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Wounds in the Way | The Maturity of Men with Mike Hill S01E09

In this compelling episode of Wounds in the Way on the StrongHome Network, hosts Apryl Jones and Melissa Reed sit down with special guest Actor and TV Personality, Mike Hill to tackle the journey of male maturity and the struggles that often come with it. Mike, known for his candid nature, opens up with full transparency about his own story—admitting he didn’t reach true maturity until he was over 40. He reflects deeply on his past relationships, including marriages to three wives, one of whom was supermodel Cynthia Bailey, and reveals how immaturity led to broken trust and infidelity.

As he shares how these challenges impacted his connection with his daughters and was almost the demise of their relationship, Mike describes a turning point in his life where he committed to making lasting, positive changes. He credits a portion of his personal growth and increasing faith to his spiritual connection with Apryl, who helped guide him to church and encouraged his journey toward a stronger relationship with God.

In this episode, they also take on the question: Should a man leave behind his female friends when he finds his wife? And should a woman do the same with her male friends when committed to a man? Tune in for an honest, heartfelt discussion that dives into real-life experiences, spiritual growth, and the journey toward authentic, lasting maturity.

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Limitless Living: Embracing Godly Boundaries

In a world where relationships often struggle due to unspoken expectations, one crucial element stands out: boundaries. Through reflection and growth, I’ve come to realize the importance of setting clear, respectful boundaries in every aspect of life, especially in marriage. I now understand that boundaries are not just rules but acts of love, care, and respect. As the head of the household, it is my responsibility to set these boundaries, seeking guidance from God and His Word to ensure they align with His will. By doing so, I not only strengthen my relationship with my wife but also create a peaceful, orderly home that honors both God and the love we share. This journey of repentance, forgiveness, and transformation has shown me the power of living within the structure of godly boundaries, and the peace that follows is immeasurable. I encourage all men to step up, seek God’s direction, and set boundaries that empower your family to thrive in faith, love, and abundance.

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From the Hurt to the Healing: A Male Perspective on Emotional Healing

Healing is a multifaceted journey, extending beyond physical wounds to encompass emotional and mental recovery. For a long time, I focused solely on physical healing, dismissing the mental and emotional scars that I carried with me. It wasn’t until recently that I realized the danger of living with unresolved trauma—pain that you become so numb to that you forget it’s even there. I convinced myself it was easier to carry the pain rather than face the difficult, often prolonged, process of healing.

My own experiences taught me the importance of addressing wounds before they fester. I once broke my collarbone, but due to rushed treatment and neglecting proper healing, I now live with a permanent deformity. This painful reminder has become a profound lesson: avoiding the healing process only prolongs the pain and can lead to lasting consequences. The same holds true for emotional and mental wounds.

Now, I recognize the power of confronting pain head-on, acknowledging it, and giving myself permission to heal. I hold onto the wisdom in 1 Corinthians 10:13—God is faithful and will not allow us to face more than we can bear. With His strength, I trust that every challenge, every moment of healing, is an opportunity for growth. Today’s healing will bring tomorrow’s joy, and I’m ready to embrace that journey.

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From Fear to Faith: Rediscovering God

Starting something new begins with trusting God and facing our true selves—the good, the bad, and everything in between. God calls us to confront our truths with Him, not out of fear, but with faith. By aligning ourselves with God’s Word and reflecting His image, we can grow in trust and face the challenges in our lives. When we see God as a loving Father who comforts us, we embrace a deeper faith that helps us overcome doubt and fear. Trusting in His plan allows us to move forward with confidence and belief in His promises. As we pray, reflect, and believe, we grow closer to His love and truth.

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Persevering Through Trials With Positive Persistence

On November 4th, 2020, my life changed in an instant. A seizure caused by a previous head injury led to a catastrophic crash, leaving me with 20 broken bones, a broken jaw, a torn carotid artery, and a stroke. Flatlining at the scene, it seemed as though my life was over. But God had different plans for me.

After spending 15 days in a coma, I woke up with a deep sense of purpose. I knew my road to recovery would be long and difficult, but it was my second chance at life. Over the next three years, my faith in God and resilience guided me through the pain. My accident lawyer worked tirelessly to get my case deemed catastrophic, and I was able to start the rehabilitation process.

