on doesn't just break your heart. It can change how your brain responds to safety, trust, and uncertainty. After infidelity, you may experience intrusive thoughts, emotional flooding, constant checking, comparison, panic, numbness, or the feeling that another painful discovery is always around the corner. These reactions are sometimes described as post-infidelity stress disorder, or PISD. Although PISD is not an official diagnosis, the trauma-like symptoms of romantic betrayal can feel very real. In this episode, I explain: • Why your brain becomes hypervigilant after betrayal • Why reassurance and checking rarely create lasting safety • Why new information can feel like a completely new betrayal • How self-blame creates an illusion of control • Why moving forward can feel unsafe • How healing helps you rebuild trust in yourself Healing does not mean ignoring red flags, blindly trusting your partner, or pretending the betrayal never happened. It means reaching a place where the affair feels like something that happened to you, not something your mind and body believe is still happening. Whether you are staying, leaving, or still deciding, you do not have to navigate this alone. Together, we can identify what is keeping you stuck, understand the deeper emotional patterns behind your reactions, and create a path toward clarity, stability, and self-trust.

Does it make a meaningful difference if an unfaithful partner confessed to cheating vs if they only admitted the truth after getting caught? In this episode, I explain the difference between remorse and distress, why being caught does not necessarily mean someone can never change, and what matters far more than the circumstances of the initial disclosure. Ultimately, the clearest evidence comes from how they behave now: whether they volunteer the truth, tolerate difficult conversations, take responsibility without deflecting, and become consistently honest without needing to be monitored. If you are struggling to determine whether your partner is genuinely changing, or you cannot stop replaying the betrayal and questioning what is real, book a free call with me below. We can talk through what you are experiencing and what it would take for you to feel clear, grounded, and emotionally free again.

WHY THE WORLD IS ALWAYS ANGRY Gordon Dabbs, PhD Psalm 2 Psalm 2.1-2 (NLT) Why are the nations so angry? Why do they waste their time with futile plans? The kings of the earth prepare for battle; the rulers plot together against the Lord and against his anointed one. WHY IS EVERYONE SO ANGRY? Psalm 2.3 (ESV) Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us. Psalm 2.3 (NLT) Let us break their chains,” they cry, “and free ourselves from slavery to God. The world is angry because the world resists God's rightful rule. The world is angry because we are too easily ruled by fear. Psalm 2.4 (NIV) The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. Psalm 2.11 (NLT) Serve the Lord with reverent fear, and rejoice with trembling.Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

WHY THE WORLD IS ALWAYS ANGRY Gordon Dabbs, PhD Psalm 2 Psalm 2.1-2 (NLT) Why are the nations so angry? Why do they waste their time with futile plans? The kings of the earth prepare for battle; the rulers plot together against the Lord and against his anointed one. WHY IS EVERYONE SO ANGRY? Psalm 2.3 (ESV) Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us. Psalm 2.3 (NLT) Let us break their chains,” they cry, “and free ourselves from slavery to God. The world is angry because the world resists God's rightful rule. The world is angry because we are too easily ruled by fear. Psalm 2.4 (NIV) The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. Psalm 2.11 (NLT) Serve the Lord with reverent fear, and rejoice with trembling.Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

DEEPER is a series designed for all ages to grow in God's word! This cover-to-cover study of the Bible, Genesis to Revelation, is a weekly opportunity for the entire family to be encouraged, challenged, and edified.Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

After betrayal, it can feel unbearable to watch the person who hurt you move on as though nothing happened. You may find yourself waiting for karma, consequences, or some sign that they finally understand the damage they caused. In this episode, I talk about why that desire for justice makes sense, what karma may actually look like, and how waiting for them to suffer can keep you emotionally attached to the very person you are trying to heal from. If infidelity or betrayal is still controlling how you feel, think, or live, book a free call with me to learn how we can address what exactly is keeping you stuck.

Being cheated on can continue affecting you long after the relationship ends. Even when your new partner has done nothing wrong, a missing detail, delayed response, or small inconsistency can feel like the beginning of another hidden reality. You may know intellectually that this person is not your ex, but your mind and body are still trying to prevent you from being blindsided again. In this episode, I explain how betrayal trauma follows people into new relationships, how to distinguish fear from genuine warning signs, and how a new partner can offer reassurance without reinforcing constant questioning and hypervigilance. If your past relationship is still controlling how safe you feel today, click below to book a free call and learn what it would take to heal the deeper response, not just manage the symptoms.

When an affair results in a child, the betrayal can no longer be treated as something that simply happened in the past. There may be ongoing contact, financial obligations, custody arrangements, and a permanent reminder of what happened, which often leaves the betrayed partner with choices that may all involve some degree of pain. In this episode, I discuss the difficult questions couples need to face, the boundaries required if reconciliation is going to work, and why the betrayed partner cannot be pressured into accepting a life they never chose. I also explain how the unfaithful partner can take responsibility without abandoning either their existing family or an innocent child. If you're struggling to heal after infidelity and feel trapped by intrusive thoughts, resentment, or an impossible decision, you can book a free call with me to discuss what is keeping you stuck and what it would take to move forward. Everyone's process is unique, but many of my private clients notice a meaningful shift within just a few appointments.

