It's something that deep down my Spirit screams out NO! I Am Not Okay With This! Something more must be done to stop it! It keeps me up at night thinking "What could I do?".
The cycle of life I can see within cities and neighborhoods across the country is so clear to me. What "cycle"? Where one grows up in a really bad situation, isn't properly cared for, not invested in, Not Shown how to care for others, grows up making bad decisions, creating more single parent families, and bringing more children into the world that suffer under a similar lifestyle they did.
It's not the point to teach one the difference between Right or Wrong, it's to challenge one to find their core, Identity, and understanding of WHO & WHO'S they Truly are according to God. From one's core comes decisions, words, and actions that affect them and their livelihood. Why would one want to receive their identity in Man, the Stock Exchange, a Team, or whatever you could fill the blank with?
This is my main message! To encourage, empower, challenge, and love through acts of service to those who are hungry for it. Kids are mighty hungry for affirmation, insight, and attention. It's to see one grow with confidence in themselves, Love God, Love Others, and Show Up for their life! It has to start somewhere!
How am I going to even try and stop this "cycle". I know it won't be stopped during my lifetime, and unfortunately there will always be problems among families and people in this world. It's about leaving a legacy and pouring into others. God has put these desires in me with my set of skills to do so by being in a position to influence young ones around me in a healthy environment. You have to start Somewhere with this, and I am aware of the Thousands of other programs world-wide who are fightng the same fight. I see myself as a "Coach" to fight these problems my spirit is not okay with.
Having these realizations and understanding of myself, I have decided to not pursue the South Sudan trip anymore. This is Very difficult for me to say and decide, since I have put so much time and effort into this trip opportunity. Even though the trip hasn't come to fruition for me, I see how God has taught me many valuable lessons and experience for my future endeavors.
Over the past few weeks, I've come to the "What the heck am I doing in life" point. I know my core, I see where I want to be, and I'm moving forward in pursuing my career as a "coach". While I don't know Exactly yet my "next step", I do know it will be with an opportunity where I will be able to grow, apply, be challenged, and propel me towards my goal of becoming a PE coach.
I see the position of a PE coach in our school systems as one of the most influential, and under the radar people, in our society. Every single child in a school is taught by one to three specific coaches in a school. One can be either rejected or affirmed so easily in a gym. It's a tough, yet fantastic environment a child is in for growth physically, mentally, and socially. I see how adults don't know how to get along with each other, and this stems from their lack of social learning as a child.
I want to be the one in the position who is investing, showing interest, and listening to…whatever kids I'm with. Let them come to ME. That's my Heart, and I have ignored it for quite some time. My heart pains for the desparity and lack of hope in our communities. It hurts me so much to see and hear the large amount of negativity, death, and bitterness. No! I Will Not Stand For It!
I am a Dreamer, Exhorter, and Fighter. I see the potential in things, which many cannot see. I see sports as an avenue to build relationships with young kids not just the United States, but all over the world.
With that, I will update as soon as I make a decision to you who support and follow me. I do have about $1,800 in my AIM account, so I am still considering a trip through them. Be encouraged. Be Challenged. I sincerely love you all. If you have any ideas or opportunities that come to your mind or spirit for me, please let me know. Thank you.
