Living Proof Project

This morning, I want to pose a question about the popular school of thought among Evangelicals: the idea that we need to go back to a "better time." A time when people worked harder. A time when crime was low, neighborhoods were safer, and "family values" truly mattered.

Yet, when researched properly, I find that Americans often romanticize these bygone eras without fully acknowledging the complexities of those times. For example, the 1950s are often cited as an idyllic period, but this was also a time of profound racial segregation, gender inequality, and suppression of marginalized voices. Crime rates may have been lower in some areas, but the justice system was far from fair or inclusive. Family structures seemed more stable, yet domestic abuse and other issues were swept under the rug because of societal stigmas.

The truth is, while certain aspects of the past may hold valuable lessons, there is no single "better time" to return to. Instead of longing for a version of history that never truly existed, perhaps we should focus on how to build a society that values hard work, safety, and strong families in ways that are equitable and reflective of modern realities. What do you think? Are we clinging to a myth, or can we forge a better future by critically examining the past?

What happens to a little lamb that is rejected by its mother, it will hang its head so low it looks as if the lamb is beyond depressed ..!!! Every once in a while, a ewe will give birth to a lamb and reject it. There are lots of reasons she may do this. If the shepherd tries to return the lamb, the mother might even kick the baby away. Once a ewe rejects one of her lambs, she will never change her mind.

These little lambs will hang their heads so low that it looks like something is wrong with their little necks. Their spirits are broken.

These lambs are called "bummer lambs."

Unless the shepherd intervenes, that little lamb will die - rejected and alone.

Do you know what the shepherd usually does?

The shepherd will take that rejected little lamb into their home, hand-feed it and keep it warm. They will wrap it up with blankets and hold it to their chest so the little lamb can hear their heartbeat. Once the lamb is strong enough, the shepherd will place it back in the field with the rest of the flock.

That sheep never forgets the shepherd's love and care when their mother rejected them. When the shepherd calls for the flock, guess which sheep runs first? That sheep knows the shepherd's voice.

The bummer lamb isn't loved more, it just knows intimately the one who loves it. It trusts the shepherd because it has experienced love from the shepherd.

Many of us are bummer lambs. Rejected and broken. But Jesus is the good Shepherd. He cares for our every need and holds us close to His heart so we can hear His heartbeat.

We may be broken but we are deeply loved by the Shepherd who will never leave us.

• Author Unknown •

Time ⏰ moves forward for 🏙️ society, but in prison, it stands still. Reentry is one of the toughest challenges because you’re faced with adapting to a world that grew and changed while you were away.

If you’ve never experienced this but know someone who’s going through it, be prepared to 🫂 support them as they navigate 🗺️ these changes. Your help can make all the difference."