What happens when your identity is shaken to its foundation? Taylor Nelson, Director of Fine Arts at Ben Lippen School, takes us on an intimate journey through the defining moments that shaped his understanding of art, faith, and purpose.

As Taylor shares stories from his six years at Ben Lippen and his previous teaching experience in Charlotte, we discover a man driven by more than just artistic excellence. His personal narrative weaves through travels across continents (with a goal of "seven continents by 70"), a loving marriage, and the joy of new parenthood with five-month-old son Davis. But beneath these achievements lies a powerful testimony of transformation.

During college, Taylor faced a crisis that would redefine everything. As a vocal performance major whose entire identity was wrapped up in being "the music guy," he suddenly lost his voice for months. Through this challenging season, Taylor discovered the danger of making good things—like artistic talent—into ultimate things. "Nothing is strong enough or firm enough to root my identity on the inside except Christ," he realized, a lesson that now permeates his educational philosophy.

This revelation shapes how Taylor leads Ben Lippen’s thriving arts program. Rather than teaching students to create for self-glory or recognition, he instills a three-fold purpose: creating "for God, for others, and for fun." This approach frees young artists from the crushing weight of perfectionism and redirects their focus toward reflecting their Creator's excellence.

Under Taylor's leadership, Ben Lippen’s arts department has flourished with expanded opportunities, expert instruction, and a biblical worldview. Recent musical productions have nearly sold out, demonstrating growing community support. Looking ahead, Taylor hints at exciting developments including potential tours and international experiences that will further enrich students' artistic journeys.

Want to support this vision of arts education that transforms not just skills but hearts? Connect with Taylor at taylornelson@benlippin.com or join the Friends of Fine Arts Booster Club at benlippin.com/fofa.

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.