From Indifference To Enlightenment – One Boy's Journey

"You've never heard of Moses? You know – the guy with the Ten Commandments?"
"Not really," he responded.
"Charlie – you’re like a traveler without a map!"

Charlie looked at me as though I were crazy; and now that I think about it, I’m sure I was giving him the same look. When he arrived at Sheridan House, the first thing we noticed was his complete lack of knowledge about God and His Word. The second thing was an unusual level of maturity and an uncharacteristic ease of adjustment to the structure of the program. With each passing day, however, the negative habits and irresponsible thinking that characterizes most of our newly enrolled boys began to emerge in Charlie’s behavior; and we realized that what we thought was a sign of maturity could more accurately be described as indifference.

Most of the boys have difficulty admitting their mistakes and accepting responsibility for them - but not Charlie. He was quick to admit the things he’d done; his struggle was in admitting that they were wrong. He seemed confused as to why the consequences for his actions were necessary. But as days became weeks, the Lord began introduce Himself to this frustrated child through our Bible studies, devotionals, and prayer times. The questions began – “Why did Jesus have to die? If you’ve done bad things, can you still go to heaven?” Who God is, and what He has done for all of us became an undeniable reality to Charlie – and his attitude of indifference changed to one of concern.

Two months after Charlie's arrival at Sheridan House, it was evident to everyone that God was no longer a stranger to him. Before he had wondered why something was wrong; now he began to question how he could make it right. That shift in his thinking eventually led Charlie to ask Mom and Pop to lead him in the sinners' prayer.

Charlie is still learning responsibility and working (as we all do!) to change negative habits. But these days, he follows his map; and I thank God for the privilege He has allowed me to travel with Charlie on the journey.