The nightly news can be depressing.  Story after story of crime and unfortunate circumstances play like a slideshow of doom and gloom.  Call it strange but I am particularly drawn to the mug shots and videos of those accused of various crimes.  At times, when watching in the company of others, extremely negative terms are used for these individuals.  I have also heard others say just what they would do to them if they had the chance.  Some of the crimes are horrific and unimaginable, and there is definitely no excuse for mistreating or harming another.  However, when I look at the photos and into the eyes of these men and women, I realize that these are some mothers’ children. I also know there is a back story.  It seems to be more common and almost trendy to hear the term “back story”.  The term refers to the history that leads up to an event, situation, or person.

In March of this year, I was captivated as the story of Jamie Hood broke.  Accurately, it wasn’t as much the story of Jamie Hood, as it was the story of Elmer “Buddy” Christian.  Jamie Hood took the life of officer Elmer “Buddy” Christian. Hood shot the officer as he was approached in a police cruiser.  Hood was on the run, facing charges for several crimes.  Officer Christian left a wife and 2 children to live without him.  I don’t personally know the story of either of these men.  However now, by the accounts of the news, one will be known to most as a “cop killer”, and the other leaves a legacy of a  hard working, loving Father, son, and husband whose life was much too brief.

What was the journey that led to these events?  I wondered, as I watched with sadness the media interview by the mothers of Jamie Hood and Officer Christian. I felt pain for each, as their eyes showed the emptiness brought on by new loss.  Mother- to- mother, I realized both had a son like me.  Both mothers had most likely experienced a day in which they had given birth, held their sons, and had dreams for these boys.  I wondered how the pages read of the story that began at birth and told a story that either ended or changed with this tragedy.  What was the back story?  Especially for Jamie Hood, I wondered, “How did a story read that led to such a climax?”

As his story went, did someone listen to his fears as a child?  Did anyone pay attention enough to see what his talents were?  Did he recognize just what his passions and gifts were?  Did he have one person in the world that could and was willing to support his dreams and help make them come true?  He may have.  I didn’t know the answers to these questions and realized that someone very well could have been there to positively encourage Jamie Hood and love him.  There are no guarantees.  We all know we can do what seems like all the right things - pray, talk, encourage, and work to make situations positive, and things still happen.

I have learned as I grow more mature in age, have more personal experiences, and draw closer to Christ that I am not to judge in any situation. What I am supposed to do, and now choose to do, is pray.  I pray for my own children, that they will seek the Lord and follow Him.  I pray for those like Jamie Hood, that have found trouble on their path. I pray that they will seek forgiveness.  I pray for the family of Officer Christian, that they will find peace and comfort in suffering a loss that they should not have had to experience.

I also pray for the 34 sixth grade boys on our basketball team.  I pray long and hard for them.  I pray for them by name and for their parents by name.  These boys are walking in what will one day  be their “back story”. They are walking the journey to manhood.  I watch them on and off the court and realize what critical years they are now living.  The questions, both asked and unasked are many.  They are trying to find their way, be accepted, and find their place in the world.  As I observe, I realize that oftentimes the roles of the coaches are more than calling plays and winning games.  They, along with parents and guardians act as mentors, and through their words and actions can assist in affirming these men in the making.  The coaches, along with the act of playing the sport help to create the “back story” for the boys that will hopefully assist in building confidence and character.  These characteristics can help with better decision making.  I have to wonder if many of the men and women in the mug shots on the news had found “their thing” to be passionate about and someone to encourage and support them in it continuously, would their story be different?

We often hear, “it’s not about me”.  It is not.  It is really not even about just our households.  As part of the African proverb goes…”it takes a village”…to help create a “back story” that leads to a positive life story. We are called to reach out to those on the path, to help lead them in a positive direction.  We are also called  for those who may not have had such a positive back story, and thus went in the wrong direction, to choose to pray and not judge; remembering that everyone is some mother’s child.  Even more importantly, like you, they are God’s child.

Tracey Evans is an insurance underwriter who has a passion for writing.  She enjoys developing programs attached to youth sports and extracurricular activities. Tracey is in the process of developing a ministry and organization, Moms of Champions and Champions Chance.  Moms of Champions is a ministry of moms who pray for and encourage excellence in their children who participate in sports and other activities.  Champions Chance is an organization in the making that will provide funding for children to find “their thing” and participate.  She can be contacted at momsofchampions@yahoo.com.