Last night 2 of them got into a fight with each other, I am talking all out fists flying mouths blaring fight. To be honest, this has been a common occurrence in our home lately because the young people we currently have are so hurt. When things break out Jim and I peacefully stand between the 2 individuals and allow them both to blare and speak what they need to, not allowing them to engage physically. It has gotten to the point where peace comes much quicker in these events but the true testimony last night was with one of my boys, Mike.
Mike came to our home about 1 1/2 years ago. He is currently 19 years old and has grown tremendously. When he first came he was so full of anger and so quick to lash out and get aggressive that there was nothing that could control him sometimes, yes he got scary. Almost a year ago, he got so angry over 2 individuals who got into an altercation with each other, that he took a knife and stabbed the walls and doors with it. We had a long talk with him after that incident and told him that behavior would not be tolerated again and gave him a warning. While we have continued to have some events with him, we have gradually seen improvements and commend him for the growth we have seen in him. What took place last night, however, landed me in tears. As the 2 young adults were fighting with each other, Mike stood between them, along side of Jim and I, and he removed one of the individuals, calmly, from the home and took him for a walk. About an hour later they returned and we sat and watched Mike step into the place of bringing resolution to the 2 people in a peaceful and calm manner.
After things were at a place I felt was calm, I asked Mike to go to the store with me. We got in the car and he started shaking. I asked if he was ok and he said, "surprisingly yes, but how was I able to do that Ms. Maurita? I have never been able to be the calm one. That sure did feel good." I told him how proud I was of him and how much he has grown. We continued to talk about how he didn't like the 2 people at first and how they didn't like him but they have learned to open up with each other and help one another through the challenges they each are facing. As we ended our conversation, he looked at me and said, I love them Ms. Maurita and that's what we do for people we love, right?"
We often get asked why we "allow" this behavior in our home and how we can tolerate it. I can tell you, it is not easy at all but the testimony that comes as a result of Jim and I extending the unconditional love of Christ to these young people is so evident in many of their lives. We have chosen to be an instrument of His love and will continue to do so, even when the times are tough.