Tatooed

“What do you need to do not to become a date on someone else’s arm?”

Displaying our drivers’ licenses, the office administrator buzzed Tyrone and me into the front office. After receiving our security clearance, a wraparound specialist guided us throughout the high school campus, making suggestions on how to serve educators in the classrooms. Completing the tour, marked the beginning to the Men of Steel initiative. Walking down the hallways of a Houston Independent School District (HISD) institution, I observed passionate teachers who have dedicated many years to their profession and new ones figuring out how best to reach this generation through education. Partnering with Lighthouse for Students, I was tasked to oversee their Men of Steel program. This outreach desires to bring more men into the schools to provide more male figures and role models for students to see and be encouraged by the presence of men. 

On our first school day we met a student named Tony*. During a break from our patrol, Tyrone overheard Tony distraught over the murder of his brother and his difficulty of living in a new city. Boldly, Tyrone asked Tony if we could pray for his situation. Tony communicated he was talking to his incarcerated brother, but he was glad to receive prayer. Afterwards, Tony shared some of his hopes and dreams. Noticing the tattoos on his forearm, we asked about the dates printed from his wrist to elbow. He revealed they were the death dates of friends and his blood brother. The question was asked, “What do you need to do not to become a date on someone else’s arm?”

Continue to pray for Tony and other students we meet. Our desire is to expose students, teachers, and administrators to the Gospel at this under resourced school to help this community become a Great Commission community.

* – not his real name because he is only 16.