Today was the last 180 Class in the WCJ for 2011. Our lesson today was on Thoughts and how thoughts turn into words which turn into actions. We start the class with: Are you taking your “thoughts” hostage or are they taking you hostage? And that thoughts in themselves are not bad its when you dwell on them and they become your actions is when it can have a positive or a negative effect on your life. Most people can think all day long they are going to do something different… it is the Action (the actual doing part) when it comes to change that is hard.

Usually those first time in the class are quiet, just taking it all in. Well today was different. A first time inmate about 15 minutes into the discussion pipes up and says “this is really good stuff and I agree with what you are saying….BUT”… he proceeds to tell me that he has no drivers license and because of that fact he states he will now have to live the rest of his life homeless, under the bridge or at the Mission.

I have to say I have never seen anyone so beat down on life, with no hope in life… because of a driver’s license.

We took the next few minutes in class to talk about choices/excuses (which is lesson 3) and how without a driver’s license it is not the end of the world but the ACTION part of this cycle will take more processes and learning. We talked about there were other options besides living under the bridge and that if he wanted to take the much needed ACTION then I knew of places and people that would help him. BUT he needed to take the negative thoughts hostage and start thinking that he was worthy of having a life that was filled with joy.

We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.
2 Corinthians 10:5 (NLT)

AtG has served just in the Williamson County Jail this year almost 350 inmates. In the Maury County Jail we served 58 (and that is women only and only one 8 week course). These numbers do not include children from the study buddy program which is now in 5 schools and growing weekly. It also does not include numbers from the homeless shelters and transitional homes.

“Then they will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you? “And he will answer, ‘I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.’ Matthew 25:44-45 NLT

We need your support to have an even more IMPACTFUL 2012, as we work with the men,women and children to help them:
recover~ rebuild ~restore

AtG relies solely on individuals, churches, businesses and private grants to make the programming possible.

Even a gift of $20 will purchase one piece of curriculum. AtG does NOT charge for its services NOR does it take State or Federal funding.

May you all be blessed this Christmas season and please remember to include AtG, the 180 Program and Study Buddy Program in your prayers and if possible your yearend giving. To donate on-line go to www.atghope.org or mail donations to PO Box 809 Franklin TN 37065