Trust Lost and Found Again

“I do not trust my daughter!”  Those were the words that resonated from Cassie’s mother during their initial interview for the Sheridan House residential program.  As a young child, Cassie was “a good girl” according to her mother; then, things began to change.  Cassie stopped doing her school assignments.  She withdrew from her family.  She initiated fights at school.  When she started sneaking away from home at night, her mother decided that enough was enough.

Cassie smiles proudly before celebrating her graduation with her family and fellow housemates.

Cassie’s behavior at Sheridan House mimicked a rollercoaster ride.  She quickly learned that she would be held accountable for every action and choice she made and that frustrated her.  Several times, she began to climb her way to the top, only to make a poor choice and lose ground.  When she could not convince her mother to withdraw her from the program, she would begin working again.  Each time, Cassie would come back stronger.  As time went on, her mother began to implement the program at home and Cassie began to demonstrate to her mother that she could be trusted again.

At the time of Cassie’s graduation, she had developed into a responsible and respectful young lady.  She now accepts responsibility for her actions and understands that there are consequences for her choices.  A huge change had taken place.  Her mom declared, “I am so excited to have my daughter home again!”  Cassie and her family are well on their way and we are excited for them.

A Convinced Christ-Follower

When Andy entered the Sheridan House Residential Program, he was struggling in just about every area in his life.  He didn’t get along with or respect his parents, he refused to follow the rules at school, and he wasn’t even attempting to “work” our program.  In fact, he had such a difficult time with the structure of our program we didn’t think he would last long.

Andy smiles knowing his future is bright and in God's hands.

Fast forward a year.  How did this kid who was failing at everything begin to change his attitude and his actions?  What made the difference?  Some may say it was the consistent consequences that finally broke his will or the fact that his parents learned how to embrace the structure and lovingly implement it at home.  Others may think it is due to the fact that he’s been here for a year and he is just tired and ready to comply.

We think the real reason Andy has changed is because he has become convinced.  Now, the Webster’s definition of convinced is; to bring to belief, consent, or a course of action (as by argument). Andy’s changed actions are a direct result of his changed beliefs.  However, those beliefs where not changed through a verbal argument; they were changed through a living argument.  He was changed by the One who is living inside those around him.  The living argument that has changed Andy is Jesus Christ.

Andy is now convinced that where he once was a burden; he is now a benefit. Though he once felt unwanted; he now knows he is loved.  Though he understands he makes mistakes; he now believes he is forgiven.  The reason Andy has changed is because Christ has changed him by convincing him that he is forgiven, loved, and valued.

It has been a pleasure and privilege watching Andy change.  He no longer focuses on where he is, but on how far he has come and, more importantly, where he is headed.