Moving Forward

Facilitating Personal and Relational Growth

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I live hard, love deeply, invite freely, gather passionately and follow Jesus wherever he leads.

  • Do You Want To Leave An Impact?

    If I asked you to share a time when you experienced joy, what would you think of? 

    Was it recently? What happened? Is joy a regular part of your life? If it is hard to answer this, you are not alone. But what is the importance of finding and experiencing joy and contentment, and how does it tie into living and leaving a life of impact? 

    After the assassination of Charlie Kirk, I saw men desiring to leave a greater impact on this earth. Many were asking “is what I am doing making a difference?” There was a hunger to do bigger things, and it was good to see men wanting to take action in ways that would positively impact others. As I listened to Erika Kirk speak, I began to realize that Charlie’s greatest impact was not necessarily from what he accomplished, but from how he existed when he accomplished. At least from the outside, it seemed his presence on earth brought her love, safety, contentment, purpose, happiness and joy. And these, perhaps above anything else he did, left a lasting mark on her heart.

    Men, is this the kind of legacy you are aiming to leave?

    I recently read that how a man exists determines his impact on others, and that there is an existence that produces powerful, positive heart impact. This kind of life is marked by presence, blessing, joy, and deep peace; inwardly first, and then outwardly. I found that in this man’s life, there is great meaning and purpose. His life is life-giving, good, deeply happy, and flourishing, because it is settled and right with what matters and who matters the most.

    This is a life of wholeness, stability, and a deeply-assured internal peace. This way of living brings lasting prosperity–relational prosperity–the greatest and most enduring wealth we can imagine! The impacts of this kind of life last because they affect hearts and are motivated by real love.  

    From the promises of the text of Psalm 128, I discovered that this man’s life is filled with and produces…

    • Meaningful work instead of purposelessness 
    • Deep relationships that grow instead of break
    • Relational safety instead of instability
    • Satisfaction instead of “surviving”
    • Rooted, resilient, and present children
    • Positive, healing multi-generational effects
    • Community-wide impacts and greater unity 
    • A joyful character

    The impact of heart and life alignment with God is first revealed to and experienced for those closest to us. Our spouse will flourish. Our children will thrive. Our friendships will grow. Like fruit, the effects may take time to be produced. But, faithfulness and devotion to God, and obedience towards Him will produce fruit, perhaps the greatest of which will be peace within us, and thereafter peace towards those around us.

    I write this to you, because it matters to me and has been found to be real by me. I have experienced tastes of this fruit and the enjoyment of this life personally. I have found that when I align with God and follow his way, blessings follow and joy are found. For me, this is a life of the deepest purpose, presence, and legacy that I know.  

    Moving Forward

    What can we do? The instructions in this text are simple, but from the heart: Fear the Lord; walk in His ways.

    How can we begin? I would recommend beginning by seeking God. Find Him. Ask for Him. Search for contentment with Him. What do you have to lose in trying this? 

    Where will the impact be shown? This impact will be made first with those closest to us: our wife, our children, our families, our friends; and then outwardly, in our communities.  

    Enjoy LIFE as this alignment bears fruit, your family flourishes, your community is enriched, your legacy endures, and you are at peace. This heart of joy can be found here and now, present and lasting, unable to be snatched away by circumstances.  

    This does not guarantee an easy life; we will face difficulties. But this assurance is not circumstantial; it is available and present no matter what season we are in or what we are facing.

    Questions or feedback? gerberxc@gmail.com 

    How joyful are those who fear the Lord— all who follow his ways! You will enjoy the fruit of your labor. How joyful and prosperous you will be! Your wife will be like a fruitful grapevine, flourishing within your home. Your children will be like vigorous young olive trees as they sit around your table. That is the Lord’s blessing for those who fear him. May the Lord continually bless you from Zion. May you see Jerusalem prosper as long as you live. May you live to enjoy your grandchildren. May Israel have peace! Psalms 128:1-6 

  • Kind Communication: Is It Possible After Divorce?

    photo credit: shutterstock

    The dynamics of divorce, and the fallout–especially with children involved–can be complex, challenging, and even hair-pulling. Communication can sometimes feel like mudslinging. You may often feel that things will never get better. In situations when post-divorce conflict and conversational difficulties continue, it is easy to wonder if it is possible to ever communicate well with your ex.

