Porn: A Victimless Pastime?

For those of you who struggle to let go of your porn habit because you still believe it doesn't hurt anyone, take a look at the heartbreaking story of Lara Roxx and then tell yourself that notion is still true.



Read more about Lara and the glorious way God is using her story to raise awareness of living with HIV at Pink Cross Foundation.

Struggle vs. Submission

Struggle Vs. Submission from Rick Elliott on Vimeo.

Recovery On The Web: Every Man's Battle

If you've been a sex/porn addict for any length of time, you are most likely familiar with Stephen Arterburn & Fred Stoeker's Every Man's Battle. The EMB online community for men is a natural extension of the book series and is a nice resource for those who are struggling as well as those experiencing success. Here you will find articles, blogs, forums, groups, workshop information, video clips, and music to support you on your journey. Unlike many support websites I've encountered, the EMB community is active, vibrant, and current. Groups include Singles, Married, Military, and several region/church specific groups located all over the world. Current forum topics include Accountability, Sexual Purity, & Addictions.

Recovery Resource: Somebody's Daughter

I ordered this DVD/CD set several weeks ago and it has been an invaluable resource during times of struggle and temptation. The DVD includes the testimonies of three men and a husband and wife who share their personal struggle with pornography, confronting the lies and darkness of this addictive force with compelling honesty and hope. The DVD also contains four music videos and eight vignettes. The 55 minute bonus CD contains 9 original songs, stories, poetry, and scripture readings. I downloaded it to my Ipod and turn to it often for encouragement and strength. "Somebody's Daughter" can be ordered from Music For The Soul for just $19.99 and is well worth the price!

Christian Artists You Should Be Listening To - Todd Agnew

Jeff's Story

Jeff Fowler struggles with pornography. It has followed him his entire life. Now on his third marriage, Jeff has found the courage and power to overcome his addiction. He has rediscovered God's grace through Freedom Begins Here.

The Cost of Pornography

The Cost of Pornography from Rick Elliott on Vimeo.

Recovery Resource: Attitudes of Sexual Integrity

Russ Shaw hosted (it is currently on hiatus while Russ devotes some time to his family) this excellent podcast that honestly and openly addresses the topic of pornography addiction and offers hope, encouragement, truth, and strength from one who has been there. Earlier episodes are lacking in production value but more than makes up for it in content as Russ tackles the issue head-on and offers practical strategies for overcoming this temptation and finding recovery through the person of Jesus Christ. Although produced from a Christian perspective, there is plenty of good advice and material that the non-Christian struggler can relate to as well. Check it out on Itunes. Oh, and one final note: Itunes has marked these podcasts with an "explicit" warning that is, in my opinion, totally unjustified.

New Direction

Despite the unfortunate freeze-frame, breasts are not the subject (nor were they even mentioned) of this blog post!

Untitled from Rick Elliott on Vimeo.

Experiencing The Love Of God Through His People

Experiencing The Love of God Through His People from Rick Elliott on Vimeo.

Testimony from Married Ex-Porn Addicts

Many couples, including Christian couples in covenant marriages, introduce porn into their marriage thinking it will spice up the relationship and enhance the marriage bed. Nothing could be further from the truth as this excellent, and unflinchingly honest, testimony video from Passion 4 Christ Movement demonstrates.



I can personally testify to you that bringing pornography into your marriage, regardless of whether both parties agree to doing so, is destructive and a lie of the enemy designed to undermine your relationship and alienate you from one another.

Be Blessed.

Christian Artists You Should Be Listening To - Jimmy Needham

Jimmy Needham is a Texas-based Christian artist whose unique vocals (think John Mayer) and solid theological messages combine for a winning combination. One of my favorite songs from his latest album, "Not Without Love" is 'Rend'.

Jimmy exlains the inspiration behind the song on his website: "The book of Joel speaks of a time of judgment and devastation for God's people because of their sinful ways. And yet, even in the midst of judgment the Father's compassionate hand is extended. "Even now," declares the LORD as He invites Israel to turn from their sins and cling to Him alone. However, as He invites His people back into relationship with himself, there is one requirement from God. "Rend your hearts and not your garments." The word "rend" means to tear apart. What God is saying to them and to us today is this: I don't want a show from you. I want an authentic heart change. Save the performance because I am concerned about genuine repentance, not fabricated repentance."

