Sample Excerpts:

From chapter 2

The most constant news items are the violent, senseless crimes committed somewhere and everywhere. The prevailing reactions are to get wrapped up in vengeance, or fear that it could have been us, our child, our town! while only few stop to think of the cause. All criminal actions: suicide, murder, rape, child-abduction, domestic violence,

Operation Soul Recovery, From Default to Purpose
Sheryl J. Stevens
Trafford Publishing
ISBN 1-55395-442-4
US$13.50, C$17.00, EUR11.05, £7.66

We pretend to recognize the problems, but the efforts are little more than lip service in light of the overwhelming outcry. Punishment is the best we've had to offer, yet in a way like gasoline to an already raging fire. Where are the real answers in throwing them behind bars or putting them to death, when the numbers are growing faster than we dare to acknowledge? Even if we could scoop them all up to be left under lock and key, they will be followed by multitudes at the going rate. For example, look what goes on in our schools--things that were unheard of, even one generation ago. What will these kids grow up to be, coming from their culture so filled with empty noise and godless passions? How many more brutalities will it take, by the hands of our sick fellow citizens alone, before we say with conviction that "enough is enough"? This is the fear side of the equation. Moreover, the fears are justified, not imagined. But if fear can be a motivator for change, then let it serve its rightful purpose and move us into action.

From chapter 3

We grapple with who and what is to blame for all the social ills. Is it Parents? Divorce? Schools? Teachers? Churches? Communities? Peer Pressure? Drugs & Alcohol? Television? Movies? Music? Video Games? The Internet? No doubt all of the above and much more are contributors, but ultimately what good is blame?

Obviously we can't change all the causes that the majority defends as freedom, and at least appears, able to survive. But we can change what we do about those who have lost their way in the maize of infinite causes. Whatever the cause, and in spite of the cause, it is the cure that should be capturing our attention. When we can get past the barriers of--Who and What is to blame? Who deserves help and how much? What's it gonna cost and Who's gonna pay for it? We're on our way. A shift in focus would indeed be half the battle won.

First of all, it is not a matter of deserving, but one of Grace, not measured by such terms. We have wasted too much time arguing about what is fair or not fair. Real answers will never be found in that hopeless rut of thinking. Single-handedly we cannot help these lost souls no matter now much we care, for the power of the sickness is too great to withstand. Those who suffer from these cruel disorders need a place, within our social structure, that is full of Amazing Grace--intentionally designed to provide real and lasting recovery. In turn their recovery will eliminate the pain they cause to others. Some will not find it in their hearts to care enough for the abusers, to want to give them anything but punishment. Yet conceivably even they, may care enough for the innocent victims of all the hellish drama, or stop to consider that none could become greater healers of others, than those (truly recovered) who once walked in the same shoes.

Secondly, Money is not the deciding issue. No reason for red flags or deadlock, because God owns everything! Wherever the resources to begin this effort would come from, the supply is out there (in many forms and coffers) waiting for worthy causes. Beyond that, the inevitable payoff would by far outweigh the cost, and the boundless price we have paid, and still pay.

From An Overview --After 911

America is like a glass house for all the world to see. What is it our enemies see that fuels such passion to destroy us? Is it possible that ignoring the blatant need to first clean up our own dingy corners and caves may have something to do with it? The War on Terror should be the signal to include this forsaken element, for it runs hand in hand with the intention. Passion, gone awry, is basically what every ism and addiction is about, be it Drugs, Alcoholism, Satanism, Terrorism or any other ism of deception including those in the names of many religions. Until we can see clearly the connection between mental/emotional disorders & threatening movements, and all criminal acts of violence (that are as closely related as life and breath) there can be no such thing as peace--only more violence and the lust for punishment and revenge.

As the great leader we are, why not give the peering world, especially our enemies, a brand new precedent on which to ponder, by the way we handle soul sickness within our own shores? How much more desperate (in too many regions) are the needs of their children who are constantly falling prey to the fangs of extremism, often carried out to the barbaric end of being used as suicide bombers. Whether or not there is a valid time and place for war is debatable, however the long-term solution to peace goes far beyond these ruthless measures. In any event, now is a momentous time to make peace, (even if it must be amidst the winds of war). But it will not happen until we MAKE it happen! As the misguided, angry masses lose hope for the dawning of a new day, we could begin to establish the making of such a day.

If America has failed most at anything, it is that we have turned our backs on the plight of the lost and vulnerable and left them to gravitate toward all kinds of predators. We cannot take away the false fixes, and expect success, without replacing these passions with something even more powerful and obviously for Good. Every citizen of this country should have the right to know that there is a trusted Place to go in times of trouble, just as assuredly as knowing where to go in times of physical emergency, whether it be for themselves or a loved one. We will have succeeded when there is such a Place in every locality, that is well equipped for the business of taking seriously the healing of all troubled souls.

From chapter 4

Wouldn't it be refreshing to see America engaged in a Royal Housecleaning when it comes to the hopeless people, the "burdens (even threats) to society", whose lots we are afraid to acknowledge? The young, the old, the middle-aged. The obvious and the least suspected. Imagine if we were to launch places of healing that surpassed anything ever before dreamed possible! Beyond the barriers of politics and bureaucracy. Beyond the confinements of wealth and class lines. Beyond the disputes of left, and right, to a common purpose. Beyond the ignorance of discrimination on all fronts. Beyond the benevolence of organizations and individuals who strive, even sincerely, to chip away at the problems but are vastly outnumbered or unafforded. Beyond the dogmas of religion, the unending roster of creeds, where technicalities repeatedly breed argument and mistrust (and many with good reason). If there is but one God, why so many versions of Him? Get Him out of the boxes!!! And focus on His Foremost Desire--Genuine Attention to the burning needs of His children all around us! Little by little, heed the outcry! Pull them in from the streets, the schools, the highways and byways, the retirement homes, wherever their living hells exist, with the same single-minded rallying spirit to aid and rebuild the ruins of tornado, flood, earthquake, or war!