    One thing I appreciate when it comes to co-parenting after divorce is that the aim is clear– do what is best for the children. If that mission is in mind for every message or exchange, it can help keep things on track. 

    If you find yourself, as I do, using primarily message-based communication, you have likely seen the upsides as well as significant challenges. One good feature of some co-parenting apps is that they can check the tone conveyed in the messages. But, the technology lacks the ability to fully assess the motives and the intent within the message. And that, I believe, is the most important metric. Can I stand behind each message I send and say that my intentions were truly for the best of the children? Or was I motivated by some personal vendetta, past wrong, or feeling in response to something my ex said?

    Learning to consistently communicate kindly with your ex is a huge challenge, but also a huge opportunity.  And while things may get more friendly and polite over time, our motives and intentions are only changed through heart change. 

    To answer the title question, yes, I believe it is possible to communicate kindly, regardless of the situation you may be in. But, it will likely take time, effort, and perhaps a change of heart. For me personally, this change in heart flourishes the more that I seek God and allow him to work in my heart, thereby giving humility and gentleness the opportunity to grow.

    Consider this: Each exchange or message may be an opportunity, no matter how small, to look for and seek redemption and reconciliation in a relationship that has been damaged.

    Moving Forward

    How is your relational or divorce situation being used to change your heart today?

    What I have learned

    I am far from perfect; I have many messages I wish I could unsend. Growth is taking time, often slower than I wish. To help myself stay on track, I often ask myself, “What is best for the kids in this message I am about to send?” Here, I have to evaluate my heart; my attitude, motives, and intention behind the message I’m about to send. What am I hoping to convey and how do I want to convey it? 

    For the content and approach of the message, I am learning to ask, how can I say this so that what I am trying to communicate is conveyed in love, kindness, humility and gentleness? I do believe it is possible to do this more consistently, while still standing firm where I need to stay firm, and yielding where I need to yield; while being more understanding and open to feedback, but also strong in the convictions and principles that I believe are best for my children. 

    Questions or comments? Gerberxc@gmail.com 

    ——-

    Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.  Ephesians 4:2


  • Ready To Go Off-Script?

    What do you want to give someone today? 

    As the holiday season arrives, I often find myself considering this question from a material perspective. My aim in sharing this today is to invite you to consider giving something that has the potential to leave permanent value.

    As a home health PT, I’ve been in and out of around 15,000 homes in the past decade. I have heard countless stories from my patients that have held a place in their heart and minds for years. These memories usually involve someone who took an extra step to provide what they needed, when they needed it the most.

    We have an OT who came to a patient’s home one day for a visit. The patient was feeling terrible; his blood sugar was low and he needed to eat. Our OT went into the kitchen, prepared him scrambled eggs and brought them to him. The patient said afterwards that those were the best eggs he had eaten! He simply could not believe that the OT had taken the time to do this for him. This OT’s action reverberated around our office and beyond, and the power of its impact struck me. He had gone “off-script” to serve our patient well. The impact was profound–not only for the patient, but for all of us who heard the story afterwards. It gave me a greater realization of the potential impact I have each time I step across a threshold and into someone’s life.  

    Serving others well can sometimes take us “off-script”, and it may come at a personal cost. It may cost us our “on-time” schedule, our emotional space, our energy, or our clean pair of scrubs (ever had to get on the floor and search for something someone dropped under their bed? 🙂

    Regardless of the cost, consider giving someone something of lasting value today. We each have opportunities to do this, no matter where we are sitting or standing. Going off-script will require discernment–you may end up in unchartered territory–but great service often takes risks. 

    Today, please take your time to listen and understand what someone really needs –and then take action!

    By taking that extra step, you may impact someone’s life forever. 

    No matter where you are reading this, consider asking today, “how can I serve those around me?” 

    With this willingness, you may find open doors to go off-script, to extend yourself, to show love and compassion, and to leave a positive impact on someone today. 

