“Take hold of my instructions; don’t let them go. Guard them, for they are the key to life.” – Proverbs 4:13
The Bible story of Joseph is one that teaches us to be courageous in the midst of some of life’s worst storms. So, it is no wonder that when Joy heard Joseph’s story in a Jobs For Life class it stuck with her. There was a time in Joy’s life when, unlike Joseph, she didn’t have the strength to resist temptation. However, that all changed when she met Pamela and Margie from Jobs for Life.
The Journey is the Reward
Before 2007, Joy was living a life that she had not imagined for herself, doing things she said she’d never do; using drugs, prostituting, lying, stealing from her parents, and neglecting her children. Over and over, she tried to quit this lifestyle, but was unsuccessful for more than a two-month period. Each time she went back to her old ways, she fell in deeper, eventually finding herself incarcerated, serving a ten-month sentence. Thankfully, God works in mysterious ways, and in the county jail is where Joy’s life started to change for the better. This is where she met Margie, a Jobs for Life Mentor.
By God’s Grace
Before Margie entered her life, Joy felt like she didn’t exist. In fact, she said she never had anyone care for her the way Margie does. Margie, a Jobs for Life Champion, will tell you that all Joy needed was someone to come along and invest their time in her. Their relationship, based in faith, has grown through praying together. They encourage one another and lift each others spirits. Margie feels so blessed to be able to spend time with Joy. One can certainly see the positive impact that they have had on one another’s lives.
Joy’s story is just one of many sharing how the Jobs For Life program has changed so many lives. The Mission of the Forward Training Center of Hood County is to educate, support, and inspire life-changing growth in men and women. Forward Training Center offers multiple sessions a year, life skills classes, job training, GED evening classes, as well as computer and financial training. For more information, please visit our website, or call (817) 573-6677.
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