Summary

In this episode of the Fathering Strong podcast, Dr. David Mabry shares his personal journey of fatherhood, reflecting on his own upbringing in a dysfunctional family and how it shaped his approach to parenting. He discusses the importance of forgiveness, the impact of family dynamics, and the joys and challenges of being a father. Dr. Mabry emphasizes the need for empathy towards one’s parents and the significance of learning and growing through the parenting experience. The conversation highlights the privilege of fatherhood and the continuous journey of personal development as a parent. In this conversation, Dr. David Mabry discusses his journey to becoming the executive director of Encompass, a center dedicated to improving relationships through various programs and services. He shares insights into the organization’s mission, the importance of training facilitators, and the impact of their work on couples and families. Dr. Mabry also highlights the funding mechanisms that support Encompass and outlines the future vision for expanding their reach and services.

Takeaways

• Dr. Mabry grew up in a dysfunctional family.
• He made a conscious decision to father differently than his own father.
• Forgiveness is a process that evolves over time.
• Family of origin impacts our parenting styles significantly.
• Every child presents unique challenges to their parents.
• Empathy for one’s parents can aid in the forgiveness process.
• Parenting requires learning and adapting to new challenges.
• The joys of parenting are found in everyday moments.
• Being a father is a privilege and an honor.
• Continuous growth as a parent is essential. Dr. Mabry has been in ministry for 35 years, focusing on families and marriages.
• Encompass was established to address high divorce rates in the community.
• The organization offers programs for couples, singles, parents, and workplace relationships.
• All programs are available online, making them accessible nationwide.
• Facilitators and coaches are trained to support individuals in their relationship journeys.
• Success stories highlight the transformative impact of Encompass’s services.
• Funding comes from fees for service, grants, and individual donations.
• The organization aims to replicate its model in other communities.
• Dr. Mabry emphasizes the importance of premarital counseling for couples.
• The future vision includes expanding services beyond the current geographic boundaries.

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction to Fatherhood Stories
02:51 – Dr. Mabry’s Journey of Forgiveness
06:05 – Understanding Family of Origin Impact
08:50 – Navigating Fatherhood Challenges
12:07 – The Joys of Parenting
14:52 – Learning and Growing as a Father
18:05 – Reflections on Parenting Experiences
23:40 – Journey to Encompass: A New Chapter
27:09 – The Mission of Encompass: Transforming Relationships
29:43 – Programs and Services: Reaching Diverse Audiences
31:04 – Training Coaches and Facilitators: Expanding Impact
34:36 – Success Stories: Real-Life Transformations
39:53 – Funding the Mission: Sustaining Encompass
43:10 – Future Vision: Expanding Encompass’s Reach

You may reach Dr. Mabry at Encompass Connection Center.
Website: www.encompassccorg
email: [email protected]