Unlocking the mystery of dyslexia and revealing the transformative power of specialized instruction, this episode takes listeners deep into the world of neurodiversity through the lens of Ben Lippen School's innovative program, The Ridge.

Mrs. Sarah Beth Helsley and Mrs. Sara Smithson, experts in Orton-Gillingham methodology, break down the complex realities of dyslexia with clarity and compassion. They offer a powerful analogy comparing the dyslexic reading experience to navigating a highway filled with potholes and detours – a vivid illustration that helps parents, educators, and community members understand the daily challenges these students face.

The conversation dismantles harmful myths that have long surrounded dyslexia. Letters aren't actually "flipping" or "dancing" on the page, and most crucially, dyslexia has absolutely nothing to do with intelligence. In fact, many individuals with dyslexia possess extraordinary cognitive abilities and unique strengths, with approximately 35% of entrepreneurs identifying as dyslexic, including visionaries like Steve Jobs and Albert Einstein.

What sets this discussion apart is its integration of faith and specialized education. The Ridge program stands as a testament to what's possible when schools embrace neurodiversity while maintaining their core values. Students can receive the specialized instruction they need without leaving their school community or sacrificing their faith-based education. As Smithson shares from her dual perspective as both an educator and mother of a child with dyslexia, "It's been a huge answer to prayer for my family."

Whether you're a parent concerned about your child's reading development, an educator seeking to better support diverse learners, or simply someone interested in how schools can become more inclusive while staying true to their mission, this episode offers both practical insights and inspirational possibilities. Join us as we celebrate how each child is "fearfully and wonderfully made".

Dr. Ben Mathew returns to conclude our five-part series on racial reconciliation with a powerful synthesis of biblical teaching and practical wisdom. Rather than diving into political talking points, we ground our conversation in scripture's grand narrative—from creation to revelation—exploring how God's design for a diverse human family unfolds.

The journey begins with the Imago Dei, establishing our primary identity as image-bearers before any racial or ethnic distinction. Through the lens of Genesis 11 and Acts 2, we witness God's judgment through language division at Babel contrasted with his redemptive work through language unification at Pentecost. Most significantly, Revelation reveals Christ's sacrifice specifically ransomed people "from every tribe, language, people and nation"—diversity that brings God glory like a symphony of distinct instruments playing in harmony.

When discussing evangelical unity, Dr. Mathew emphasizes holding core Gospel truths with conviction while approaching secondary matters with charity. His practical advice for building cross-cultural relationships starts simply: "Ask people to tell their stories." This human connection builds relational equity that can eventually support more challenging conversations about race.

Perhaps most thought-provoking is the biblical evidence for both individual and systemic expressions of sin. Through examples like Achan's family punishment, Daniel's national repentance, and Adam's sin affecting all humanity, scripture acknowledges community responsibility alongside personal accountability—a balanced perspective that challenges our cultural extremes.

As our community grows increasingly diverse, Dr. Mathew leaves us with this guiding principle: "The Gospel creates soft hearts and thick skin." Our secure identity in Christ gives us both the compassion and resilience needed to engage difficult conversations with grace, humility, and hope.

Unlock the profound connection between biblical identity and racial reality in our latest episode with Dr. Ben Mathew from Columbia International University. Join us as we explore how prioritizing our faith can help us transcend biases and foster unity within the Ben Lippin School community. Dr. Mathew guides us through the complexities of maintaining our identity in Christ while embracing our diverse backgrounds. Discover how this perspective aligns with the gospel's message of love and redemption, offering a pathway to reconcile differences and build a stronger, more inclusive community.

Get ready for an engaging conversation as Dr. Mathew shares his insights on addressing cultural misunderstandings and hurtful comments with compassion and scriptural wisdom. We tackle the challenges of "colorblindness" and "color essentialism," advocating for a balanced approach where our faith informs our views on race and culture without overshadowing our unique identities. Drawing lessons from the unity between Jews and Gentiles in Ephesians, we aim to inspire honest dialogue and understanding. Don't miss the opportunity to connect with Dr. Mathew for further exploration of these vital topics, as he offers his contact information for those eager to continue the conversation.

Click here to submit your questions for Dr. Mathew to review.

Discover how the cross shapes our understanding of race and reconciliation with Dr. Ben Mathew on the Ben Lippen Podcast. Join us as we explore the profound themes of creation, fall, cross, redemption, and glory, focusing on the central role of the cross in God's grand narrative. Dr. Mathew offers fresh insights from Revelation 5, illuminating the powerful image of a multi-ethnic community united through Jesus' sacrifice. This episode promises to challenge and enrich your views on how the gospel informs racial discussions, reminding us that the ultimate story is about God's glory and our joy.

