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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Sad (07/26/07)
A Kid I Knew

As I looked back upon the last thirteen years working with preschool children most of those times spent with them were very happy times. I’ve always said, “I wish they could stay 5 years old as to have them be grown.” Most of the children came from good homes with lots of love, but some did not. The second year of teaching, I was allowed to have my 4-year-old son in my class.

I also had a boy in my class with the most beautiful smile. He took to me right away. He and my son had a friendship that lasted for all the years I’ve known him. My family took him to church, got him involved in sports, and he became part of our extended family. He had great respect for my husband and I.

When he was about eleven years old, an incident happened in his home that caused him a lot of grief. He started getting into troubled. He went from detention center to detention center. I tried to talk with him, but he just pushed me away. He wouldn’t even look me in the eyes. He had sadness in his face and I couldn’t reach him. No one could. His mother tried to get him into counseling, but he would not participate.

He ended up in jail, and now is looking at spending a long time incarcerated. The joy is gone from his face. I pray that he will find some hope in jail. My hope is that a prison ministry will help this young man turn his life around. “Restore to me the joy of your salvation”, Psalm 51:12 is the verse that comes to mind when I think of him. And then I rest in the promise of John 16: 20, 22, “You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy…. And no one will take away your joy.” Someday his sadness will turn into joy when he puts his trust in the Lord.
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This article has been read 864 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Verna Cole Mitchell 
08/03/07
This is such a sad true-to-life reminder of so many who need ministering to.
Jacquelyn Horne
08/03/07
What a sad experience when a young person turns away from God - the only true help they have. Prayer is the only answer.
Sherrie Jackson
08/04/07
In my former profession I saw this transformation more times than I wished to. Good kids who lose their way, for whatever reason...it breaks your heart. Truly, truly sad. Prayers are going up for your young man.
Lynda Schultz 
08/05/07
This is one of those stories to which everyone can relate — we all know someone whose life would be so radically changed if only … And for these we pray.
Dee Yoder
08/06/07
What a blessing that you know him for this means he has someone intervening for him with the Lord! I pray he returns his heart to the Lord, and finds a peaceful path for the rest of his life. In a few short words, you were able to present this young man's life, and your hope for his future. That's good writing!
Janice Fitzpatrick
08/08/07
Oh so true. God bless you for your prayers and caring heart.I will put this young man on my prayer list hon. My nephew is in jail, has been for so many years now, for a crime he didn't commit and the joy he had once has left him as well. But God is a good God and promises us hope when life looks dim. Thank you so much for sharing this. This story brought many memories too as I use to work in a day care center and some of the kids were abused at home and it broke my heart. Keep on writing. Good job!