From Dysfunction to Flourishing

Mabry family portrait 1976. David is bottom left corner.

By Dr. David Marine Mabry
Encompass Executive Director

I grew up as the third of four boys in a rural, working-class family just outside a small Ohio town. To put it simply, we didn’t have much—and I don’t just mean financially. Our home was filled with stress, instability, and frequent conflict. I have few happy memories from those early years. What I do remember most is waking up to my parents arguing and navigating the constant emotional turbulence that came with it. 
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My mother carried deep emotional pain, and my father—quiet and passive—often disappeared into the background in the face of her outbursts. My brothers and I were largely left to figure things out on our own, often getting into trouble at home and school. We endured emotional abuse and confusion about what family was supposed to feel like. I lived with a constant sense of insecurity and instability. It felt like the ground beneath us could shift at any moment. ​

My escape came through sports and friendships at school. That’s where I first encountered a group of students who showed me something different—something full of light, welcome, and peace. They were Christians, and they didn’t just talk about faith; they lived it. Through their example and open-hearted friendship, I was introduced to the hope of new life through Jesus Christ. In high school, I made a decision to surrender my life to Christ, and I’ve never looked back. 

That turning point gave me a vision for something better—a life not bound by the patterns I had inherited. It didn’t remove all the hardship at home, but it gave me strength, perspective, and purpose. I was determined to break the cycle. I resolved in my heart that, one day, I would be the kind of husband and father who led with love, stability, and grace. 
My parents eventually divorced when I was in my twenties. My father later remarried a kind and loving woman, while my mother—now in her eighties—continues to battle emotional instability. Though her pain remains, my faith journey has allowed me to view her with compassion and offer grace where I once held frustration. 

Today, by God’s grace and with the support of my incredible wife, Theresa, I’m living out that early commitment. We’ve been married for 32 years, raising three children in a home that, while not perfect, has been marked by health, laughter, and intentional love. Our family story has become a testament to what is possible when relationships are nurtured, healing is pursued, and grace is embraced. 

Out of our shared experience, Theresa and I have committed our lives to helping others experience the same kind of transformation. We’ve served in churches and nonprofits, walking alongside couples and families with a simple mission: to help people discover the joy and purpose of healthy, thriving relationships. 

That journey has led us to Encompass Connection Center, where we now lead a team focused on building stronger marriages, healthier families, and more resilient individuals. Every day, we see stories of transformation—stories like mine. Stories of people who decided the dysfunction stops with them. People who courageously chose growth, healing, and a new direction. We believe family trees can be changed in a single generation. 

This month on the blog, we’re sharing some of these real-life stories from those who have been impacted by Encompass. You’ll hear from people who faced adversity but refused to be defined by it. People who leaned into the hard work of healing and emerged with renewed hope. And while we couldn’t possibly share every story from the past 20 years of Encompass—there are too many—we hope these few will inspire and encourage you. 

Maybe you see parts of your own story in mine. Maybe your past is painful or your present feels stuck. Please hear me: change is possible. Healing is possible. New life is possible. You are not alone. 

Let this be the month you make a conscious decision to change your family tree.  

Be the one who starts something new—for yourself, for your children, for future generations. 
 
Be the person who encourages others toward wholeness and joy.  

Be a champion for marriage and family in your community. 

And if you need help along the way, we’re here. Whether it’s relationship coaching, classes, or simply someone to talk to, Encompass is ready to walk with you. Visit our website, explore our programs, and take that next step. Your story isn’t over. In fact, it may just be getting started. 

Ready to take the next step? 
Explore our resources, coaching opportunities, and community programs at www.encompasscc.org. We believe your best chapter is yet to be written. ​