Run Baby Run

1. Hate and Fear Breed a Cycle of Violence

A life motivated by hate and fear has no room for anyone but self.

Rooted in early trauma. Nicky's early childhood, marked by parental neglect, spiritualism, and a mother's declaration that he was the "son of Satan," instilled deep-seated resentment and fear. This toxic environment fueled his hatred towards authority and a craving for violence, setting the stage for his descent into gang life.

Self-preservation. In the brutal landscape of the ghetto, hate and fear became survival mechanisms. Nicky learned to trust no one and to lash out preemptively to protect himself from perceived threats. This defensive posture, while understandable, only served to perpetuate the cycle of violence.

No room for empathy. Consumed by his own pain and paranoia, Nicky was unable to empathize with others. He saw them as either potential enemies or tools to be used for his own gain. This lack of compassion further isolated him and solidified his identity as an outsider.

2. Gangs Offer a False Sense of Belonging

If you join the Mau Maus, it’s forever. No one ever quits.

Seeking acceptance. The gang provided Nicky with a sense of belonging and purpose that he had never experienced before. In a world where he felt rejected and alone, the Mau Maus offered him camaraderie, loyalty, and a clear set of rules to live by.

Conditional love. However, this sense of belonging came at a steep price. Gang membership demanded absolute obedience and a willingness to commit acts of violence. Love and acceptance were conditional, contingent on proving one's loyalty through brutality.

Empty promises. The gang promised protection and power, but ultimately delivered only more violence and despair. Nicky's rise through the ranks of the Mau Maus only deepened his involvement in crime and brought him closer to death and destruction.

3. The Ghetto Perpetuates a Cycle of Despair

New York is a jungle. The people who live here live by the law of the jungle. Only the tough survive.

Environment of poverty. The Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn, with its slum apartments, rampant crime, and lack of opportunity, created a breeding ground for despair. The ghetto's oppressive atmosphere stifled hope and trapped its residents in a cycle of poverty and violence.

Limited options. For young people like Nicky, the streets offered few alternatives to gang life. The lure of easy money, power, and respect proved too strong to resist, especially in the absence of positive role models and legitimate opportunities.

Spiritual vacuum. The prevalence of witchcraft, voodoo, and religious superstition further contributed to the ghetto's spiritual vacuum. Without a foundation of faith and hope, residents were vulnerable to the forces of darkness and despair.

4. Violence Begets Violence

Blood for blood.

Escalating conflict. Nicky's involvement in gang warfare led to a constant escalation of violence. Each act of aggression, whether a stabbing, a robbery, or a rumble, only fueled the cycle of revenge and retribution.

Dehumanization. The constant exposure to violence desensitized Nicky and his fellow gang members to the suffering of others. They came to view their rivals as less than human, making it easier to inflict pain and death.

No escape. The cycle of violence seemed inescapable. Even when Nicky tried to break free, he found himself drawn back into the darkness, haunted by the memories of his past and the threat of retaliation from his enemies.

5. The Power of Faith Can Transform Lives

RUN BABY RUN, the story of Nicky Cruz is remarkable. It has all the elements of tragedy, violence, and intrigue—plus the greatest of all ingredients: the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Encounter with love. David Wilkerson's unwavering love and compassion, despite Nicky's hostility and violence, planted a seed of hope in his heart. This encounter challenged Nicky's deeply ingrained beliefs about himself and the world around him.

Breaking the cycle. The Gospel of Jesus Christ offered Nicky a way out of the cycle of hate and fear that had defined his life. By surrendering to God's love, he found forgiveness, healing, and a new sense of purpose.

A new identity. Through faith, Nicky was able to shed his old identity as a gang leader and embrace a new identity as a follower of Christ. This transformation empowered him to break free from the destructive patterns of his past and to pursue a life of service and compassion.

6. True Change Requires Surrender and Commitment

If you join the Mau Maus, it’s forever.

More than a feeling. Nicky's conversion was not merely an emotional experience, but a radical transformation that demanded a complete surrender of his will. He had to be willing to give up his old life, his old friends, and his old ways of thinking.

Ongoing process. The path to redemption was not easy. Nicky faced numerous temptations and setbacks as he struggled to overcome his past. However, his commitment to Christ and his willingness to persevere enabled him to stay the course.

Discipline and accountability. The strict rules and disciplined environment of the Bible Institute provided Nicky with the structure and support he needed to grow in his faith. He also benefited from the guidance and mentorship of Dean Lopez, who helped him to understand the scriptures and to apply them to his life.

7. Redemption is Possible, Even from the Darkest Depths

Nicky Cruz and the thousands like him are not just moving examples of the Good Shepherd’s faithful love, they are also signs of the times which we had better not fail to read.

No one is beyond hope. Nicky's story demonstrates that redemption is possible, even for those who have committed terrible acts of violence. God's love extends to all, regardless of their past.

The power of grace. Nicky's transformation was not the result of his own efforts, but of God's grace. It was God's love that broke through his hardened heart and set him on a new path.

A testament to faith. Nicky's life became a testament to the power of faith to overcome even the most daunting obstacles. His story inspired countless others to seek redemption and to find hope in the midst of despair.

8. The Past Can Haunt, But It Doesn't Have to Define the Future

I had begun to run, and nothing would stop me now.

Facing the past. Nicky's past continued to haunt him even after his conversion. He struggled with guilt, shame, and the fear of returning to his old ways.

Learning from mistakes. However, Nicky refused to let his past define his future. He learned from his mistakes and used his experiences to help others who were struggling with similar challenges.

A new purpose. By embracing his past and using it for good, Nicky was able to transform his pain into purpose. He became a powerful voice for hope and redemption, reaching out to those who had been written off by society.

9. Love and Compassion Can Break Down Barriers

I never knew a person could be lonely in the midst of a million people.

Reaching out. Nicky's ministry was characterized by his willingness to reach out to those who were most marginalized and rejected by society. He went into the streets, the prisons, and the drug dens, offering hope and healing to those who had been abandoned by everyone else.

Empathy and understanding. His ability to connect with others was rooted in his own experiences of pain and suffering. He understood their struggles because he had lived them himself.

Unconditional acceptance. Nicky offered unconditional acceptance to those he ministered to, regardless of their past or their present circumstances. This radical love broke down barriers and created a space for healing and transformation.

10. Sharing One's Testimony Can Inspire Others

RUN BABY RUN, the story of Nicky Cruz is remarkable.

Power of storytelling. Nicky's story, with its raw honesty and unflinching portrayal of violence and redemption, resonated with audiences around the world. His testimony offered hope to those who felt trapped in cycles of despair and inspired them to seek a better life.

Authenticity and vulnerability. Nicky's willingness to be vulnerable and to share his own struggles made him relatable and trustworthy. People were drawn to his authenticity and his genuine desire to help others.

A legacy of hope. Nicky's story continues to inspire and empower people to overcome adversity and to find hope in the midst of darkness. His legacy is a testament to the transformative power of faith and the enduring strength of the human spirit.

Last updated: March 14, 2025