Growin' Up Gregory

I love numbers.  It's safe to say that I'm a "numbers guy."  I always did better in math where 2 + 2 = 4 every single day instead of English where words and phrases could be interpreted with varying meanings.  And now working in banking, I still love numbers.  They make some decisions black and white where things are perfectly clear-cut.  But sometimes at work, and especially in life, it's about more than a number and we venture into gray areas.  (Note:  I could go on more here about why and how our bank does things differently than most but I don't want to risk stating something incorrectly or sharing confidential information.  If you'd like to know more, please contact me there.) Over the past couple weeks, I have read articles from Union County and from the Union County School District discussing multiple statistics in our school system and the effects it has on economic recruitment.  Some of those statistics are alarming.  I've eve...

What gives you a rush?  Makes you feel alive?  Or if you're struggling right now, makes you feel like you can just make it through the day? For some of us, it's the excitement of an extreme sport, a cup of coffee, doing something we love, or the look on a loved one's face when they're filled with joy.  But for some struggling with substance abuse, it may be a drug.  It may be something you can purchase legally (like alcohol, tobacco, or marijuana in some states), something you are prescribed (like painkillers), or something purchased illegally. I believe that we have all had times where we felt like we needed a little 'pick me up,' a boost, or some liquid courage.  Life is hard, I get it.  Unfortunately, too many people try to endure the rigors of life by relying on alcohol and drugs.  This reliance can lead to drunkenness and addiction.  But God has a better plan for our lives, a different "substance" that should be our influence. Unpopul...