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    On the morning of April 14th, I woke up with a burst of energy.   I read my bible, prayed, and prepared for work.  While sitting in my car, I had an eerie feeling that something bad was going to happen.  I said, “God, every time I have this bubbling up or burst of energy, there is something challenging that happens.”  I quoted Isaiah 54:17 before pulling out of the driveway.   Whatever happens during this day, I know God is in control.  I went about my day and arrived home around 7:45pm. I laid on my bed and began to worship.      
     I conducted my bedtime routine.  As I entered my bedroom, I saw a missed call from my son’s girlfriend.  The time was 9:05pm and I immediately knew something was wrong.  When I returned her call, I did not ask what was wrong.  I asked about her and my grandson’s well-being.  I could hear the tremble in her voice as she said, “Malcolm has been arrested.”  My stomach sank.  I felt a level of pain that I could not describe.  She did not know the details of the arrest.  I called my oldest son who informed me that my youngest son was pulled over for a broken taillight.  Plus, he had a loaded gun and marijuana.  It felt like I was dreaming.  On April 12th, I asked my son to repair the broken taillight before he is pulled over by the police.  The gun and marijuana will be another story for another day.    
     Not one, but both of my sons have been arrested for gun charges and possession of marijuana. They were not exposed to this lifestyle.  I prayed and cried myself to sleep.  When will they recognize God’s plan for their lives? When will they understand that their choices have an effect on others?  My son’s arrest affected our immediate family.  Will he be hurt on the way to jail?  Will he be harmed in jail?  How much is bail? What about attorney fees and a court date?  It was an emotionally draining experience.      
     The choices we make always affect someone else.  Whether we like it or not, we are interdependent.  The choices directly affect the person who made it, but are not limited to the individual.  In other words, our choices can have a ripple effect on those around us presently and for generations to come.  Whatever you do, choose wisely.  No matter what it looks like, I am standing on Joshua 24:15.