2nd Chance is a weekly talk show that examines a wide range of social issues and seeks to inspire physical, emotional, social, and spiritual healing, believing that God is The God of the second chance, and through faith, all things are possible.

2nd Chance was born in the late summer of 1990, when David Person, who was the general manager of WOCG (Oakwood College’s radio station) at the time, approached me about doing a weekly radio talk show. At the time, I was working as the Director of Charter (Retreat) Counseling Center inHuntsville, and David suggested that we might consider forming a partnership.

The concept was simple. I was a mental health professional, and he had access to a large and diverse audience through the medium of Christian radio broadcasting. The idea was to develop a program that would realistically address the contemporary social issues that affect all people in our society, regardless of ethnicity, faith, or gender,  including AIDS, homelessness, domestic violence, mental illness, racial discrimination, sexual orientation, poverty, teen pregnancy, gang violence and substance abuse.

            After developing the concept, it was easy to choose a name. Romans 8:35-39 reminds us that “nothing can separate us from the love of God,” and in spite of what some would have us believe, God is a loving God, He is a merciful God, and He is a forgiving God, who is willing to give us a (2^nd Chance) and a third chance and a fourth chance (etc.).

One of the obvious questions asked when people are faced with difficult situations is “what should my response be?” “How should those who claim a knowledge of God and seek to have a relationship with Him respond to gritty issues that confront them and those around them on a daily basis. Thus, we wanted to develop a show that genuinely sought out real people, who were facing real challenges in their lives, and attempt to offer some real answers.

More specifically, we honestly acknowledged that people of faith are not isolated from the problems of living in this world. Thus, we wanted to be pragmatic in discussing these matters, and we wanted to confront these issues in the same compassionate manner that God deals with us.

            The theme music that we selected was the instrumental version of Bebe and CeCe Winans, “Addictive Love.” We believed that once you fall in love with God, you’re hooked, and mainlining on God’s love is the best high that one can achieve. The love of God is also transformational and can heal the hurts that bind us.

            So, armed with a concept, a name, and the best theme song on radio, 2^nd Chance was born as a 30-minute broadcast on Monday evening, November 5, 1990. Initially, David was the host of the show, and I was the official sidekick (resident expert), providing insight on a broad range of mental health topics and social issues. Depending upon the topic, I was occasionally accompanied by another guest. The show worked, because we believed that we were making a difference.

After the first year of doing the show, David went on to do bigger and better things while I awkwardly moved into the role of host and producer. At first, we taped all of the shows, but when we moved to the current Sunday afternoon time slot, we started doing the show live and expanded it to one hour. (For a time, we were even able to take calls.)

Since 1990, I have talked to hundreds of guests about a wide range of topics including community initiatives, local and national events and the people behind them. 2^nd Chance has grown into a ministry providing information and inspiration as we’ve shared stories of courage and stories of success in spite of tremendous odds, most involving ordinary people with extraordinary experiences who have inspired me every step of the way.

The most memorable guest was a young man named Richard Gyce. Richard had recently moved to Huntsville fromLittle Rock, Arkansas where he was a high-ranking member of the Crips. I heard him tell his story to a packed audience atOakwood College, and you could have heard a pin drop. Richard had decided to leave the gang life and relocate toHuntsville where he had been rebaptized, gotten a job, and was living in a transitional residence. About a month after my interview, Richard returned to Little Rock to visit his mother during the Thanksgiving holiday. Sadly, during his visit, he was killed by another gang member. However, Richard’s voice continues to speak through 2^nd Chance whenever we replay the tape entitled: “From Crime to Christ: Richard’s Story.”

My best estimate is that I have done about 700 shows during the past fifteen (15) years. In that time, we have sought to bring this community the best in public service programming, and we will continue to do so as long as we are granted a platform to speak.

          Each week, we speak candidly, yet respectfully about the topics, some of which reflect the grimy issues of life. There are many people who have been regular supporters of the show, and I am thankful for each of them. I frequently talk to people who have heard the broadcast, and I am always encouraged by the kind words of support, the insightful observations, and the numerous suggestions regarding topics and guests.

          The show can be heard at www.wocg.net (Praise 90.1 FM- WOCG) every Sunday from 2-3 p.m. CST. Just click on the link.