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Sidney's Story |
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Sidney James Smith was born April 4, 1972, in Chicago, IL. He hoped that living in Nebraska would put him and his family in an environment that would make them a stronger unit. To this point Sidney's life has been tough. He readily admits that most of the issues he has had in his life were of his own
doing. He grew up doing drugs, abusing alcohol, gangbanging, articipating in other violent and criminal activities. He spent time in prison. When he moved to Lincoln, it was with the desire to straighten out his life and do the right thing for his family. Unfortunately, since he still had to learn how to handle his dependencies, his ability to stay sober and employed were negatively impacted. His drinking increased until his wife told him to leave. His desire to stop and his need for direction brought him to the Curtis Center here at PCM. He felt the religious aspect would give him an anchor point. Sidney attended and successfully completed drug and alcohol counseling at the Curtis Center. Through group and individual training, he learned how to deal with the emotions which had caused him lifelong problems. Today he uses the mentoring program to help him stay focused on what brought him to the Curtis Center and what will keep him from needing the program again. According to Sidney, the hardest part was becoming comfortable with the rules and expectations of the Center and blending in. He learned to be more honest and respectful not only with others, but also with himself. He knew there would be consequences if he failed. Sidney regularly returns to the Center to be re-energized and to share what changes have occurred in his life. He says that he knows he has to stay focused and build his strength in God. Asking for assistance to follow God's path is something that God expects from him. Sidney is currently in school to complete his GED. After that he hopes to do technical school training in an area that will allow him to take care of his family. He loves baseball and uses that as another positive focus in his life.
Many thanks to Sidney for sharing his story of success with us! | |
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Greetings!
"For to all those who have, even more will be given. But to those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away." (Matthew 24:29)
One of the most difficult things that we have to do in life is make choices. Interestingly, the ability to make our own decisions is what separates us from all the rest of God's creation. We can weigh factors, recognize different alternatives, and decide to implement some course of action. We make critical choices about education, employment, friendships, marriage, and family. Each decision develops us into what we are. More importantly, each decision begins to limit future choices available to us. Over time, our number of choices diminishes and we have less ability to change our circumstances.
The Bible is full of wisdom and instruction about making wise choices. Adam and Eve could choose to obey or disobey God. Israel could choose whether to enter into the Promised land. Samson could choose to keep the secret of his incredible strength. David could choose whether or not to have an affair with another woman. Peter could choose to get out of the boat during a storm. We all have choices. Proverbs says if we follow after God, He will instruct us on how to choose rightly and make decisions that lead to positive consequences.
Last week we celebrated Easter. Easter represents a choice that Jesus made. He chose to submit Himself to the Father, surrender to His enemies, and die a horrible death on the cross. He did this to give humanity freedom from sin and bondage, access to God, and the right to eternal life. Now the choice is ours. We must either accept Jesus and this sacrifice for us, or not. If we do, then all other choices we make in life are directly influenced this one decision. We may move on from celebrating Jesus' death and resurrection, but our choices remain tied to it. And this creates important questions for us. Are we growing in our relationship with God, becoming free from sin, and making decisions based on faith? Is the choice Jesus made to die on the cross substantiated by the choices we make? These are good things to consider in the following months.
Remember, if we make the right choice about God, everything else will follow. If we make the wrong choice, or alter our choice, then no other choices will ultimately matter!
Blessings to you this week,
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| EASTER AT THE MISSION
A huge thank you to all of the generous community members who donated food for Easter dinner, Easter lilies for our Chapel, and gifts for the children that were here with us for Easter! One donor brought 67 Easter baskets filled with toys and candy, one for each child! The Builders Club from Scott Middle School and K-Club from Adams Elementary sent three baskets of beautiful eggs hand filled with candy - between 150 and 200 eggs for our Easter egg hunt!
We couldn't do what we do without folks like you!
A great time was had by all!
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Thanks so much for your support. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers during these difficult financial times.
Sincerely,
Staff of People's City Mission | |
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