Through a thoughtful conversation, we examine how God's narrative is one of redemption and reconciliation, emphasizing that while the Bible's metanarrative centers on the gospel, it also informs essential narratives like racial reconciliation. Dr. Mathew, with his extensive knowledge, helps us uncover the significance of Jesus' blood in ransoming people from every tribe, language, people, and nation. Don't miss this chance to reflect on these profound themes and grow with us on this enlightening journey.

Click here to submit your questions and feedback for Dr. Mathew

Dr. Ben Mathew from Columbia International University joins us to explore the intricate relationship between the gospel and racial discussions, guided by a reflective heart posture. Discover how good theology serves as a vital foundation for addressing race through a biblical perspective, using the rich framework of creation, fall, cross, redemption, and glory. While racial reconciliation might not be the Bible's central theme, it emerges as a pivotal subplot in the greater narrative of redemption and God's glory.

We journey into the profound concept of intrinsic human value through the eyes of faith and theology. Inspired by a child's innocent perspective and the wisdom of C.S. Lewis, we unravel the sacredness of each individual, created in God's image, worthy of love and respect. The creation story reinforces our collective unity and "very good" nature before the fall. Delving into the tale of the Tower of Babel, we set the stage for understanding our identity, value, and purpose, offering a biblical lens to navigate race and diversity discussions.

Our conversation takes a deep dive into the divine plan for redemption and unity as showcased in Genesis. The contrast between human ambition in the Tower of Babel story and God's redemptive promise to Abram illuminates the path from division to unity. By recentering our identity in God's image, we unveil a hope that transcends cultural and ethnic distinctions. Engage with us by submitting your thoughts and questions for Dr. Mathew, as we address them in our concluding episode. Connect with Dr. Matthew at ben.mathew@ciu.edu and be part of this transformative dialogue.

Click here to submit your questions and comments for Dr. Mathew to review.

Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Dr. Ben Mathew, a respected figure in counseling and theology, as we navigate the complex intersection of The Gospel and race at Ben Lippen School. Discover how Dr. Mathew’s multicultural upbringing shapes his unique approach to these sensitive discussions, emphasizing the critical role of heart posture and personal reflection. Learn how grounding our conversations in biblical truth, specifically Jude 3, can be a powerful unifying force, steering us away from political divides and towards a faith-driven dialogue.

We explore the delicate balance between holding strong convictions and remaining adaptable, drawing inspiration from biblical figures like Jude and Paul. Through engaging metaphors, such as comparing our heart posture to Gumby and Stretch Armstrong, we illustrate the importance of staying grounded while being flexible. We uncover personal and communal growth opportunities by examining our initial reactions and encouraging honest self-reflection. This episode is a call to embrace God’s invitation to grow beyond our current state, aligning with the sanctification journey.

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Discover how to navigate the complexities of modern parenting as we wrap up our enlightening series with Chris McKenna from Protect Young Eyes. Chris joins us to equip parents with the tools needed to create tech-savvy homes in a digital world that’s evolving at lightning speed. We promise that by the end of this episode, you'll have a clearer understanding of the potential dangers lurking in popular social media platforms and games like TikTok, YouTube, Snapchat, Roblox, and Fortnite. With firsthand insights gained from creating child-aged accounts, we spotlight the kind of content your kids might encounter online, urging you to be vigilant in assessing its suitability. Through a biblical perspective, we explore how these digital environments should reflect values of holiness, excellence, and praiseworthiness.

We also tackle the pressing issue of children's digital footprints and privacy in our hyper-connected age. Consider the hidden risks of sharing personal details online, such as birthdays and school uniforms, akin to revealing a child's baby book to complete strangers. We discuss the dangers of identity theft and the misuse of images through deepfakes, emphasizing the need for parental caution in the digital realm. To support you in safeguarding your children, we introduce valuable resources from Protect Young Eyes, including our guides and "The Download" newsletter, offering the latest updates on digital safety and emerging tech. Our mission is to empower you with practical, faith-centered guidance to protect your family in an ever-changing online landscape.

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PYE App Reviews

Can social media be a spiritual stumbling block for children? Chris McKenna from Protect Young Eyes joins us to tackle this thought-provoking question, offering a perspective through a biblical lens. We explore the potential spiritual and emotional challenges posed by social media, urging Christian parents to be vigilant about the dark influences that may accompany digital engagement. Reflecting on Philippians 4:8, we inspire parents to guide their children toward focusing on virtues that truly enrich the soul. This conversation is a call to action for parents striving to uphold their spiritual values in a world dominated by digital pressures.

We also offer practical advice for navigating the digital landscape with your children, discussing safer tech options like the Bark phone, Gab, TruMe, Pinwheel, and MM Guardian. Learn how these tools, along with smartwatches and tablets, can serve as transitional devices under parental supervision. Chris shares insights on maintaining open communication with your kids about their digital experiences and reinforces the importance of grace and forgiveness in parenting. By acknowledging past missteps, we encourage taking actionable steps toward a more conscious digital parenting journey. Join us for an insightful discussion on safeguarding your children's well-being in this digital age.

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