At The Idea Camp on Human Care, we all received free copies of Freeway: A Not-So-Perfect Guide To Freedom by Mike Foster, co-founder of People of the Second Chance which he describes as a group that “offers a grace flavored snow cone on a hot judgmental day.”
From the POTSC website:
“People of the Second Chance works to help all of us find the unique gift in our story of struggle. By connecting our hearts to the God of second chances, our stories can find a beautiful purpose. We believe life’s mess-ups and let downs can be used for the good of others. People of the Second Chance’s dynamic tools, inspiring content and simple processes help facilitate real life change.
We fight passionately against the forces of shame and judgment in our society but we do it with a smile. We boldly invite people into a lifestyle of grace both for themselves and others. By leveraging creativity, technology and a passionate online community, our organization is facilitating powerful life change.”
Mike shared the following insights at Idea Camp:
“To make a difference in the lives of others, we need to allow ourselves to be loved by God.
Our identity as one of God’s children gives us the freedom to be who we were created to be.
The greatest gift you have to give is yourself. Not about the right strategy but having the right heart.
We are free and released from the struggle and the past and the pain so we can bring healing to others.
We need to learn to care for ourselves so we can care better for others.
Life replenishment cycle
What fills you up? What refuels you?
How do we finish strong? This is a marathon not a sprint!
Be anchored in our value as one who is loved.
Elizabeth Henson was throwing away some old clothes and stuff from her house. Her son asked if he could keep an old green coat. She agreed. Her son took the green coat and cut out the shape of a frog. He took a ping pong ball and cut in half and made what we would all know as Kermit the Frog. Jim Henson saw value and something different than what the rest of us would have seen as trash.
Part of our sustainability in caring or others is becoming authentic with our own struggles. The world needs our talents but the world also needs to know our pain and struggles.
Monty Roberts was poor as a child, but he dreamed of owning a ranch with thoroughbred horses. He wrote a paper on his dream but received an “F” from his teacher. She explained it was well written, but it was unbelievable since the assignment was about what you will do when you grow up. You can re-write it with a more likely dream. His response: “You can keep your F, and I will keep my dream.” Now he lives in Solvang, CA on his ranch with his horses.
Hold onto your identity based on who you are in God’s eyes.
The world is waiting for you!”