    Are you ready?

    ________________________________________________

    About My Perspective

    My career has brought me across thresholds and into the lives of (likely) more than 36,000 people over the past 12 years. I have learned immensely through conversations beyond the open doors, and I want to share what I have learned and use my passion, experience and unique position to inspire people to serve through love. 

    I am a conversationalist. My intention is to bring you into a discussion that inspires thoughtfulness and brings action; one that moves the needle towards more compassionate, understanding, and loving service. I want to invite you to explore how we–you and I–can best serve the patients in our communities, and each other.

    If you are interested in having me bring this conversation to your workspace, reach out below. 

    Alex Gerber

    Doctor of Physical Therapy. Dad. Friend. Adventure Lover. Community Facilitator. Conversationalist. 

    Founder of Gathered Charleston, creating spaces to find community and connection (www.gatheredcharleston.org); MEND Charleston, a local men’s group for intentional men (www.mendcharleston.com), Get Out! Charleston, an outdoor adventure and connection group (www.getoutcharleston.com), and Moving Forward, an inspirational content platform (www.movingforwardministry.org)

    reach me at gerberxc@gmail.com

  • A Man’s Path Towards Purity and Wholeness

    The word “purity” seemed to lose its cultural appeal in the early 2000’s with the Purity Culture movement and sex; it definitely doesn’t seem to be a popular choice for a blog title, conversation topic or headline.  But today, in conversations with men and in exploring the depth of this word as it relates to life and the heart, I am finding that many guys currently place a high value on purity. 

    I have a friend who is a scientific researcher; He understands that the smallest contaminant can ruin an entire experiment. Months, or even years of work could be thrown out if the sterile procedures are not followed correctly and bacteria breeds.  And, through many conversations with men, I find that we often go to great lengths to avoid contamination of things that we highly value, especially food! 🤣. Smoking brisket, offshore fishing, hunting, grilling and cooking–hey, we strive for perfection!  We want purity to enhance the elemental flavors of what we enjoy. We want the highest quality, the best cuts from the pasture, the fish straight from the sea–not the cesspool. 

    But, do we bring this same passion for purity to our own hearts? 

    Pursuing heart purity may be one of the greatest joys in life; In it is wholeness. And as a man, finding wholeness is deeply soul satisfying. I am learning there is a way to this heart wholeness, and I found some understanding of this in Psalms 119:9 that I want to share today.

    How can a young person stay pure?

    The Hebrew word for “pure” here is zakkáh. This is “wholeness”; it expresses itself in a heart that has clean motives and intentions; it is sincere, filled with integrity and love, and free from contamination. So, how can a man stay pure?

    “..by obeying His word.”

    “lishmor” is the verb used here for “obeying”. It means to keep and guard; to watch over, to protect, to actively preserve, to live intentionally, to align your paths with God’s truth. 

    In other words, How do I live a life that aligns with what God desires, thereby bringing wholeness, purpose, and fulfillment?

    From Psalms 119:10-16, I see that a man can pursue “heart” purity by (NLT version)…

    • Seeking God, not hiding or running from Him. (vs 10)
    • Hiding His word in the heart (vs 11): deeply internalizing scripture through memorization and meditation, allowing it to guide your thoughts and actions, which come from the heart.
    • Praising Him (vs 12): expressing gratitude, admiration, and worship for God’s character and actions.
    • Being teachable in His word (vs 12): understanding I don’t have everything figured out, and I have more to learn.
    • Reciting aloud His word (vs 13)
    • Rejoicing in His word (vs 14): feeling and showing great joy or delight in what He reveals. 
    • Studying His word (vs 15): devoting time and attention to it. Think of the time towards your hobbies; is the same energy invested in His word?
    • Reflecting on His ways (vs 15): thinking deeply and carefully about the significance, purpose, or implications of God’s ways.
    • Delighting in His word (vs 16)
    • Remembering His word (vs 16)

    I have found that the further I dive into these, the greater wholeness I find, because I am drawn nearer to God, understanding his heart, and understanding how to truly live. And this greatly deepens my satisfaction in life and in Him.

    What could this look like for you today?

