I mentioned in my last post that I am just fascinated by gangs these days. I started watching "
Gangland" on the History Channel and could not get enough. So then I read
Monster by "Monster" Kody Scott. I was simply floored by the violence and mindsets. Now, I can understand how a child living in poverty and in a broken home seeks out the gang life for a sense of family. What is crazy to me is that these
children transition so quickly to violence. Not only that, but gangs recruit from elementary schools! AND, usually those children already have a glorified idea about that gang. It is crazy and leaves me wondering "what can be done?" Obviously they desperately need Jesus, but the ideals in "gang life" are so opposite of Jesus' teaching, I wonder what it is like to try to reach them. Not hop. Any one have ideas/thoughts? (Becca - I am sure you do, and I would love to hear them!)
And now, I would like to interrupt this blog post for a vent about.... ARMY. Zach just switched jobs or went back to another battalion or something - whatev, not important. What is important is this: in his old position he got up around 5:45 to make it to work for PT and got home around 4ish. Now, he has to BE AT WORK at 5:45 for a meeting. And yes, I mean 5:45
AM. His alarm is now set at 4:40 AM. But it gets better. They also have another meeting in the afternoon that keeps Zach from getting home until 6 or later PM. This. Is. Every. Day. GROSS.
My sweet mother tried to put things into perspective by saying, "Well Steph, if he was working in NYC*, he would be leaving that early AND wouldn't be getting home until 8 or 9 at night."
And she is right, most business men in NYC are workaholics. However, they do not deploy and they make at least 4 times Zach's salary. Um, good try, Susan, but you are going to need to try harder than that :)
*My mom is from NJ and both my parents started out working in NYC, so that comment really didn't come out of left field. Just so you know, my Southern friends :)And PS - I am aware that many people have to work longer hours than Zach and may make even less than he does. I am thankful for what we have, don't get me wrong. Really, it is not about money. I am just in an iwantmyhusbandhomeplease sort of mood. The Army has a unique way of annoying me. Story of my life. Well, my life for the past 3 years. OMG I have to stop now. I am thinking in crazy circles.Okay, peace out.
"I DO know, I KNOW" - that was for you, Kara Grimes.