Welcome to Believing Faith
I’m Eric Dunbar, and I’m glad you’re here and grateful you took the time to visit.
Believing Faith explores faith for those seeking a deeper relationship with God. Faith is a central theme in Christianity, but people understand it in many ways. My blog shares insights and encourages thoughtful discussion. Topics include fighting the good fight of faith, how healing works according to your faith, and more.
Before I share my thoughts, here are a few things you should know about me.
Eric Dunbar’s Early Life
Music and Career
Eric Dunbar was born in New Orleans in 1951, the second of ten children. His great-uncle and great-aunt raised him in Bunche Village, a small Jefferson Parish community. They nurtured his faith through Bible stories such as David and Goliath and Samson and Delilah. They also taught him to pray from an early age. Their guidance and the support of his close-knit community shaped his understanding of God’s love and grace.
Eric began playing the piano at age five. By age ten, he was performing for his Sunday school class. His growing passion soon led him to play the organ for his church choir, where he developed his musical skills. He recognized the power of music in his life and decided to pursue it professionally. In 1969, he launched his career as a keyboardist with the City News Band, a well-known New Orleans R&B group.
Throughout his career, Eric performed with noted artists and bands, released his own music, and produced recordings for other musicians. Touring across America also broadened his appreciation of different cultures and faith traditions.
Recovery, Loss, and Resilience
In 1980, after a six-year relationship, Eric married. He later became the father of three children—a son and two daughters. Marriage and fatherhood brought him great joy. However, his life took a painful turn when he developed a crack cocaine addiction. He struggled with the addiction for twelve years. During the tenth year, he lost his family.
In 1993, Eric overcame his crack cocaine addiction and began rebuilding his life. Learn more about addiction treatment and recovery. By 2000, he had found the courage to remarry and regained a sense of hope and belonging.
In 2004, Eric’s world was shattered when his beloved son was murdered. Because the killer was never brought to justice, the loss left him with a deeper pain that he still carries.
The following year, Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, the city Eric had always called home, forcing him to confront another profound loss.
The destruction was overwhelming, but Eric’s faith in God helped him rebuild his life. His perseverance through addiction, grief, and disaster is a testimony to the power of faith. It reminds us that even the hardest circumstances can be overcome.
Why Eric Writes About Faith
God’s deliverance from crack cocaine addiction in 1993 transformed Eric’s life. It inspired him to start this blog and write Believing Faith Speaks: Speak, Activate, Feed, Exercise, and Work Your Faith. Through personal testimony, Eric shares the good news of faith. He also explores biblical truths about speaking God’s Word and putting faith into action.
After Jesus delivered the man from Gadara, He instructed him to tell others what God had done:
Jesus told him to return to his people and share all that the Lord had done for him, including the mercy he had received (Mark 5:19 NIV)
Eric writes because God restored his freedom, and he wants others to know that healing and deliverance are possible.
That experience became the foundation of Eric’s writing. Like the man from Gadara, he was living an ordinary life when darkness disrupted it. God delivered him and gave him a testimony to share.
Today, Eric tells others about the One who can save, deliver, and heal.
Thank you for reading my story. Whatever you may be facing, I hope these reflections encourage you to trust God, strengthen your faith, and believe that healing, freedom, and a new beginning are possible.
May your faith grow stronger with every step of your journey.