John Croyle
do you know him?
Founder and Executive Director of Big Oak Ranch
I was in the fourth grade when I had the pleasure of hearing the former Alabama football player speak for the first time
and I’ll never forget it
His presentation was captivating
His message was clear
“JUST SAY NO!” to drugs
If you’ve never seen or heard John Croyle
He is a tall man with a very distinct, deep, strong voice
He makes me think of my daddy
and because he made me think of my daddy and made his message so very clear
I said, “NO!” to drugs
*******
a dear friend of ours recently lost his life to drugs-and it breaks my heart
we read about it online, in magazines
we see it on TV, Facebook and Twitter
taking lives
real people
loved ones, friends, kids, daddies, mommas
dying because of drugs
*********
today I was given the privilege to visit and speak to a couple hundred 7th and 8th graders
it was AWESOME!
they were respectful and attentive
as I spoke-straight Jesus to them…
I shared how each of them is “fearfully and wonderfully made” -that God has a uniquely designed purpose for each of them to fulfill -as well as a specific circle of friends and family for each of them to minister or witness to.. that we’re to be about our Father’s business if we profess the name of Christ! Living differently. Speaking differently from that of world..Because if we profess Christ and say that we are Christians – we best live that way. otherwise pipe down and go home- Live above reproach.
Because one day-sooner than later
each.and.every.one of us will stand and give an account for every thought, word and deed…2 Cor. 5:10
every knee will bow..and every tongue confess- that Jesus is Lord..Rom. 14:11
and He will either say
“well done they good and faithful servant…” Matt 25:21
or
“depart from me I never knew you” Matt 7:21-23
************
after I finished speaking
three of my former students stayed to visit with me
it’s been seven years since we shared a classroom
one shared their burdens with me..family struggles. heartaches. disappointments
most related in some form or fashion to
drugs.
after listening to them share their heart with their head hung low
looking at the ground
I gently lifted their head and said,
“look at me…just in case no one’s ever told you. You are loved. Be different. Do different. I expect more from you.”
They responded, “yes mam’
we hugged and they left
*************
so tonight I’d like to say a BIG ol’ THANK YOU to John Croyle
for being THE ONE to tell me to say NO…
and I challenge you to join me as I share and encourage those within my realm of influence to say NO
a simple message…
yet one that has made
and can make
all the difference
Just awesome! I know those children were blessed!