Infidelity doesn't only make you question your partner. It can make you question your memories, your judgment, your future, and even who you are. In this episode, I explain why the endless search for details often fails to provide the certainty you're looking for, and the deeper part of betrayal that has to be addressed for real healing to happen. To speak with me personally about what you're experiencing, feel free to book a free call.

What kind of person are you when no one is watching? In this message from Proverbs 10:9, Preaching Minister Gordon Dabbs, Ph.D., explores the quiet power of integrity, diligence, and faithfulness. Character is not built in one dramatic moment. It is formed through thousands of ordinary choices: keeping your word, doing honest work, admitting when you are wrong, and showing up even when no one is there to applaud. Through humor, practical wisdom, and the unforgettable story of a young towel seller on Copacabana Beach, we will see that God can use even the most ordinary moments of work and responsibility for purposes far greater than we can imagine. Jesus did not come simply to help us look better. He came to make us whole. “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely.” — Proverbs 10:9Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

Both betrayed partners and unfaithful partners can fall into the same trap after infidelity: using every video, post, podcast, and expert opinion they find online to prove the other person is the problem. But if the goal is reconciliation, being right is not the same as healing. In this episode, I talk about the difference between accountability and punishment, why betrayal trauma is real but cannot become a blank check for cruelty, and why remorse does not mean the unfaithful partner has to become completely boundaryless. If you're trying to recover after infidelity and the relationship keeps going in circles, this episode will help you understand what may actually be happening underneath the constant fighting. If you want help healing from betrayal trauma and getting out of the emotional loop, book a free call here:

WHEN NO ONE IS WATCHING Gordon Dabbs, PhD Proverbs 10.9 Proverbs 10.9 (ESV) Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out. Character Is What Wisdom Looks Like Over Time Proverbs 22.1 (ESV) A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold. Proverbs 10.9 (ESV) Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out. Your Work has a Spiritual Dimension Proverbs 6.6 (ESV) Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Colossians 3.17 (ESV) And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus. . . Integrity Gives You Solid Ground to Stand On Proverbs 11.3 (ESV) The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them. Proverbs 11.1 (ESV) A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is his delight. The goal of Jesus is not image management. It's inner transformation.Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

WHEN NO ONE IS WATCHING Gordon Dabbs, PhD Proverbs 10.9 Proverbs 10.9 (ESV) Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out. Character Is What Wisdom Looks Like Over Time Proverbs 22.1 (ESV) A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold. Proverbs 10.9 (ESV) Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out. Your Work has a Spiritual Dimension Proverbs 6.6 (ESV) Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Colossians 3.17 (ESV) And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus. . . Integrity Gives You Solid Ground to Stand On Proverbs 11.3 (ESV) The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them. Proverbs 11.1 (ESV) A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is his delight. The goal of Jesus is not image management. It's inner transformation.Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

DEEPER is a series designed for all ages to grow in God's word! This cover-to-cover study of the Bible, Genesis to Revelation, is a weekly opportunity for the entire family to be encouraged, challenged, and edified.Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

Emotional flooding after infidelity can feel like your whole nervous system has been hijacked. In this episode, I talk about what to do in those intense, triggered moments, why trying to “fight” the feeling can sometimes make it worse, and how to stop feeding the mental story that keeps the pain alive. If you're struggling with intrusive thoughts, emotional flooding, or processing the betrayal after infidelity, book a free call with me to see if my one-on-one work is the right fit for your situation.

CIRCLE OF TRUST Gordon Dabbs, PhD Proverbs 13:20 Proverbs 13.20 (ESV) Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. Wisdom is not merely information you collect. Wisdom is a life you learn in relationship with others. Nobody becomes wise alone. Proverbs 27.17 (NLT) As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend. Not every relationship you have deserves the same access to you. 1 Corinthians 15.33 (ESV) Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” Love everyone always. Choose your closest companions carefully. Faithful friends tell the truth. Proverbs 27.6 (ESV) Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy. Proverbs 27.9 (NLT) The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense. Isolated people have a hard time seeing their own blind spots. Proverbs 17.17 (ESV) A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. I don't want to just find the right people. . .I want to become the right person that those right people can trust. Proverbs 18.24 (ESV) A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Jesus receives us as we are, but He loves us too much to leave us unchanged. The closer we walk with Jesus, the more we become the kind of people others can safely walk with.Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

After infidelity, it can be tempting to label the unfaithful partner as a narcissist. But the more important question may be less about diagnosis and more about patterns: blame-shifting, minimizing, lack of empathy, and whether you still feel connected to your own reality.