    For me personally, staying pure, or whole, looks like….

    • protecting/guarding my heart from voices or sources that do not align with God
    • pursuing a clean conscience, and confessing sin regularly
    • resisting bitterness in co-parenting conflicts
    • keeping my motives aligned with His
    • guarding my mind from old selfish, guilt, shame or fear-driven patterns
    • responding from the Spirit, not my wounds
    • staying emotionally and spiritually honest
    • letting love lead, always

    Moving Forward

    –>Where is your current value for purity for your own heart?

    –>What will you do today to pursue purity and wholeness? 

    Thoughts or comments? Alex Gerber, gerberxc@gmail.com

    ______ 

    How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word. 

    I have tried hard to find you— don’t let me wander from your commands. 

    I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. 

    I praise you, O Lord; teach me your decrees. 

    I have recited aloud all the regulations you have given us. 

    I have rejoiced in your laws as much as in riches. 

    I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways. 

    I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word. 

    Psalms 119:9-16

  • A Miserable Man—No More

    I’ve been asked why she left. 

    While I don’t have all the answers for my divorce, I do have one response: I am not the same man that I was. 

    I am a storyteller; here, I hope to accurately and truly convey mine. 

    A Man’s Dream

    In 2021, I moved to Charleston with the hope of a dream. Perhaps life would be better here; perhaps we would find that dream home and neighborhood and everything would be happy. The pandemic had shaken the foundations of my life. My community–gone. Friendships–none. I felt so alone. I had often numbed out from the reality of all of this through endless youtube and news scrolling that left me detached and absent emotionally. 

    Things did not improve here. My first job in Charleston was not what it was supposed to be. I quickly discovered the company was floundering. My work dried up, and I was beyond stressed trying to figure out how I would sustain our family, all while trying to find our dream home. This was turning into a massive challenge and a hidden financial stressor for me. I was struggling to find community, and had no friends. My marriage was unraveling, our connection getting more strained each day. My faith was dry and God was distant.

    I was a miserable man. 

    A Man Alone 

    I kept all of this in.

    Even my wife did not know what I was experiencing and feeling. I thought I could handle it. I thought I was supposed to handle it on my own–but nothing was working. I kept trying to figure everything out, alone. In the spring of 2022, I entered the darkest season of my life. I was majorly depressed and didn’t know it. The pain, the loneliness, the irritation, the stress seemed too much to bear.

    “You need friends.”

    The words she spoke to me at the time revealed how alone and miserable I was. This was the truth–I did need friends. She encouraged me to go to a men’s retreat. Although I did not realize it at the time, as I look back, this was the start of the turn towards a different way of life for me. 

    Can I explain to you how miserable it is as a man to feel alone? To feel like everything you face–every challenge and stress–has to be faced and “handled” solely by you–worrying that you might weigh someone else down by sharing? The feeling that because you are a man, you should be able to handle it all and figure it out on your own? Through this dark season, I slowly began to understand that there was another way to live.

    I was not living. 

    The Encounter

    There have been many small, incremental turning points in my journey over the past 3 years. And several big ones–separation and divorce, grief, and loss among those. I tried so hard to figure out–on my own–how to face and manage these. All of it–everything I tried to fight so hard to control–seemed to slip away and through my fingers. I tried to change myself. I tried to be a different man. I tried to be happier and more whole. I tried my hardest to live. 

    It took the most profound moment of my life, a night in October of 2023, to change my perspective and my life. For months, I had been crying out, “God, if you are real, help me. Give me clarity.” And there, laying alone in my bed that night, I saw my life and who I was as a man appear before my eyes. I felt my heart opened up by two invisible hands, and everything inside was revealed to me–ALL of it. The deepest, darkest corners of my heart were illuminated. It was too much to bear! And there, in that moment, I felt a voice saying “I love you”. 

    My journey from there began to change significantly. The pain did not go away completely; the hopelessness still felt overpowering; the sense of failure and shame was often too much to carry–these led me to face the end of myself and almost my life. But today, I am here. I am alive! And it is not because of me, or anything that I did. 

    My Hope

    This is what I want you to hear: it is not because of me, or anything that I did. 

