some kid

theres this kid who has a reputation in the community because of his drug abuse and wild side...i've warned my kid about hanging out with him and have found his posse to be foolish in taking up company with him. I dont know him personally, but have seen pictures on facebook of him and heard stories. I never once thought to say to Cameron, "Hey, reach out to that kid" for fear he may rub off on Cam. Even though I fully trust my kid and know he makes good choices, I am not stupid to think he is above sin....One pic that stands out in my mind of this kid is of him standing on a ledge over a massive cliff precariously hanging on with one hand all to impress his onlookers for a photo...i thought to myself and probably out-loud to Cameron, "what a fool, he doesnt have any regard for his life or for his family, taking a chance like that for no reason!" anyway, long history of feeling frustrated by this kid shortened......He recently went away to YWAM (Youth With A Mission) and I watched a video of him talking to his friends and family about what the Lord has done in him. The tears flowed like a river as I listened to his tender voice share with his peeps how the Lord has reconstructed his heart. He even looks like a different person! I could hear and see Jesus all over this kid and as I cried tears of joy mixed with tears of shame for judging him to begin with, I felt my heart change and the Lord used this kids testimony to change my heart and soften my heart for him and for other kids out there who are struggling...I shouldnt have fear that they could influence but I should be out there praying and encouraging my son to make connections to witness to kids like him. I am so fired up to see what the Lord has done in this boys life in just a short time. My heart wept for his mother and how she must feel watching that! One thing I do kow is his mama has been praying more than anyone else for her boys life! So tonight I just want to say, "Jesus, forgive me Lord for not seeing this young man with your eyes. And thank you for changing my heart through the testimony of the boy I once judged. Thank you for his life and for his mothers prayers answered. Let us all be more like you Lord to see others how you see them. We all fall short of your glory. Thank you Jesus for loving me even though I am not worthy of anything and am a sinner who is no better than anyone else...in your name I pray, Amen