Despite the immense challenges, I found strength I never knew I had. My relationship with God became my anchor, and through prayer, I felt His presence every step of the way. Now, more than three years later, I have a renewed sense of clarity and determination. I am setting new goals, including a dream to compete in the Olympics, and I know that with God’s guidance, no obstacle is insurmountable.

This journey has taught me that resilience is not just about bouncing back, but about embracing the struggle and trusting in God’s plan. Never give up, because the rewards of getting back up are immeasurable.

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Triumphing Over Temptation

Overcoming bad habits is often a challenging journey, but the key to true success lies in understanding that we rarely overcome the hardest challenges on our own. When we fight for ourselves alone, it can lead to pride, and ultimately, self-sabotage. We tend to act in ways that we think are best for us, but without considering how it affects others. True growth happens when we fight for something greater than ourselves—when we fight for others, especially for love.

Think of addiction as trying to empty a glass of dirty water. No matter how many times you pour it out, it will eventually refill. The solution isn’t to keep emptying the glass, but to fill it with something clean. Like my mom, who spent 30 years trying to quit smoking. She kept quitting, failing again and again, until one day she realized her addiction was harming her children. It was then that she quit for them, and in doing so, she found the strength to quit for herself.

This is the power of love. It doesn’t fail, even in the toughest battles. As love perseveres, addiction starves. When you fall, get up, repent, and keep moving forward. Slow and steady wins the race, and no matter how long it takes, you will eventually conquer. Love is the key, and with faith, prayer, and support, you can transform your life, step by step. You are not alone, and you are loved. Keep quitting, and one day, you will never start again.

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Cultural Continuity: The Power of Boundaries in Armenian Christian Tradition

In the heart of Armenian culture, where faith, tradition, and community intertwine, the practice of setting boundaries has always been a cornerstone of both personal and familial life. With Christianity as the foundation of our national identity, Armenian households became sanctuaries of spiritual devotion, where the teachings of Christ were passed down from generation to generation. Parents instilled in their children the understanding that the home is a sacred space—one that must be protected through clear boundaries that reflect love, compassion, and respect for others. Just as Jesus Christ exemplified the importance of setting boundaries while maintaining empathy and selflessness, Armenian parents taught that the boundaries within our homes should protect our values and promote kindness, humility, and service to others. These boundaries are not only essential for personal well-being but also serve to preserve cultural identity and continuity across generations. In a world where cultural assimilation threatens our ancestral heritage, these boundaries help keep the richness of our Armenian and Black roots alive, ensuring that we pass down a legacy of faith, love, and integrity to our children.

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Count Your Blessings: Name Them One by One

Ever felt like life is tossing you around like a leaf in a storm? On those “tempest-tossed” days, it’s easy to lose sight of how far you’ve come and the ways you’ve been lifted along the way. That’s when the old wisdom of “counting your blessings” can shift your perspective. The hymn Count Your Blessings reminds us to pause, reflect, and name the ways God has shown up — providing in moments of need, offering comfort in sorrow, and giving strength for the journey. Gratitude isn’t just positive thinking; it’s a grounding practice that turns discouragement into hope. As you count your blessings, you’ll discover that God’s faithfulness brings peace for today and confidence for tomorrow.

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The Heart to Heal

As we step into 2024, it’s an opportunity for renewal and growth. Reflecting on the challenges of 2023, which brought unexpected surgeries and emotional healing for both me and Jeff, we’ve emerged stronger. Now, we’re ready to face the new year with resilience and optimism. Alongside this personal growth, I’m thrilled to share that the StrongHome Network has launched a podcast series, offering resources to strengthen families. Let’s embrace this new year as a canvas for growth, where every challenge becomes an opportunity to thrive, learn, and improve together as a community.

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Commitment & Consistency

Four years, Fam! Can you believe it? The StrongHome Network is turning four, and if I am being incredibly transparent, most times it just feels like a whirlwind of paperwork, tax filings, relationship building, deal negotiating, juggling job titles, grant writing, damage control, preventative measures, and countless hours of figuring out new things. Seriously, it’s

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