Too Busy to Live: The Addiction America Applauds

An addiction is sweeping our country; but little is being done to stop it. There is no government task force to study the problem, no commission headed by a "Czar" to combat it, and there are few expressions of concern from our pulpits. In fact, most businesses and major corporations encourage or even require their employees to indulge themselves freely in the addiction. Even most church leaders commend their members who have fallen into it and exhort others to follow their example.

This addiction is not to a drug or any substance. It is not to antisocial or what is considered immoral behavior. Yet, it can be just as destructive. It is a behavioral disorder that presents itself as compulsive, excessive busyness.

Dr. Rick Fowler, Director of Prestonwood Christian Counseling Center in Dallas and author of ten books, combines his expertise with Cassie Findley, Director of Continuing Education for Curves International fitness centers, to plot an escape route for those who are trapped in the cycle of busyness addiction. American culture is driving us to be excessively busy because it is based on postmodern thought patterns. The way out is to return to the Judeo-Christian values that made this country great.

When the Puritans settled in America they brought with them a work ethic based on a sense of personal calling from God. They believed that every individual has a God-given purpose in life, and a responsibility to use his gifts and abilities to serve God and his fellow man. Our culture has generally abandoned that idea in favor of a self-centered approach to life based on New Age spirituality.

When one considers himself to be god, with limitless possibilities for fulfillment but no definite purpose, life becomes a frantic search for meaning and fulfillment. Although Christians do not accept most of the presuppositions of postmodern thought, nevertheless, they are unconsciously caught up in the behavioral patterns that the culture typically produces.

Fowler and Findley explore practical, proven Biblical principles to offset the drivenness of our culture and restore health and balance to life. Dr. Fowler draws from over thirty years of counseling experience to deal with the emotional problems associated with busyness addiction. Restoring balance in life and relationships is the model used in Dr. Fowler’s counseling ministry. He is the author of Together on a Tightrope, co-author of The Serenity Bible, published by Thomas Nelson, and Steps to a New Beginning, winner of the Gold Medallion Award. For over 26 years Cassie Findley has done extensive research on stress management, physical and spiritual fitness. For fifteen years she served as Director of Health Education and Wellness and Assistant Dean for Students at Baylor University in Waco, Texas.

Dr. Rick Fowler is executive director of Prestonwood Counseling Center in Dallas, Texas. He holds a doctoral degree in social psychology. Over the past thirty years, Dr. Fowler has served at three colleges as a professor of psychology, head basketball coach, and athletic director. He has acted as a consultant and management trainer for a wide variety of corporations and groups and has been a consultant to several professional sports teams. A licensed professional counselor and marriage and family therapist, he has thirty years of counseling experience.

Dr. Fowler has conducted numerous seminars for various groups and industries across North America and throughout the world. He has published numerous articles in national periodicals and has authored ten books. He and his wife have been guests four times on Dr. James Dobson’s Focus on the Family radio program. In addition, he has been featured at numerous seminars, workshops, media and platform occasions that include Insight for Living (with Dr. Charles Swindoll), and the 700 Club (with Pat Robertson).

Cassie Findley, serving as the Director of Continuing Education and Research for Curves, International, is responsible for researching and teaching classes on kinesiology and nutrition. She has done extensive study in stress management and physical, emotional and spiritual wellness.

She holds a Master of Science, Education Degree in Health Promotion. Dedicated to helping others understand the value of a balanced Christian lifestyle, Cassie held the positions of Assistant Dean for Student Life and Director of Health Education and Wellness during her fifteen-year tenure at Baylor University in Waco, Texas.

With 26 years of experience in the health and fitness industry, she is certified by the Cooper Clinic in Dallas, Texas and Aerobic Fitness Association of America. Balancing active professional, civic, and family responsibilities, Cassie is a former school board member, a trainer for the Governor’s Mentoring Initiative––Mentor Texas––and a presenter for the American College Health Association. The proud parents of Baylor University students, Carisa and Shelbi, Cassie and her husband Bobby are active members of Highland Baptist Church in Waco.

J. Ray Smith, as President of Fair Havens Publications, is no stranger to a demanding schedule. His experience as a pastor and Bible college department chairman gives him biblical, spiritual insights into the issues of life management. He is a graduate of Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama (BA), New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (ThM) and Dallas Theological Seminary (STM).