    I did not, on my own efforts, accomplish or work out who I am or where I am today. This change–this understanding, was given to me, through the fullest experience of love I have ever encountered.

    It was revealed to me, small at times, and overwhelmingly huge at others. I was incapable on my own of fully seeing who I was inside and knowing how to truly be alive. I know now there is only one thing that could have opened my heart and my eyes to see, and to Him I give this story and my life. 

    I was a miserable man–but no more!

    I have felt the crushing weight of the chains of performance, the misery of guilt and shame, driving decisions and scarring relationships. Now, I have been experiencing a new way of living–a new life. One that is not marked by my failures and mistakes, but which is based on the hope and love that I have found in God alone.

    He did this!

    It was all through Him and by Him, and my life and my work now is for Him. For me, this is the truth I have found and the hope I am eager to share with you.

    You may question this, or be intrigued. Perhaps you are spiritual–or not. No matter where you are, if you know me or don’t, I hope you will ask, “how did this miserable man get to where he is now? How did his life change?”. And my answer is simply and profoundly–God’s love. 

    The Friend 

    I found a friend who never leaves me. A friend who is always with me; who has been with me through the hardest and darkest seasons of my life, and is in all of the joy and gladness and beauty I now experience. He is my greatest friend.

    I am not alone. 

    If you would like to learn or hear more, please reach out! 

    Alex Gerber 

    gerberxc@gmail.com

    803-237-0628 

    http://www.movingforwardministry.org

  • Willing to Change: Chad Cannon’s Story

    Convicted felon. Liar. Addict. Alcoholic. These words may reveal Chad’s past, but do not define his present or future.

    I am thankful for Chad’s candid, raw courage to share his story, as it brings great insight to how a man truly changes.

    Listen here:

  • Lover of My Soul

    What words can express the joy of being known by this kind of love?

    Lover of my soul–You chase after me and never stop pursuing me!

    You are so so good. Your gracious mercy has lifted me high!

    Your tender compassion soothes my anxious heart. Your love revives my soul!

    To you–to you alone–do I run. My heart draws every beat from you. And from my lungs shouts out your praise!

    You’re so great and mighty, and still you call me to your side. You have made a way for my feet to walk and have given my legs strength to run. 

    To you alone, do I come–for you are all I need!

    Flood me with your tender mercy! Pour your love out on me.

    AJG 11.16.25

  • The Way You Treat Your Wife Reveals Your Heart 

    3 minute read

    A few months ago, I wrote an article on the importance of the way husbands treat their wives, here: 

    The Way You Treat Your Wife is Defining You As a Man

    This morning, I saw an opportunity for expansion of my original writing, and I found even more richness and goodness in this passage from 1 Peter 3 that I hope inspires you today. 

    “…In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered.” 1 Peter 3:7

    Husbands, the way you treat your wife reveals two things; your heart, and your relationship with God. Understanding this well may bring a greater depth to your relationship with her and with God. 

    Here are 3 things I learned from examining this that I want to share with husbands:

    1. Understanding your view of her reveals your understanding of relationship with God.
    • If you are both in Christ, “…She is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life.” She is your partner, not adversary or servant. You live life together. So, share and live in all of it, together with her!
    • She is a joint heir in God’s gift of the grace of life, through Christ. She shares EQUALLY in this inheritance.

    –Is this how you see her? 

    -How does this relate to your relationship with God? 

    1. Understanding what she shares in shows that you also understand what you have received, which reveals your heart.  
    • She shares equally in his grace. The same grace that you, if you have a relationship with Christ, have received and share in. 

    -Do you understand this grace, and the gratitude, humility, love, and compassion it can produce in your life?

    1. Understanding WHO is in her reveals a greater understanding of the value she holds, and how you should treat her. 
    • In Christ, the same Spirit that lives in you lives in her. 

    -Do you know and understand who is in her and who she is because of that?

    If you believe that what 1 Peter 3 says is true, then my hope is that you hold a deep reverence for who she is in His eyes. She is an equal heir of His gifts, grace and life. 

