Why We Do What We Do

Broken families, miserable homes, gangs, Grand Theft Auto, drug deals, prison…these are the environments that some of Oklahoma City’s children are growing up in. When they watch the news and see the police arresting someone for a crime, it is real. The man that was placed in the back of a squad car wasn’t a stranger; it was probably a family member, or in the very least, a friend.

When we ask kids what they want to be when they grow up, so many of them say, “I don’t know. I’ll probably end up in prison ‘cause that’s where my dad and older siblings are.” So many of these kids don’t realize that they don’t have to fall into this trap of life. They don’t know that they have a chance at being a “somebody” and becoming not just good, but great.

When we go into the public elementary schools we teach character qualities like: Dependability – Fulfilling what I consented to do, even if it means unexpected sacrifice; Boldness – Confidence that what I have to say or do is true, right, and just; Discretion – Recognizing and avoiding words, actions, and attitudes that could bring undesirable consequences; and Self-Control – Rejecting wrong desires and doing what is right.

We show the kids through stories, illustrations, skits, and object lessons how to live their lives based on character. Basically, we give them reasons to do what is right. We explain to them why they should do what is right. A lot of the time these kids don’t know anyone who would stop and explain to them why drugs are bad, why stealing is wrong, or why they should stay pure until marriage.

These kids are begging for answers, but are being shushed by the world. So we step in and say, “They need to know. They need to hear the right answers.”

Learn more about our Mission here: https://www.inthegap.org/about/mission/