Does Planning Have You Paralyzed?
Actions > Intentions
When I was finally returned to my unit of assignment I spent the first two weeks reconnecting with friends and exploring the many changes that had occurred in the 17-months I was away. It was obvious that many great programs had come to the Robertson Unit like the Forever Sober Program (FSP) created by an inmate to promote sobriety, affirmation, a positive environment, and incentive based opportunities for being part of the solution for change within the system. However, I was also faced with many conversations of that revealed a lack of knowledge of the Word of God, a feeling of loneliness, and a strange sense of competition between those who profess a desire to help make the prison culture of yesterday a thing of the past. "Someone needs to promoted legitimate unity." "Someone should start an engaging and relevant Bible study...for inmates, by inmates." As I heard these echoing themes I began to see the real problem, namely, no one was willing to step up to solve the problem. Some suggested they don't have enough "pull" (meaning clout with administration), others conveyed they aren't good teachers, some flat out said they don't have enough time (irony when that comes from an inmates mouth). I made up my mind, I would step up. I started to plan and dream...I asked others their opinion and for their input...many were willing to tell me my plans flaws, but very few were willing to link arms to affect the changes we all agreed were necessary. I wrote down my plans, I edited my plans, I presented my plans, and now I am seeing the execution and fruit of the plan. In less than four months of my arrival back to my unit of assignment I have been fortunate to have launched:
1. Foundations: A three week short course meant to give basic fundamental beliefs of the Christian faith. We explore salvation, baptism, the Bible, prayer, the armor of God, praise and worship, faith, etc. Other men are now helping facilitate parts of this class and we promote every other program and class available on the unit.
2. Let's Go Launch: This class is for future entrepreneurs. We teach basic business principles with Biblical examples to help outline the necessary components to create a business plan.
3. No Place Left Academy: This curriculum is used to train missionaries who are going into the world to share the Gospel and make disciples. NPL uses the 4 Fields tools to help facilitate the mission of the Great Commission of Christ. We are so fortunate to have this resource in the system to equip inmates serving in the ministry inside the razor wire.
4. Bible Study: A simple return to the Bible. We will start with the book of John and go chapter by chapter through the Word. I have two other facilitators who will help break down the Word in a way that is relevant and easily understood. We won't go fast, we will go deep.
So often in life we plan, we dream, and we think about "someday." We say a thousand "Once I's" but we never jump. Once I graduate, Once I have a new car, Once I am married, Once I make parole...but I'm convinced we can become paralyzed by our planning. We have good intentions, but not much action.
Henry Ford of Ford Motor Company said, "You can't build a reputation on what you're going to do."
Friends, our actions create results. Our actions increase our faith. Our actions help move us where we know we are purposed to be. Let's refuse to allow planning to paralyze us. Let us be a people who get out of the boat, a people who get back into the game, a people who learn by doing. It could be a little messy, but at least there's some progress.
Declare today, "I Choose Hope!"
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