    If you do not have a relationship with God, it may be hard to fully understand what I mean by “in Christ”, or the identity of a wife who is in Christ. But, I encourage you to curiously explore the passage from 1 Peter and the points below, and reach out to me with any questions you have.

    ——————–>

    Husbands, what can you do moving forward?

    →Honor her. Think of 1-2 ways to do this today. 

    →Live with her in understanding and togetherness. 

    →Know the sacred equality of your spiritual partnership with her.

    →Experience the goodness of God’s gifts and promises, through her.

    →Embrace a richer relationship with God, including better prayer and intimacy with Him, by understanding who she is and knowing the value of treating her well.

    These words–”honor, live, know, experience, embrace”–are intended to show the abundance of life and relationship, first with God, and second with her, that can be found through loving and honoring her. 

    Husbands, my hope in writing here is 1) that this will bring a deeper thoughtfulness in your actions towards her, and 2) greater intimacy in relationship with God, and 3) greater connection with her. If you have questions or have a different perspective, please reach out to me below.

    Alex 

    November 8, 2025

    gerberxc@gmail.com

  • Finding Delight

    Can you think of someone or something that brings a deeply warm pleasure and satisfaction to your heart? Someone you enjoy being with so much that you never want to be away from them? 

    This is a taste of what delight is.

    To “delight” means to find great joy, pleasure and satisfaction. This is probably one of my favorite words. Forms of delight are mentioned around 100 times in my favorite writings, the Psalms.

    Psalm 37:4 says “Delight yourself also in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart”. And Psalms 147:11 says “…the Lord’s delight is in those who fear him, those who put their hope in his unfailing love.” 

    It blows my mind that God delights in us!!

    For me, it is easy to understand delight as a feeling, because it is exactly how I feel when I am around someone I love and enjoy deeply. But, delight is greater than just a warm feeling. True delight is deeply satisfying, and can be completely independent of our circumstances.

    And for me, more than I enjoy being “delighted” by someone, I want to see them delighted. Absolutely nothing brings me more delight than to see them delight in what is truly the MOST delightful–God Himself!

    Here’s the best part–delighting in God can continue our entire lives!!! The more we seek Him and know Him–the nearer we come to Him–the more we can find satisfaction, joy, and pleasure in Him! Our relationship with Him can be more delightful each day!

    This is fantastic news!! Can you imagine finding more and more delight in God throughout your life, and the richness that this will bring to your relationships on earth???

    I want YOU to experience delight. 

    I know you will find true delight the closer you get to Him. So–my biggest intention in writing is to inspire you to move closer, nearer, to God. 

    Psalm 65 says “what joy for those you choose to bring near, those who live in your holy courts.” 

    Come near to Him today. The delight you will find in presence with Him will overflow your heart!

    -Alex

    November 4, 2025

  • Lift Your Eyes: God is On The Move

    If we could train our eyes to glimpse even a sliver of all God is doing in this world, our prayers would never end. God is on the move—steady, present, and unmistakably faithful.

    Like the people in Jesus’ day, we wonder if God is good enough to supply for us too. What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?

    Maybe our refrigerators are full, yet our hearts are starving for real connection.
    Maybe our closets overflow and our bank accounts are stable, yet the table around us sits empty.
    Maybe we have everything the world calls “enough,” and yet our souls are restless and worn thin.
    In chasing fullness through things, experiences, and emotions, we’ve only stumbled into deeper emptiness.

    So often, our lack of prayer isn’t because God has turned away, but because our gaze has fallen—fixed on ourselves, our troubles, our tomorrows, our worries, our griefs, our wants, our desires.

    Perhaps that’s why the Psalms so often remind us to lift our eyes:
    “I lift up my eyes to the hills—
    where does my help come from?”

    And why Jesus urged His disciples,
    “Look at the birds of the air!
    They neither sow nor reap nor store away in barns,
    and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.”

    Just as a small child often needs to be trained to make good eye contact, we need to be trained to see what God is doing.

    The more you practice, the more you start to see.
    The more you see, the more you will pray.
    The more you pray, the more you will be blown away.
    Big or small, God is doing all.

    -Emily Lehman