Heroes?

Heroes. Who are they? Definitely the guys and gals who serve in our military, defending our nation and all she stands for. Add in those who lay their lives on the line every day as law enforcement and firefighters. 

I met some heroes of a different ilk on Tuesday. They are currently residents of the Crossville Mission Bible Training Center in Crossville, Tennessee. (A ministry of MissionTeens.)

These folks have issues — some with drugs, some with alcohol, almost all with authority. Sounds a lot like some of us walking around today. So what makes them heroes? 

They stepped up and admitted they have a problem. They've admitted that they can not do anything about that problem and committed themselves to living in and participating in the program at CMBTC. Some waited until they were faced with jail time, but rather than give up and give in and go with the program, they said, "NO!" 

Some knew God. Some knew about God. Some didn't care about God. Yet they came to this faith-based facility with one thing: hope for a new life. 

I know one of those heroes. She is a precious young woman I've spent time with, even have had in my home. I knew she had a problem. I couldn't do anything about it. But a couple months ago, she became a hero. She admitted she was out of control and she took the steps to gain entrance into CMBTC. 

She's learned a lot about doing chores like cleaning a chicken coop and making her bed. She's learned about helping and living within the rules, and she's learned Romans 13, which is all about authority. One of the "blessings" of thwarting authority is to write Romans chapter 13 five times. When I asked her how she's handling her authority issues, she told me of her blessings, and with a smile on her face, she told me, "I know Romans 13 by heart now." 

I have no doubt that this girl will stick it out for the entire nine months she signed up for. She admitted that she was ready to come home after the first month, but decided instead to do what she really needed, which wasn't the easy choice. There are others there doing the same thing. 

See? Heroes. 

(If you're looking for a way to share the love of God in a work that is really working — keep this ministry in mind. They are completely faith-based, trusting God for everything. The program works. Of those who stick it out for the entire nine months, the recidivism rate is extremely low. Very few go back to the life they knew before they came. And if you're not near Crossville, Tennessee, check the MissionTeens site, they have locations all over!) 

Related posts:

1. one of my heroes
2. Missing a Friend
3. sadness
4. the S.F.U. club