As I learn more about the neighborhood my kids grow up in the more I wonder if there really is a way out?  I learned that our neighborhood and South Oak Cliff are the most dangerous (just depending on the day) in the Dallas area due to gang violence.  Last Thursday I walked into school to see our windows and the sides of our building tagged.  We had to change our school colors due to gang colors in our neighborhood. 

But what makes me the most sad is that these kids don't really have a choice.  If mom, dad, uncle, brother, or another family member is a part of one they basically decide for their children that they will be a part of it too.  They tag their children (just like cows being branded) so that they won't be harrassed by other gang members or so they will be protected as they traffic drugs for them.  I also can't say that if I was in their shoes I would never join.  Some of these kids are beat up everyday either before or after school because they won't choose a gang...so finally they get fed up with it and pick a side.  Atleast if they pick a side they won't be beat up everyday...just the one time for the initiation. 
I am so incredibly sickened by it that my stomach physically does flips.  These little children have seen people killed by gang members and have hidden behind walls until open gun fire comes to a hault so they can return to their "homes."  Even if they wanted out of a gang they would have to pick up their families and move, but their financial situations would just put them right back in the same type of area. It's sickening to think that being a part of a gang is not illegal...the activities they do are and recruiting is...but being a part of one is okay.  Gangs/gang members also have political power in some states and have even won academy awards.  I am glad to have been educated and to continue to learn more and see more, but I feel helpless.  Feeling sorry for them or going easy on them doesn't help them either...I still have to set high expectations for them and hope they pick a different path for themselves.

If this is how I feel, then I can't imagine how Jesus must feel.  I would literally do anything to help my kids (the ones that I know of that are in certain situations)...if me taking a bullet for them would change their lives and protect them I would do it. That's why God sent Jesus to the cross because it actually did save us.  Pray for my kids please.