October

Proverbs 21:5 and Proverbs 13:20

" Careful planning puts you ahead in the long run, hurry and scurry puts you farther behind"

"He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm"

Reading these verses remind me of my high school days, and yes I can remember that far back.

Why do we so often go with the decision of the crowd when we know it’s a bad one? That is an easy answer; its easier than speaking out, it’s the Crowd, and it appears to be more fun.

In high school I was seen as outgoing and loud. I used both of these to cover the real inner me that was insecure. I used my size and volume to give the appearance I desired. I can not tell you how many times I went with the crowd because I was not strong enough to say something that would appear uncool. I also can not tell you how many times things went wrong when I had heard that inner voice saying it was a bad idea. I now know that the inner voice was that of God and it was always right, I had not gotten in the habit of listening to him.

I have the privilege of knowing a young man that was just like me. At the ripe old age of 32 years old he has already spent 14 of them in prison. He went with the crowd because it was cool, fun and easier. One night, only 14 years old things went very wrong and he remains the youngest inmate in the State of Arkansas to be sentenced as an adult to LIFE. After finding the Bible in prison he decided to use his time to lead other to a better life, in his words "Even if it was only to the already condemned" At 28 he received his second chance, he was paroled .

Youth is only a small part of you entire life, but your decisions can hold you accountable for life. Dare to do what my friend and I were unable to do, avoid the hurry scurry crowd and do not walk with a companion of fools. Ask God and be smart enough and confident enough to hear his answer. The crowd will learn from you.

See you at Vertical Fest