70x7 Of Muskegon Presents Muskegon Locked in Solidarity - Awareness and Action on Mass Incarceration Feb 8th

I first came to know Nate Johnson early on in the Positively Muskegon blog.  His group 70x7 contacted me and asked if I'd be interested in knowing a little more about the work they do to prevent people who have spent time in prison from going back.  I have spent plenty of time practicing against "insanity" in my own life, so ya...I'd love to hear how to break another cycle for others and meet someone who's helping.  As we were talking, it became clear pretty quick.  Nate and I were one in the same.

Find 70x7 Muskegon on Facebook

Nate spent his younger days on the wrong side of the law and while I was fortunate to have not gotten caught like he did...there were a million times I got behind the wheel of a car when I shouldn't have and took my life and the life of others into my hands driving drunk.  Nate, well, he ran in some rough circles and he wasn't quite as fortunate as I was when it came to avoiding the law.  He did get caught and spent a good deal of time in prison for his crimes.  It's said, prison changes a man, and very thankfully, in his time behind bars...Nate had his moment of clarity and his change was for good.  I mentioned earlier, that we were kind of the same, because I too had my moment when it came to being an alcoholic.  I know that alcoholism was taken away from me and my life's path was forever altered, just likes Nate's was in prison...my prison just happened to be a bottle. 

Today, Nate runs 70x7 here in town with an amazing staff of people who help those who are just coming out of prison learn to cope with life on the outside and learning what it is to be able to stand on your own.  To see the value in yourself that while you may have stumbled in the past, if you honestly believe in change there is help for you in 70x7 and you'll see you;re not alone.  Groups are always a key when it comes to life changing things I believe.  70x7 offers the groups, the training, the advocacy and the education for the former inmates and it helps them be able to forgive themselves so they can truly move on.  It's an amazing healing organization. 

They also know a thing or two about the prison system in the United States and here in Michigan.  which brings us to our story today.  On February 8th there is going to be a discussion at the Kingdom Life Church from 11-1:30 about why 25% of the world's population that's incarcerated is in in the USA.  Why so many people who get out of prison end up back and how we as a society can do better in ways to help those who do get out to get their feet back underneath them and get on with life.

I met up with Nate to talk about the discussion, take a listen.

This is amazing work going on here in Muskegon.  These are people who've walked the walk and dedicated their lives to helping others.  We are working toward the betterment of all in Muskegon.  Even those who've stumbled on the path.  We are building..and with great community partners like 70x7....there is a brighter future ahead for all of us.  Please, consider attending the discussion panel on the 8th.  You can get more details in the link below.