Monday, July 14, 2008

The Knowledge Age

It's been said we're no longer in the Industrial Age. The age many believe we're now in, is the Knowledge Age. In this age, it's knowledge that makes the difference. The knowledge you have and the knowledge you are proficient in, is the multiplier in today's market place.

Many have asked over the years; 'What causes homelessness?' The answer, like the question is complex but not complicated. In fact, there is really only one and actual cause of homelessness.

The lack of knowledge is the #1 cause of homelessness!

By the way, at the other end of the spectrum - knowledge is the #1 cause of success.

While there are several factors that 'assist' lack of knowledge, none of them actually cause homelessness - let's do a quick review of some of the predominant factors:

Alcoholism
Illegal or prescription drug use
Incarceration
Pornography
Gambling
Economics
Lack of affordable housing
Illiteracy

None of these predominant factors, actually cause homelessness.

The reason why the ministries of Cherry Street have been widely successful is because we know the obvious (the list above) is simply the product of something else.

You can prove this by thinking about all the times you've failed, or made a bad choice or decision. You can track the wrong done to the lack of knowledge; either you didn't know, or you did know and chose to ignore what you knew.

Either way, it was the lack of knowledge that brought about the negative outcome. Think for a moment on how you have corrected these decisions moving forward? Like me and others, you've increased your knowledge to ensure success, rather than failure.

When we introduce knowledge into the lives of the men and women we serve, their lives begin to change - from the inside out. Of course, the knowledge we unashamedly apply and that which is woven through the fabric of our recovery programs, education and training, is Biblically formed.

The knowledge men, women and families gain through services provided by Cherry Street Mission Ministries ensures a higher probability they will succeed in life after Cherry Street.

There's still room in this week's Rescue Intensive. Email Ashley at ahall@cherrystreetmission.org, or call 419-242-5141 for more information or to register.

Dan Rogers

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