There is a defense used in football that is called “the prevent defense”. It is a football defense in which linebackers and backs play deeper than usual in order to prevent the completion of a long pass. I like the concept of doing something to PREVENT DISASTER.
I got an email from a friend recently and he said the following:
I am saddened by these many stories that exist in humanity and especially as it affects our country. I had a Seamless gutter business for 4 years and I probably hired no less than 12 individuals from various halfway houses where 5-7 men live together, govern their own affairs with some basic rules that had to be followed in order to stay there. (i.e., no drugs/alcohol and curfew).
I am sorry to report that as of two weeks ago I had to fire the one remaining guy I had employed. He had worked for me for 3 years but lapsed and got a DUI in a company vehicle. Prior to that he had one relapse with meth about 2 years ago. I was so concerned I filed a missing person report and when he finally checked in, I met with him and told him I would give him one more chance, but he had to “fly straight” or I couldn’t keep him.
I brought him with me to my new place of employment (within the last 2 months) and he was doing good right up until the DUI, which of course was a little embarrassing for me as I had vouched for him. As you would guess his father spent most of his life in prison, his mom had 5 marriages and died fairly young, next living relative is a half-brother who is 20+ years older than him and who taught him to drink at age 12 . . .
Unfortunately, there are too many stories that mirror this one, especially in the black community, which he is not. It is very discouraging trying to help these individuals. I said to my wife, who was married to an alcoholic for 15 yrs., “I’m done trying to help these guys” . . . She commented that it is hard to work if you haven’t gone through it and are not a “sponsor.
Bob I wholeheartedly agree with your effort to head this dysfunction off at the pass rather than try to rehabilitate someone. I feel a bit burnt out from the last four years even though it wasn’t a formal ministry. At the very least I will donate to your ministry. I will pray about this issue and see if the Lord might have more in mind for me. God bless you and your efforts Bob.
I responded – “Hi Eric – Sorry to hear of your problems and experiences with your former employees. I wouldn’t give up on the program just because this happened. In one of his books Gov. Huckabee mentioned a quote he had read: “We spend most of our time treating snake bites when we should be spending our time killing snakes.” In other words, we should be spending most of our time preventing problems, and then wouldn’t have so many to treat. Just be patient and maybe find someone to mentor that has not reached the “point of no return” and try to prevent problems before they happen. God is very aware that you are trying your utmost and that’s what it is all about eh? Just look at all the people He is trying to help that won’t help themselves. If one person sees heaven due to your efforts you will have done a great service to Him.”
“Yeah, just a recent sting I guess, but my point is/was 100% of them washed out. The shame of it is several seemed to have great potential and would be doing good, but it was as though they just couldn’t help it and would screw up. One older fella I gave a chance to only worked for 2 days because he just couldn’t handle the heat and physicality of the job recently OD’d. Very sad. According to him he had 3 kids, owned a restaurant at one time, but just came on hard times and started drinking, which led to drugs, which led to hard times, etc . . . I certainly agree with the governor’s comments . . . on a whole host of issues plaguing this once great country. When I let this last guy go I encouraged him to get involved in Celebrate recovery and to seek God. That Jesus was the only way to truly conquer his demons. Hopefully that seed will grow. Look forward to hearing progress on your efforts.”
The ministry I am starting in Mississippi is being designed to try and influence youngsters who have not exceeded their limit and gotten into too much trouble yet. If we can change their behavior prior to ending up in juvie, jail, or prison these mainly fatherless kids have a chance. We had a meeting at my house last week with several people in attendance. It seems there is an abundance of kids that need help and the same for volunteer mentors who desire to help them. All we need now is to put words to action. I’m working on a written plan right now and my hope is that God will bless it.
As many single parent and no-parent kids can attest, our country can be a terrible place to stay happy and well. This requires a shift in the way we approach prevention through mentorship and love of the child, God, and His church. We cannot save the entire world, especially older folks, but kids . . . Well they have an entire lifetime ahead of them . . .
Proverbs 22:6
“Train children in the right way, and when old they will not stray.”