Jocks, Emo's, Thugs, Hippies, Nerds...still kickin

There are few things in my life that bring me more opportunity at personal growth than the one afforded me by Prison Prevention Ministries. Not so much because of the prison side, but because of the 'prevention' side. I am given the opportunity to speak in Middle, Jr High, and High Schools all over the area. I have spoken at assemblies and in classrooms. Sometimes I have only about fifteen minutes; sometimes I have an hour and a half....literally. Fortunately I love to talk so I can be flexible. The topic: my story, my life, and most importantly Jesus Christ...and YES in public schools.

But....the chance to walk back into High School after so many years...a place that I seriously swore I was never looking back to...a place where I aimed the path of my life into a fast coming train. I have been in so many high schools now....the students are all the same....the cliques are all there. The thugs in one section, the emo's in another, the nerds in one section, the jocks and cheerleaders in another. I suppose that we are all still a bit separated. My personal favorite moment is when I am informed by some senior that he or she was born the year I graduated.

I was recently at Ooltewah High School (where I graduated, barely) and what a T-R-I-P that was...whew! It was something to walk those halls again...this time to preach against the very beast that I promoted when last I walked them. I love getting the opportunity though. It is a blessing and a curse. The chance to change lives (and it does happen) is also tightly bound to the curse of facing students, like me at their age, that would rather be 'high' than just about anything. It's tough, but I love it. To God be ALL the glory...it is such a PROOF of His ability to deliver. I look back at my life every time I speak in these situations and am reminded that Christ not only forgives and restores...but He also blows the doors off of your life. I am not just a sinner that was saved by grace...I am a saint with a purpose...and nothing is more incredible.

I think my favorite moment is when I tell them that I could, but I won't, go around the room and tell, with about 70% accuracy, who is doing what - as far as drugs/alcohol/partying. They always go crazy and demand I do it, which of course I won't. But after I settle them back down, I ask them if they could do it....and the answer is always yes. Then comes the hush...and I ask them what makes them think I couldn't. I inform them that they are their own biggest snitch.