Error Vs. Truth

Error Vs. Truth from Rick Elliott on Vimeo.

I Need A Friend

I know...the picture quality is lacking....I look like one of those anonymous voices on the news who doesn't want his face shown....I'll improve the quality next time!

I Need A Friend from Rick Elliott on Vimeo.

Will I Ever Be Enough?

I’ve been thinking a great deal about something Crystal Renaud said in her message this past Sunday at Church @ Bethany. She spoke about the importance of speaking messages of love and affirmation into the hearts of our daughters and how damaging it can be to her self-esteem when those messages are lacking. I can tell you that this is equally important in the lives of our boys and young men.

I have not received a great deal of positive input from the father figures in my life. By the time I was 12, on was on Dad number 4 and the lack of connection and genuine father-son affection had settled into my heart and head as a pervasive sense that I was unlovable and unwanted by anyone with XY-chromosomes. My mom did her best to fill this void but there are needs in the heart of a young boy that a mother simply cannot meet no matter how much she may try. As Crystal stated I her message, the way a child – male or female – views their earthly father, the way a child’s relationship with their earthly father makes them feel will be carried over into their relationship with their heavenly father. This resonates with me so deeply because it is THE core issue that came to the surface during my 12-step work for porn addiction and has been extremely difficult for me to overcome. No matter how much a pray, no matter how many chapters of the Bible I read, no matter how many church services I attend, no matter how much recovery work I do…..there remains an emotional disconnect and lack of trust in my relationship to God. It is a major stumbling block to my desire to give myself over fully to His love and care because I’ve not ever experienced a relationship like that before. In my experience, fathers leave, fathers cannot be trusted, fathers are not affectionate, fathers promise a lot of things without delivering, fathers are distant and aloof, fathers love conditionally. My childhood has left me feeling that I am flawed, unworthy of love.

This sense of low self-worth clouds all of my relationships, prevents me from making truly genuine connections with others. I am always comparing, always measuring myself against others. And, wouldn’t you know, I always come up short. As excited as I was on Sunday to meet the infamous Hodgelodge – Brent & Tam – I was equally nervous to do so and nearly bailed. All those negative thoughts about myself began swirling in my head and I suddenly lost confidence in following through with the plan. Would I be what they expected? Would they be put off by my weight, my looks, the way I dress? Would I be witty enough, genuine enough, spiritual enough, would I make a good enough impression to be counted amongst their friends? Would I be enough? Enough, enough, ENOUGH!

All of this reminds me of one of my favorite songs by the band Sevenglory titled “Ever Be Enough”:

I’ve wandered for so long
seems like I’ve been down this road before
So long, I’m fading from the light
I feel your existence
Even now I have to close my eyes
Echoes in my head, feeding me lies

Send me fire from the sky, an angel from on high
My heart cries

Will I ever be enough?
Will I ever see
the beauty that’s inside, inside of me?
Will I ever be enough?
Will I ever see, the way you see me?

I’m lost in emotion
overtaken by my every breath
finding strength I never knew I had
A promise, a let-down
Back to where I did not know myself
You call to me, oh it must be someone else

Send me fire from the sky, an angel from on high
My heart cries

Will I ever be enough?
Will I ever see
the beauty that’s inside, inside of me?
Will I ever be enough?
Will I ever see, the way you see me?

For so long now I’ve left the thought of gaining any promise of new life
I’m living in the shadows
I look away just long enough to realize my life
Will never see tomorrow

Will I ever be enough?
Will I ever see
the beauty that’s inside, inside of me?
Will I ever be enough?
Will I ever see, the way that you see me?

So, how does one overcome the internal dialogue of their past life experience? How can I reach a place where I stop keeping God at arms length and give in to the fullness of His embrace?

Father God, please help me to see myself through your eyes and not the eyes of a wounded childhood. Father, heal my inner child so that I can see that my worth is not defined by the hurts of my past but in the hope for my future. Remind me, Father, that I am fearfully and wonderfully made in your image and, therefore, of infinite worth. Amen.

Be blessed.